In a vibrant celebration of diversity and heritage, the city of Midvale, Utah, became the backdrop for an extraordinary fundraising event. This fashion show brought together women from 20 different countries. More than just a showcase of clothing, this event was a powerful statement on the beauty of cultural diversity and the resilience of women who have faced unimaginable hardships.
This was the 14th Annual Women of the World Cultural Fashion Show, held at the Zions Bancorporation Technology Center. The runway transformed into a rich tapestry of colors and stories, featuring traditional attire from around the globe. Each outfit worn by the models told a story of personal journeys, cultural pride, and the enduring spirit of women seeking refuge and new beginnings in the United States.
The Midvale Fashion Show
Voir cette publication sur Instagram
Samira Harnish, founder and executive director of Women of the World, a Salt Lake City-based nonprofit, emphasized the event’s deeper significance. She highlighted that the show was created to challenge and reshape the prejudices refugee women often face—particularly those who are discriminated against for wearing traditional clothing. What started as a small gathering has grown into a major annual event, not only celebrating International Women’s Day but also serving as the organization’s largest fundraiser.
The event was a resounding success, selling out a month in advance and raising over $30,000 to support women in need worldwide. Women of the World plays a crucial role in assisting forcibly displaced women by providing job placement support, scholarship opportunities, English classes, and personal and professional development workshops. The funds raised will make a meaningful impact, empowering women to rebuild their lives in America with dignity and independence.
Attendees were treated to a stunning display of traditional fashion from countries including Iraq, Afghanistan, and Venezuela. Beyond the spectacle, the event served as a poignant reminder of the journeys these women have endured—from fleeing violence and persecution to overcoming barriers in their new homeland. Their stories are a powerful testament to resilience, hope, and the search for community and belonging.
This unique blend of fashion and philanthropy in Midvale is a vivid reminder of how cultural exchange and personal narratives can create meaningful change—supporting those from diverse backgrounds as they seek safety and a fresh start.
