In a landmark recognition on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, the Camera Nazionale della Moda Italiana (CNMI) has appointed Indian philanthropist and Ara Lumiere founder Kulsum Shadab Wahab as its Women Empowerment Ambassador. The move reinforces the Italian Fashion Council’s commitment to addressing gender-based violence and promoting women-centered initiatives within the global fashion ecosystem.
Wahab, the Executive Director of the Hothur Foundation, has long worked to support and rehabilitate women who have survived acid attacks and gender-based violence. The Foundation focuses on enabling dignity, economic independence, and equal rights for survivors. One of its most acclaimed initiatives is ARA LUMIERE, a social enterprise and high-fashion label that employs and trains women affected by acid violence. The project earned global recognition in 2022 when it won the Social Impact Award at the CNMI Sustainable Fashion Awards for its cultural and social value.
Welcoming Wahab into the new role, CNMI Chairman Carlo Capasa said, “We are proud to welcome Kulsum Shadab Wahab as a Women Empowerment Ambassador. Her dedication to supporting women who have survived violence is a virtuous example of how fashion can generate real impact. Her vision and commitment strengthen the path of social responsibility that CNMI pursues with determination.”
Responding to her appointment, Wahab said she views the role as a responsibility to amplify the voices of women who have endured violence. “The spirit of women, their courage, their resilience and that quiet strength will always be my guiding force. In my role as Ambassador, I hold their stories close and move forward with determination and responsibility. Through fashion and social commitment, I strive to promote a world in which every woman can feel free, strong, and able to shape her own destiny, generating global change,” she said.
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