Every snowflake has its own power. Every snowflake is worth being seen.
Childbirth, as the primary biological function of women, has a multifaceted effect on us.
Our project is born out of frustration, inspired by a global lack of reproductive freedom i.e., the societal collapse of Afghanistan, erasing women from public life, the murder of Mahsa Amini and the struggles of women in the Ultra-Orthodox Jewish community - all forms of oppression. In the context of an aging population, sloganeering calls for fertility are useless: refusal to have children is an instinct in a dangerous environment. Women do not have a safe environment for childbirth, a secure system of parenting, and complete respect for their willingness to have or choice to not to have children.
Deeply passionate about the futures of women, we explored motherhood and career. As female students at the Royal College of Art, these identities collide at the same point: career plans, model of childbearing in a patriarchal context, and institutional challenges within diverse cultural environments.
Intimately brought upon by our experiences and desires for change, we interrogated the meaning of Care. From the diversity of care for mothers, we found inspiration in Michelle Millar Fisher and Amber Winick’s Designing Motherhood, Things that Make and Break our Births, and Lori Brown’s advocacy of an architect’s role in providing accessibility to abortion care. We cultivated a space to be vulnerable, focused on our shared identities as women questioning bodily rights. By looking at common problems and honing the details, we concentrated on matters usually unspoken and often ignored.
How might we support women and mothers in our industry? Is it through policy? Allyship?
Caring Feminists* is a collection of mini stories to raise awareness, experimenting with different creative languages to show the struggles and confusion of women. Speaking fundamentally on the principles of reproductive freedom as a catalyst for support and respect, we discovered the fears and traumas of women in their careers by listening to their stories.
We use the * as a sign of anonymity. The snowflake becomes the icon.
Why did we do this?
We want a better future.
We want to be a voice of change not only for ourselves but for all women.
Caring Feminists* is dedicated to those who came before us and those to follow. Thank you to the women who shared their stories. It was a privilege to learn.
To our tutor, Qian Sun, thank you for your kindness—caring for an issue so deeply personal to us all.
Much love,
Nishan, Ruohan, Xianqing, Wenqing, Zoey + Emily
Tutor ~ Dr. Qian Sun, Senior Tutor, Service Design, Reader in Service Design, Policy & Social Innovation
