What is the LOC Project?
The Life of Color Project is an independent venture by student Tahera S. for her senior project. It is inspired by Malala Yousafzai's efforts to grant education to every person regardless of gender, and the growing movement for gender equality. The LOC Project has a simple goal: to share the voices of women of color through their stories. As Malala Yousafzai stated in her memoir I am Malala, "we realize the importance of our voices when we are silenced". Whether it be due to illiteracy, oppression, or injustice, women of color are one of the most silenced groups in the world. Through participants, the LOC Project aims to publish the stories of women from around the world in a magazine of writing and art.
The LOC Project is non-profit. Most of the proceeds will go to Girls Learn International, which encourages education for women worldwide. The remaining portion of the proceeds will go towards the production of the magazine. The magazine will be distributed electronically, with a few physical copies available for purchase. Pricing will be updated as the publication is created.
The LOC Project is non-profit. Most of the proceeds will go to Girls Learn International, which encourages education for women worldwide. The remaining portion of the proceeds will go towards the production of the magazine. The magazine will be distributed electronically, with a few physical copies available for purchase. Pricing will be updated as the publication is created.
What is the Life of Color Magazine?
The Life of Color magazine will be the product of the LOC Project. It will contain a short collection of stories by women of color from around the world, as well as additional media. The first chapbook is set to be released in late April/early May of 2016.
Why only women of color?
According to UNESCO, of the 774 million adults around the world who are illiterate, 64% of those adults are women. The pattern holds true for the illiterate youth--62% of them are young girls. An overwhelming number of these women reside in the continents of Africa and Asia. One of the focuses of this senior project is the importance of education for women, specifically women of color.
Without literacy, women lose many privileges that I and many others living in developed countries often take for granted. These women cannot obtain an education, vote, or voice their opinions. These are just a few of the major obstacles they face. It is clearly no surprise that illiteracy is one of the main reasons women of color are one of the most disadvantaged marginalized groups in the world. It's both heartbreaking and haunting to think of how many narratives are lost when these women don't have the chance to gain literacy.
Without literacy, women lose many privileges that I and many others living in developed countries often take for granted. These women cannot obtain an education, vote, or voice their opinions. These are just a few of the major obstacles they face. It is clearly no surprise that illiteracy is one of the main reasons women of color are one of the most disadvantaged marginalized groups in the world. It's both heartbreaking and haunting to think of how many narratives are lost when these women don't have the chance to gain literacy.
How do I become a participant?
The Life of Color Project is seeking women of color of all ethnicities, ages, and places. If you're a woman of color with a story to tell, you are encouraged to submit to the Project. More information can be found on the Participate page.