Woman At Point Zero, Conscious Closet Club, and a travel magazine to inspire your adventures
The Week That Was
‘The Week That Was’ is a free weekly newsletter that includes a selection of things on my mind (books, art, culture, slow life(style), global affairs, learnings, travel, etc.) as well as articles and podcasts I enjoyed during the week, an album of the week, and other recommendations. If you enjoy these topics, consider becoming a paid subscriber. For $5 a month, you can access the rest of the We, Renaissance Women content, including my monthly book round-up, a monthly style digest, travel guides, slow life(style) essays and interviews, and the country bulletin series.
1. Chicago Fair Trade & Conscious Closet Club
Chicago Fair Trade (CFT) is an organization that I admire greatly. Founded in 2006, this non-profit organization has grown to be the largest grassroots fair trade coalition in the United States. Its mission is to "increase support for economic and environmental justice through consumer education, advocacy, and promotion of local fair trade businesses.”
In addition to numerous monthly events, pop-up shops, business and individual memberships, and advocacy initiatives, they recently opened the world’s first Fair Trade museum. This museum provides visitors with an opportunity to learn more about the true state of international trade, the benefits of fair trade, and ways to get involved in the movement.
I had the distinct pleasure of working with CFT for my Master’s Capstone project and, this weekend, attended a planning retreat for another one of their projects—the Conscious Closet Club (CCC). Over the coming months, I will be getting more involved with CCC and will keep you updated. Our collective goal is to make Chicago a leading conscious fashion city.
Until then, make sure to check out CFT’s upcoming events (Mending and Margaritas?!) and browse the business members who are all vetted for fair trade practices.
2. Woman At Point Zero
Nawal El Saadawi was an Egyptian feminist writer, activist, and physician who earned the nickname "Egypt's most radical woman.” Even while jailed, she continued her activism, forming the first legal and independent feminist group in Egypt, the Arab Women's Solidarity Association. Her entire life was dedicated to women’s rights.
Her most famous work in the West, Woman At Point Zero, was first published in Arabic in 1977 and later translated into English by Sherif Hatata. A blend of creative non-fiction and novel, this feminist classic is based on Saadawi's interview with a female prisoner who is on death row for killing a pimp.
The story of Firdaus is heartbreaking, and as we hear her tell her life story, we see that every single man in her life has sought to abuse or exploit her based on her female identity.
"All the men I did get to know filled me with but one desire: to lift my hand and bring it smashing down on his face."
It’s a short book, yet it manages to be powerful and haunting while brilliantly exploring themes of oppression, patriarchy, and the brutality of a society that systematically devalues and exploits women.
A must read.
3. Self-Portraits by Women Artists
Daily Art Magazine has become one of my most frequently visited websites. Living up to their name, every day they have really interesting and informative articles that make learning about art history feel accessible. Often they focus on women artists and I was particularly fond of this recent one about famous self-portraits by women artists.
“Although known as a modern day invention, selfies have actually been around for centuries, albeit in the more traditional form of self-portraits. Female artists across time have created self-portraits for a number of reasons. Not only did they present how they wished others to see them, but they also used them to address social or political issues. For centuries women had posed as models for art. In an act of defiance and rebellion, female artists used self-portraits to represent themselves as artists in their own rights. A true act of feminism and representation of female power.”
4. Chicago Jewelry Designers To Know
Every month, I come across another couple of Chicago-based jewelry designers who create unique and beautiful pieces. At this point, I think all of my favourite small jewelry designers are local to Chicago, which makes me so happy—that is exactly how I want to be shopping!
Generally, I encounter them at the various neighbourhood markets that happen across the city throughout the summer. Wearing a piece of jewelry after meeting the creator makes it even more special and all of these designers make stunning adornments.
Designs by Uchita - A Bollywood designer turned jewelry entrepreneur, her pieces are colourful and unique.
Ostrich Moon - One-of-a-kind pieces made from vintage beads, charms, and other antique goodies. I have a bracelet but one of her necklaces is on my wishlist!
Gathering Hands - Jewelry made from various ethically sourced butterfly, moth, cicada, and dragonfly wings preserved in archival quality resin.
Deborah Kerr Jewels - Jewelry made from seeds, nuts, and other natural materials sourced directly from local people from South America.
Tulia’s Artisan Gallery - Nature-inspired earrings made of gourd and hand-painted by indigenous Mokana in northern Colombia.
5. Sweet, Sweet Chocolate
Is there anything more divine than a piece (or four) of chocolate after dinner? I don’t think so. Currently, I am prone to eating pieces of Lily’s, which are so creamy and have no added sugar. It is also impossible to say no to a piece of Tony’s Chocoloney, Divine (the only certified Fair Trade chocolate company worldwide that is co-owned by cocoa farmers), or Beyond Good (the chocolate is made entirely in Africa and empowers Madagascan and Ugandan cocoa farmers).
6. AFAR’s America the Beautiful
This week, I very much enjoyed reading the latest issue of AFAR, which celebrates the abundant travel opportunities in North America. One of their features is trip inspiration for every US state (including D.C. and Puerto Rico). Others focus on new openings in New Orleans, the backstory of Route 66, a trip through Canada’s vast Yukon territory, and the rise of Middle Eastern restaurants in Mexico City.
It is generally not difficult for me to find something to add to my travel wishlist - the more you travel, the longer the list gets - but I thought the US states feature, in particular, was filled with gems.
Reading it, I was introduced to Columbus, Indiana, which has the nickname “Athens of the Prairie” due to the public architecture that a wealthy CEO paid for in the 1950s. I’m now hoping that summer 2025 sees a trip to Michigan’s Isle Royale National Park - you have to take a ferry, private boat, or seaplane from select points in Minnesota and Michigan to reach it!
And, when I am next in D.C., I will absolutely be visiting the National Museum of Women in the Arts, Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens, and Femme Fatale DC, which has items from more than 60 women-owned businesses and considers itself “grassroots retail.”
I have travelled pretty extensively in the United States, but this was a beautiful reminder that the country still has so much much for me (and you!) to explore.
Where is on your travel wishlist? Any wonderful local designers or businesses where you live? I would love to know!
Is Anybody Listening? (2019) by Cell7, an Icelandic rapper and songwriter.
Articles I read (and recommend) this week:
Michelle Obama emphasizes hope — and doesn’t hold back (The 19th)
Why the Uncommitted Movement Was a Success at the DNC (Jacobin)
What is mpox and why has it been declared a global health emergency? (The Guardian)
A New Generation of Inuit Throat Singers Are Shaping an Arctic Sound (CN Traveler)
People are falling in love with — and getting addicted to — AI voices (Vox)
Sudan needs an exceptional humanitarian endeavour to end its horrific civil war (The Guardian)
Penny Slinger’s 1970s banned erotic Photo Romance asks: ‘Is this where my story begins?’ (Wallpaper)
Playful urbanism: How Copenhagen is reinventing public spaces (Politico Europe)
All the Ways to Name Rain (Orion Magazine)
How Does Your State Make Electricity? (NYTimes)
Thank you for reading! Hope you have a great week! Talk soon!
Jennifer
xxx