The annual Marie Claire Power Trip conference for women’s empowerment returned to Cape Sounio, concluding with great success. The theme of the 7th edition was “Women Taking Action,” with the goal of amplifying women’s voices, celebrating their achievements, and providing the inspiration and tools that drive change.
Tonni Ann Brodber, Head of the UN Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund (WPHF) Secretariat, engaged in a powerful conversation with Galia Loupan, Chief Content Officer of Marie Claire International, in what became one of the most moving and impactful moments of this year’s Power Trip.
Fashion as expression and self-determination
Tonni Ann Brodber, who hails from Trinidad and Tobago, began the discussion by referring to her dress — a piece from the fashion house Club Officials, inspired by her cultural heritage:
“In the Caribbean, our culture was born from many different roots — sometimes from people who were forced together — but something beautiful emerged. Clothing is a form of expression, and for me, it’s important to honor my roots through Caribbean style and color.”
She reminded the audience that fashion is never superficial, but can in fact be an act of empowerment, especially for women.
“In many cultures, the making of clothes is seen as ‘women’s work’ — and therefore undervalued. Even now, when we talk about fashion, we almost feel the need to apologize for it.
But fashion has always been about control or empowerment. The right to choose what we wear, how we wear it, and where we wear it — that’s self-determination. We shouldn’t be ashamed to talk about fashion; it’s part of who we are. We should be proud of it.”
Speaking about women in Ukraine, who have joined the military during the war with Russia and created Yari Lingerie, a line of undergarments designed specifically for women at the front, she said:
“This is a product born out of war, meant to bring comfort and dignity. It is an act of empowerment.”
She explained how fashion can serve as a means of expressing women’s freedom.
“We shouldn’t be ashamed to talk about fashion. It’s part of our identity. We should be proud.”
The Women’s Peace & Humanitarian Fund (WPHF)
The WPHF is a UN special fund created to support women in conflict and crisis zones — financing their initiatives and standing by them even in legal struggles.
As Brodber explained:
“Women want to build peace, but they often lack access to resources or platforms. Our fund provides financial support for entrepreneurship, psychological aid, access to justice — especially for victims of sexual violence — and ensures that women participate in peace negotiations.”
To clarify the fund’s mission, she cited examples such as Ukrainian women lawyers supported by the WPHF to create their lingerie brand, and the 170+ initiatives currently funded in the country.
She also mentioned the fund’s longstanding presence in Palestine, aiming to give a voice to Palestinian women defending human rights.
“Since 2020, the fund has partnered with local women’s organizations in Palestine, amplifying the voices of Palestinian activists so they can express their own needs for peace and justice.
What is happening now with the hostages moved me deeply. I’m a mother, and I think about how those women felt when their children didn’t return home that night from the concert.
I also think about the mothers in Palestine — what justice means to them now. If they aren’t at the table during negotiations, how can we know what peace and justice truly mean to them? That’s what we’re working toward.”
Women at the negotiation table
One of the most powerful messages in her speech was the recognition of the need for women’s presence in peace negotiations, a cornerstone of the WPHF’s mission:
“Before the 1990s, sexual violence wasn’t even considered a war crime.
Women forced the international community to recognize it.
That’s the kind of change women bring when they are at the table.
When women participate in negotiations, progress happens differently — more steadily.
Let me be clear: we need men at the table too.
Feminist men, men who think differently — we need them as allies, making space for women’s voices to be heard.
It’s not only about biological differences — it’s about perspective. Women see through the lens of daily life and the care of future generations.
We notice things invisible to the men in power.
That’s why we must ensure women have the space to speak and bring diverse perspectives to the table.
There can be no justice without naming violence and injustice.
We must ask what peace means — for each person, for each population.”
She continued:
“In Ukraine, more than 68,000 women serve in the army, and 1,000 are on the front lines.
But who stays behind to support the elderly, protect the children, keep society running? Women.
We support over 170 projects — not as isolated acts, but aimed at sustainability.
One example is support for online mental health services.
Think about the insecurity we all feel when we hear news of war.
Now imagine drones dropping bombs over your head.
When men return from the front, wounded in body and soul — who welcomes them?
Their mothers, sisters, wives, grandmothers, aunts. Women again.
War leaves deep psychological scars, and our fund is there to support these women.”
“Women made the international community recognize sexual violence as a war crime. That is the kind of change they bring when they have a seat at the table.”
“Peace is not a slogan. It’s a choice.”
The discussion concluded with a video presentation from the new WPHF campaign.
Against the backdrop of women supporting communities in conflict zones, the message was clear:
“Peace is not given. It is a choice — a choice to listen, to care, to build, to resist.”
“I want a world where peace is not defined only as the absence of war, but as the presence of justice, equality, and care.
A world that honors our interconnectedness — even when it’s uncomfortable.
We can disagree, listen, and not demonize one another.
Fashion, politics, solidarity, and care are not separate — they are intertwined.
The female voice is not just necessary in the peace dialogue; it is essential.
We can build peace — and look fabulous while doing it.”
Ask me anything
Explore related questions
