Post by Jolevette

New York Fashion Week is known for its daring styles from designers across the globe. But this year, NYFW has become a runway for global hope and change. It could not come at a better time when world leaders have arrived in New York for the 71st General Assembly of the United Nations to discuss the challenges facing our world today such as poverty, climate change, and the refugee crisis. Always on the agenda for the United Nations is the challenge of equality for women. In some countries women are still subject to the harshest treatments of their societies.

Not only are women still clawing for equal treatment, those who are disabled continue to fight for equality. While laws and regulations in many countries have helped these groups, there is still along way to go before there is a balance and the eradication of discrimination in our communities. These two groups took a big step to towards finding that balance at the fashion festivities during Fashion Week.

Anniesa Hasibuan, a designer from Indonesia showcased for the first time ever a collection where every model wore a beautifully designed hijab matched with glamorous gowns and suits. Read more and see pictures from CNN Style.

Reshma Qureshi is the survivor of an acid attack two years ago perpetrated against her by her brother. Once ashamed of how she looked, she graced the NYFW runway for designer Archana Kochhar. Reshma is now leading the way as an advocate for survivors of acid attacks showing them they are still beautiful appearing in survivor campaigns. She will even help you find the right shade of lipstick through her beauty tips. Read more from Global Citizen.

Madeline Stuart, the first model with Down Syndrome returned to this year’s NYFW. She is continuing to show the world that she is not ashamed of who she is and no one should be ashamed of his or her disability. Rock on! Read more from Global Citizen.