Aleksandra Kojro

Expectations put on women by society take away our freedom to authentically express ourselves. Misogynistic values instilled in us from early childhood restrict our identities, dreams and possibilities. Accepting that I am a lesbian helped me realise to what extent I was both surrendering to and separating myself from this system, which led me to feel free and authentic for the first time in my life.

With the trophy I designed, I invite all women to explore and question their identities outside the norms dictated by the patriarchy, to challenge and break out of those boundaries and to reflect on how this unfair system influences each one of us from different perspectives.

I want people to reflect on the way their authenticity is confined due to patriarchal norms, values and unfair expectations instilled in them.

I hopethe winnerwillbe proudof their contributionsandfeel inspiredto breakoutof their own,or society’s own, restrictive expectations.

I felt honoured and excited to be a part of this project because the cause is very important to me. I’m grateful that by working on this award, I was able to rediscover my personal connection to feminism and communicate these new thoughts through my work.