Malika Ayane for Oxfam: "The (complicated) charm of being a woman!"

Malika Ayane, Oxfam Italy Ambassador, supports the campaign I defy the Hunger, which is launched throughout 2015 with the aim of giving women access to resources, land, credit, training. With the proceeds of the campaign it will be possible to support 200,000 women through cooperation projects aimed at improving the production of food, access to resources and credit, strengthening their ability to create and market agricultural and artisanal products. Find out how you too can challenge hunger, go to sfidolafame.it

We met the singer and we were told about her experience as an ambassador and how complicated and fascinating it is to be a woman. Here is what the refined Milanese interpreter says ...

In your songs you tell many things: love, female strength and fragility, the sense of rebirth and freedom. Which theme fascinates you the most?

As a woman I feel like a kaleidoscope that in particular moments takes the light in order to reflect particular colors. I like how cyclically all these different phases go through, especially when this happens with different energies and attitudes.

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What does it mean for you to be an Oxfam ambassador? Why did you choose to support Oxfam, of all non-profit organizations?

Being an ambassador is for me first of all an honor and therefore a great responsibility. Having the opportunity to be heard implies having to bring right and positive messages. Oxfam's projects are an example of how it is possible to cultivate the long-term future by working on the daily lives of the people who need it most. This does not mean assisting them but supporting them in the growth and development of their businesses. Only in this way will they no longer have to work with their own livelihood as the only goal, but to improve the quality of their life.

Among your songs, is there one in particular that you feel close to the themes addressed by Oxfam?

In my songs I talk about how trying to live a moment or a state (physical and mental) is crucial to make the future different and better. Studying yourself to understand how to learn from defeats and overcome your challenges. And the challenge, however different it is for a woman who lives in New York than that of someone who has to travel miles to find water, is personal and not to be judged. Come on, then!

How difficult is it to be a woman in your opinion? And what are the most beautiful aspects?

When I work, although I lead a very large team of crazy and very valiant collaborators, there is always someone who is surprised that he is able to come up with good ideas and that there is no other behind to think for me. I'm sorry, of course. if I were a man there would be no such prejudices. Gender differences make me nervous and yet I would not change femininity for anything in the world.

You have a young daughter: how do you deal with complex issues with her, such as inequality, injustice, or discrimination?

I try to explain as much as possible that every single individual can make a difference. I try to give her the tools to do the right thing, but I leave her the freedom to understand for herself.

Here is a video of Malika's experience in Morocco, accompanied by one of his songs:

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