Can Human Rights and Business Co-exist?
Not only can they — they must.
Before I founded Vikkie Oh Atelier, I spent over two decades at the United Nations, advocating for gender equality, safe migration, and inclusive development across Africa and beyond.
I’ve sat in rooms where the stakes were global policies. Today, I sit at the helm of a fashion house that tells stories stitched in heritage, dignity, and identity.
You may wonder—what connects human rights with fashion? Everything.
At Vikkie Oh Atelier, we don’t just design garments. We craft expressions of freedom, culture, and confidence. We ensure that behind every beautiful piece, there are ethical practices, fair wages, respectful working conditions, and a deep sense of purpose.
Human rights in business means:
* Creating safe, inclusive workplaces
* Sourcing responsibly, with integrity
* Valuing creativity without cultural exploitation
* Ensuring representation at every level
* Making decisions that empower—not exclude
Whether you’re in fashion, tech, retail, or finance—business is never neutral. Every decision reflects a value system.
The question is: are we using our platforms to perpetuate inequality, or to reimagine what dignity in business can look like?
At Vikkie Oh, our answer is clear: We lead with identity. We design with impact. And we grow with values.
Business is one of the most powerful drivers of change in today’s world. Let’s ensure it’s also a force for justice, inclusion, and empowerment.
I’d love to hear your reflections. How do you see human rights showing up (or being ignored) in your industry?