“The Taliban close women’s hair salons not because they are about beauty but because they are afraid of women getting together.”
-Nadia Murad
In 2016, Michal Lavi created Tzavta Dinner Salon series aiming to create an intimate space to nurture conversation. Inspired by the famed Parisian Salons of the 17th century, often hosted by women salonièrres, Salons were among the first gatherings allowing men and women to engage in intelligent discussion, instrumental in breaking social, religious, and rank barriers.
Nadia Murad grew up in a rural, remote village, dreaming of becoming a hairdresser. The excitement of taking long trips to hair salons to prepare for weddings is some of her happiest childhood memories. In July 2023, Nadia was Tzavta Salon’s guest of honour. The intangible power of the salon creating deep and meaningful alliances inspired Salon in Salon - the launch of Odem’s World Foundation and the collaboration with Nadia’s Initiative.
Salon in Salon plays on the significance of both historical salon gatherings, recognizing the function of hair salons as a women’s hub of sisterhood, solace and refuge, and the Parisian salons as a launch pad for spreading ideas and change and creating opportunities for connections.
Curating conversations about science, and art and activism, in physical, operational hair salons - Salon in Salon transforms the business of beauty into a political space celebrating women's intimate, lively, and FUN beauty practices, camaraderie, and wisdom where they happen.
Salon in Salons will take place during the UN General Assembly in NY, The Paris Peace Forum, and the Munich Security Forum to launch a global community and establish a platform to curate and fund similar salons in cities towns and communities in Canada and around the world.
