Meet Fatima Bocoum, a Brooklyn-based marketer, curator, and tireless advocate for women’s and girls’ rights. 

Fatima’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary—spanning continents and industries, from a corporate career with fortune 50 companies and category leaders to inspiring curatorial work that amplifies women’s voices through art. Born in China and raised across Libya, Saudi Arabia, Mali, and the United States, Fatima developed a deep appreciation for the power of culture to bridge divides and foster understanding. Her upbringing in diverse socio-political environments shaped her perspective on gender inequality and sparked a lifelong commitment to empowering women. After building over a decade-long career collaborating with brands like Condé Nast, LVMH, and American Express, in 2018 Fatima stepped into art and curation. A chance encounter through her women’s empowerment blog introduced her to the world of art curation, leading to her first show—a collaborative exhibition in Chelsea, NY. From that moment, Fatima has leveraged her curatorial expertise to address societal issues, using art as a whispering force to foster reflection and change.

Her work extends beyond galleries, striving to create a dialog around representation to change the narrative for women—particularly African women.Today, we’ll delve into her remarkable journey, exploring how her global experiences and passion for equity and inclusion have influenced her approach to art, storytelling, and women’s empowerment.

Q: How have your experiences living in China, Libya, Saudi Arabia, Mali, and the U.S. influenced your approach to art and curation?

I grew up in an environment where my family frequently organized events to celebrate and showcase Malian culture within the communities we lived in. This upbringing instilled in me a deep sensitivity to the importance of culture and its role in shaping how we accept and appreciate others and their differences.

From an early age, my family and I moved frequently, experiencing life in diverse socio-political contexts. What stood out to me most was the position of women in these societies. This realization fostered a strong belief in the need for greater freedom and equality for women.

As a result, my curatorial practice places significant emphasis on identity and representation. I am deeply committed to reshaping how women perceive themselves and enjoy collaborating with men, or “allies,” who recognize the importance of portraying women—particularly Black women—with dignity. Furthermore, my goal is to ensure that African women artists receive the same recognition and representation in the art world as their male counterparts.

Q: What motivated you to focus on curatorial work and women's empowerment?

Back in 2018, I ran a women’s empowerment blog where we explored beauty, art, and shared feminist news. One day, I received a press release from a brilliant photographer and art curator organizing an all-women art show. Writing about it felt natural because we shared common values.

After the article was published, she remarked that my perspective on the curation of the artworks was intriguing and asked if I had ever considered becoming a curator. She then introduced me to a gallerist in New York, which led to my first show—a collaboration held in a Chelsea apartment with industry professionals. It was one of the most beautiful experiences I’ve ever had. The scenography was exquisite: tiny vintage images framed in oversized photo frames. The show was simply stunning. And the rest, as they say, is history.

I firmly believe that art is one of the most powerful ways to address complex societal issues. It has a unique ability to invite the viewer to sit and reflect, often in silence. Art is like a whisper—subtle yet profound. Sometimes, that’s exactly what’s needed to inspire change.

Q: How do you approach curating exhibitions that not only showcase art but also foster meaningful conversations about societal issues?

One thing I approach differently from many of my curator friends is my focus on showcasing the ideal outcome, regardless of how sensitive or profound the exhibition’s topic may be. For instance, when examining poverty, I don’t see the value in simply depicting its harsh realities. Instead, I aim to highlight the change I wish to see.

Q: Can you share a specific exhibition or project that had a significant impact on raising awareness or inspiring change for women and girls?

Musow Ka Touma Sera ("It’s the Era of Women") is an exhibition that was presented in Mali during the Bamako Photography Biennale in 2019–2020. The show explores the socio-economic and political conditions of women in Mali, with a particular focus on some of the underlying causes of gender-based violence.

A beautiful memory I carry from the exhibition is seeing a group of young girls stop by every afternoon for several days to revisit the show. In societies where certain conversations are taboo and the education system lacks the cultural freedom to address issues like violence, something must change.

This is a show I am truly proud of. I had the privilege of collaborating with Malian women photographers to collectively analyze our context. It was powerful!

Q: Why do you believe art is an effective medium for addressing gender inequality and societal dynamics?

Many of the construed notions about gender inequalities and societal dynamics have been created and perpetuated through media—art, film, literature, and more. If these media had portrayed women or certain dynamics differently, the outcomes could have been vastly changed.

Q: How do you ensure that the voices and perspectives of women and girls in Africa are authentically represented in your work?

Authenticity is key, and I’ve found that engaging with relevant local artists is essential to achieving it. For example, collaborating with women artists from Mali to explore issues affecting women in Mali ensures a deeper and more meaningful perspective.

Q: What advice would you give to young curators or advocates looking to make an impact in both the art world and social justice?

To follow their hearts and pursue the questions they seek answers to—remaining curious and persistent.

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