The captivating ‘Resilience – Stories of Women Inspiring Change’ exhibition, presented by The World Press Photo Foundation and the Kingdom of the Netherlands is currently on display at The University of the West Indies (The UWI) St. Augustine Campus.
From November 20 to December 10, these empowering stories, honoured in the World Press Photo Contests spanning 2000 to 2021, will grace the facade of the Alma Jordan Library and the food court on campus. This exhibition is a tribute to resilience and solidarity, aligning with the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.
Echoing a global call for gender equality and justice, the exhibition unveils the successes and struggles of women, girls, and communities worldwide. Amidst persistent inequalities and the widespread prevalence of violence against women, these narratives captured by 17 photographers from 13 nations shed light on sexism, gender-based violence, reproductive rights, and the pursuit of equal opportunities. Each curated story signifies the evolving landscape of gender issues in the 21st century, underlining the deep impact of photojournalism.
© Anna Boyiazis
Kijini Primary School students learn to float, swim and perform rescues on Tuesday, October 25, 2016 in the Indian Ocean off of Mnyuni, Zanzibar.
‘Finding Freedom in the Water’ by Anna Boyiazis, portraying the determination of girls in Zanzibar learning to swim,
© Forough Alaei
Iran’s Perspolis football club losses an opportunity in a counterattack during the final match of the AFC Championship League against Japan’s Kashima Antlers in Tehran
and ‘Crying for Freedom’ by Forough Alaei, revealing the defiance of Iranian female football fans disguised as men advocating for rights, are just glimpses of the compelling narratives.
Antonella poses for her photograph in the kitchen at home, while in strict lockdown in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on the day she made her promise not to cut her hair till she could resume person-to-person classes, on 14 August 2020.
‘The Promise’ by Irina Werning poignantly encapsulates resilience amid the COVID-19 pandemic, narrating the story of Antonella from Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Lecturer and Head of the Institute for Gender and Development Studies at The UWI, Dr. Sue Ann Barratt shared her thoughts on the significance of the exhibition, “Images carry multiple complex messages in a moment. It catches our eyes, minds, and hearts as we pass by. These images of RESILIENCE tell multiple stories about women’s lived experiences. And goes beyond the limit of time, space and place. These images, curated by the World Press Association and brought to us through the collaborative efforts of the IGDS, The Alma Jordan Library and our external partner, The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, bring to our attention how women live their lives as resilient, moving resilience from the realm of the abstract to the real of the real in context.”
© Diana Markosian, Magnum Photos
Pura rides around her neighborhood in a pink 1950s convertible, as the community gathers to celebrate her fifteenth birthday, in Havana, Cuba, on 6 August 2018.
Simultaneously, The UWI St. Augustine Campus is celebrating its 75th Anniversary, and The Institute of Gender and Development Studies (IGDS) will be showcasing the synergy of research and outreach at the upcoming Research Festival and Principal’s Research Awards. Discover the breadth of IGDS projects and initiatives on November 22 and 23 at the IGDS booth.
Aligned with the festival, the ‘Resilience’ exhibition stands as an essential part of the 16 Days of Activism, intertwining with IGDS’ IGNITE ChalkBack UWI event. This event marks the culmination of the semester’s Cat Calls of UWI Project, illuminating street harassment and gender-based violence. Further, a panel discussion – Narratives of Resilience: Women Speak their Truth will also be hosted on Friday 24 November.
To register please visit https://uwi.zoom.us/…/tJIqceGoqT8iHdbTAQHoT8nLhKGY68Z-G9VM
Amidst these events, the Alma Jordan Library will proudly exhibit 36 posters and 5 stories highlighting resilient women across diverse industries throughout the Research Festival.
This collective effort signifies a steadfast commitment to global gender equality, justice, and human rights, in solidarity with the 16 Days of Activism from November 20 to December 10, culminating on Human Rights Day.
For detailed event information please contact Kathryn.Chan@sta.uwi.edu or visit The IGDS Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/IGDSStAugustineUnit
