HUNDREDS of colourful creations on show today will shine the spotlight on, and seek to prevent, violence against women.
The art exhibition is being organised by the youth committee of Bahraini Women’s Union, in collaboration with Art Scene.
More than 122 pieces by artists of all ages will be featured at the LEVEL 5 hub, located in Riffa View International School.
“We believe that art is one of the strongest mediums of expression,” said Yara Alahmadi, a member of the youth committee.
“Through this exhibition, we hope to shed light on different forms of violence. We also aim to create an open space for discussion between visitors on the artworks, what they mean and represent.
“The theme of the exhibition is elimination of violence against women, and this is in line with the 16-day campaign launched internationally by the UN Women.”
This year’s International Day for Elimination of Violence against Women started on November 25 and concluded yesterday, which was also International Human Rights Day.
UN Women had analysed data from 13 countries since the outbreak of the pandemic and two in three women reported that they or a woman they knew experienced some form of violence. Only one in 10 women said that victims would go to the police for help.
One of the participants in the event is 34-year-old visual artist Enas Sistani, who has been raising awareness about her Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) – a mental health disorder that impacts the way a person thinks and feels about themselves and others.
“I am exhibiting an art piece – basically a photograph that shows a picture of a woman with her back to the camera, facing a wall filled with cloth hangers,” said Ms Sistani from Saar, who works as a project officer for an international organisation in the field of labour mobility and human development.
“It’s a conceptual photograph taken to showcase the struggles of women who feel suspended, which is depicted by the use of cloth hangers.
“Their status is unknown as they are unable to get financial freedom or freedom from an abusive relationship.”
The exhibition, which will run from 4pm until 8pm, is one of the many activities the committee and the union are organising to raise awareness.
“We are constantly working on women-related issues,” explained Ms Alahmadi.
“For the committee, this month is dedicated to ending violence against women and we have an online Instagram event on Monday for the discussion of economic violence against women, and another art event on December 18 for girls aged 11 to 15 revolving around the same topic.
“The Bahrain Women’s Union is a recognised entity by the kingdom that works towards achieving equality for women. We seek joint action as a necessity to advance the conditions of Bahraini women and society as whole.
“The committee is also working to encourage youth involvement in women-related issues such as citizenship right, gender equality and empowerment.”
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mai.alkhatib@gulfweekly.com
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