Viva la Women in Resistance exhibition

ALLIANCE Française de Durban and Durban Botanic Gardens in collaboration with the French Institute of South Africa (IFAS) present the international exhibition ‘Women in Resistance (Femmes en résistance)’ by French photographer, Pierre-Yves Ginet, together with the interactive local exhibition ‘Women in Resistance, Durban and KwaZulu-Natal’ on Facebook.

The exhibition aims to recognise the struggle, contribution, but also the sacrifice of women for survival, dignity, democracy, equality and justice all over the world.

Women in Resistance/Femmes en Résistance open Saturday, 20 June at 10am for 10.30am in the presence of her Excellency, Madame Elisabeth Barbier, ambassador of France to South Africa and Lesotho, at the Sunken Garden in Durban Botanic Gardens,

The exhibition runs from 20 June to 10 July and entrance is free.

The exhibition will see breathtaking portraits with bilingual English and French text by photographer, Pierre-Yves Ginet, as well as 25 photo panels of 25 groups of women in 25 countries – from the fight of Congolese women for victims of sexual violence, to the fight of Tibetan nuns in Asia for education, through to the fight of Argentinian women against dictatorship – a world tour of diverse causes lead by ordinary but exceptional women.

There will be prominent South African female leaders in attendance at the opening, as well as stories by renowned South African writer and storyteller, Gcina Mhlophe and traditional songs and dance by Omama Boxolo – Women of Peace Dancers, performing the rare dance Isigekle. There will also be a tour of the Orchid House by female orchid specialist Hedralien Pieters, guided by Janet Gates.

The interactive Facebook page called Women in Resistance Exhibition, Durban & KZN is open to all. Go to the exhibition opening and begin by taking a selfie in front of the Women in Resistance, Durban and KZN backdrop, upload your selfie to the dedicated Facebook page, and add an inspiring text to accompany your image.

Women represent more than half of humanity but many are still today, excluded from their country’s economic, political and social life. They are more vulnerable to poverty, lack of education and wars. In his works, photographer Pierre-Yves Ginet wanted to depart from the stereotypical representation which often places women as victimised, rather to give priority to the struggles led by many of them.

Women in Resistance shows the reality of women’s commitment, struggle, and sacrifice for survival, dignity, democracy, equality and justice. This is a stark reminder that societies are mixed and that history is equally as feminine as it is masculine.

At the opening, Alliance Française de Durban will bring together outstanding women of diverse backgrounds who have made a difference in South Africa, through their conviction, struggle and deep sense of humanity. It is central to the purpose of this event, that each of them share their experiences of goals succeeded and of battles won. Local women are invited to contribute to the greater goal of this initiative of empowering women, by taking a photograph of themselves during the opening and the duration of the exhibition. Alliance Française de Durban encourages Southern African women from all walks of life, to become active participants in this ‘butterfly effect’ of social change on Facebook, aiming to ultimately weave together the positive message behind every South African woman’s story.

“Take a selfie, shoot a short video, write a poem, send us your stories, and more on our Facebook event page! We want to showcase women’s stories that surpass every generation, culture, religion, language and community”. Women will have the rare opportunity partake in the recreation of a new portraiture behind an actual blank canvas surrounded by the Women in Resistance frame, accompanied by the rare and beautiful orchid in the background.

This online Show Us Your Self-ie initiative will be brought over to the exhibition and its opening ceremony, taking place just weeks before national women’s month in South Africa.

By taking a selfie, each woman will have empowered another South African woman to take the small step of recognising herself, and in effect all the good she is making in her life and that of others.” Says Sarah Doignon, director of Alliance of Durban.

To round off the opening ceremony, a guided tour of the Orchid House organised by female orchid specialists Hedralien Pieters and Janet Gates will be taken through the striking Orchid House to discover the strength and beauty of this fragile flower. A flower so singular that it is both the symbol of feminine grace and eternal perfection.

For more information about this event, visit the Facebook event page: Women in Resistance Exhibition, Durban and KZN; contact Alliance Française de Durban’s Vuyolwethu Ndlela, special projects co-ordinator for more info and pictures; call 031-312 9852 or 078-970-2636 or email marketing.afdbn@alliance.org.za or go to www.alliance.org.za