UNFPA, in honor of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence (GBV), has curated an exhibition titled “Uprooted: Resilience Amidst Crisis” to shine a light on the impact of violence against women, including sexual violence. The exhibition showcases the stories of survivors, the strength of affected communities to thrive and flourish, and the ongoing fight for justice and healing.

ART AS A VOICE

Through a collection of art, multimedia presentations, and personal stories, including photos depicting the range of places where violence against women and girls occurs, this exhibition provides a platform for survivors to share their experiences and for us to connect with this urgent issue. These images serve as a stark reminder that no space, online or offline, is immune or safe, as this violence is so pervasive.

UNDERSTANDING THE IMPACT

Women and girls are frequently targeted with conflict-related sexual violence, a form of GBV that is tragically used as a weapon of war. This includes rape, forced sterilization, forced marriage, and sexual slavery. These deliberate acts of violence have long-lasting physical and psychological consequences for survivors.

OUR SHARED RESPONSIBILITY

We urge leaders to listen to these voices and end the use of sexual violence in conflict. With the right support, women and girls can flourish without the threat of harm.

A CALL TO ACTION

“Uprooted: Resilience Amidst Crisis” invites us on a journey of education, reflection, and action. Together, we can amplify the voices of survivors, demand change, and work towards a world free from sexual violence and conflict.

As we strive for peace in the world, let’s remember that it begins in the home. The safety and well-being of women and girls is a reflection of the health of our entire society.

Above work (left to right) by: Tayma Ali, Lamia Saida, Sarah Kherbek, Sidra Dassouki, Kenan Abaza | Cyan Haribhai | Armin Smailovic | Cyan Haribhai

About UNFPA

UNFPA (the United Nations Population Fund) plays a key role in the mitigation and prevention of gender-based violence in over 150 countries. In times of war and humanitarian crises, women and girls often face a heightened risk of violence, particularly sexual violence. The chaos and displacement that come with conflict can make them especially vulnerable to abuse. In 2023, we provided safety from gender-based violence for over 5.9 million people in 50 countries struggling with crisis and created over 1,800 safe spaces for those seeking physical and emotional refuge.

In 1999, the UN General Assembly designated November 25th as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women in honor of the Mirabal sisters, three activists brutally assassinated in 1960 for opposing the dictatorship in the Dominican Republic. In 1991, the Global 16 Days Campaign, November 25 to December 10, was started by activists at the inauguration of the Women’s Global Leadership Institute. In 2008, in support of this civil society initiative, the UN Secretary-General launched the UNiTE by 2030 to End Violence Against Women Campaign, which runs parallel to the 16 Days of Activism as a global movement to raise awareness, advocate for change, and share knowledge and innovations to end the pervasive issue of gender-based violence.

Building on these movements, UNFPA seeks to shed light on the impact of such violence, exploring the stories of survivors, the resilience of affected communities, and the ongoing struggle for justice and healing.