SA struggle stalwarts add voice to Women in Resistence exhibit
South African women raised their voices at the launch of Women in Resistance, a photographic exhibition at the Durban Botanic Gardens.
POWERFUL South African women raised their voices at the launch of Women in Resistance, a photographic exhibition at the Botanic Gardens' Sunken Gardens on Saturday morning.
The poignant exhibition brings to life the sacrifice of women, for survival, dignity and equality all over the world, by French photographer Pierre-Yves Ginet.
Guest speakers at the launch included deputy mayor, Nomvuso Shabalala, Ela Gandhi, Dr Albertina Luthuli speaking of their personal struggles and power to overcome them.
“The 25 panels of 25 groups of women in 25 different countries show evidence of comparisons and similarities in our own struggles and cultures. This is one exhibition we as eThekwini are proud to be part of,” said deputy mayor Nomvuzo Shabalala.
French ambassador to South Africa and Lesotho, Elisabeth Barbier, said she was proud and honoured to be at the launch in the, “wonderful Botanic Gardens.” “The exhibition is a powerful testimony of women's power to overcome,” she added.
Struggle stalwart Ela Gandhi said, “I learned in the struggle that gender, class and race together played a role in our oppression and we have to understand all three as a whole to improve the lives of all women and not just a few women. All these opressions are linked and we don't realise those beliefs get carried over from generation to generation.”
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Dr Albertina Luthuli said the battle for gender equality has to be fought with men behind it. “It is useless to only preach to women. If we leave men behind they are left to learn on their own. Women shape human beings, we carry babies and as women we should greatly influence how children are brought up,” she said.
An exciting local, interactive element to this project is conducted on Facebook and all Durbanites can easily get involved. The page Women in Resistance Exhibition, Durban & KZN is open to all and the idea is to go to the exhibition take a 'selfie' in front of the Women in Resistance, Durban & KZN backdrop, upload your selfie to the dedicated Facebook page, and add an inspiring text, shoot a short video, write a poem, or send stories accompanying pictures.
The social media element hopes to showcase stories that capture women of every generation, culture, religion, language, and community.
