Naripokkho chose 50 artworks to represent the artists’ visions of a gender-inclusive Bangladesh
UNB: An exhibition titled “Narir Shopno” was held at Drik Gallery in the capital’s Panthapath on Thursday to depict the Bangladeshi women’s dreams for a secure and ideal society by showcasing the works of the female artists.
Women rights group Naripokkho organized the exhibition to build a network of women from different generations to highlight the women’s struggle during the 1971 Liberation War.
On an open invitation, artists of 15-71 years of age submitted portrayals of their vision of a female utopian society. The organizers received over 200 artworks from Bangladesh and around the world.
Naripokkho chose 50 among those to represent the artists’ visions of a gender-inclusive Bangladesh.
The event was initiated being inspired by Begum Rokeya’s revolutionary feminist utopian story “Sultana’s Dream” about the educated women leading a society powered by scientific pursuits, empathy and intellect.
This exhibition was a part of Naripokkho’s year-long drive, styled “Shohoj Kothin Dwondwe Chhonde”, to engage young women. The show began on December 9 and ended on Thursday.
The year-long program was designed to respond to an alarming outbreak of violence against women during the Covid-19 pandemic and to celebrate Bangladesh’s 50th anniversary of independence.
Under this program, several events like webinars and workshops were held where Bangladeshi women from various professional and personal backgrounds got the opportunity to relate their challenges with managing work and patriarchal situations while navigating life as women.
Kazi Tabassum Ahmed, a participant and final year student of Home Economics College, said: “This kind of exhibition should be arranged more to encourage the artists. As a woman, I can feel that it’s tough to get the proper dignity in this society. So, this kind of event can play a vital role to break the patriarchy.”
Samiha Nodi, studying Development Studies at Dhaka University, said: “A total of 43 artists have participated here. This is my ninth exhibition, but still I’m very excited as my first exhibition because this event highlights the artworks of the female artists.”
She added that there should be more such opportunities specifically directed towards women because there are few avenues for women to showcase their talents and unleash the power of their dreams in an explosion of colour all over the walls while entirely unafraid.
She furthered said that enthusiasts should buy the artworks to inspire the artists and support their work.
Warda Ashraf, a volunteer of Naripokkho and deputy manager-accountability at Save the Children, said: “We, the Bangladeshi women, have been fighting for our freedom for the last 50 years. Still, we can see less participation of women in decision-making. In the workplace, women are not seen in a higher position. At home, we are not being treated equally.”
She said: “If we don’t raise our voice, it will take approximately 200 years to achieve equality in all the sectors of Bangladesh.”
Rights activist Khushi Kabir, Chairman at Faculty of Fine Arts of Dhaka University Rokeya Sultana, cartoonist Nasrin Sultana Mitu and visual artist Liza Hasan were the judges of the exhibition.
Rokeya Sultana said: “Today, one can paint beautifully and can earn. There are so many opportunities here. But When I was studying at Dhaka University, it was very hard for me to reach here.
“As a girl, you always have to prove yourself to achieve something because, in this society, we are not privileged like the boys.”
