News Releases

Resilience: Stories of Women Inspiring Change Photo Exhibition & 16 Days of Activism at UWI

For Release Upon Receipt - November 23, 2023

St. Augustine


St. Augustine, November 23, 2023 - The captivating 'Resilience - Stories of Women Inspiring Change' exhibition, presented by The World Press Photo Foundation and the Kingdom of the Netherlands is currently on display at The University of the West Indies (The UWI) St. Augustine Campus. From November 20 to December 10, these empowering stories, honoured in the World Press Photo Contests spanning 2000 to 2021, will grace the facade of the Alma Jordan Library and the food court on campus. This exhibition is a tribute to resilience and solidarity, aligning with the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence.

Echoing a global call for gender equality and justice, the exhibition unveils the successes and struggles of women, girls, and communities worldwide. Amidst persistent inequalities and the widespread prevalence of violence against women, these narratives captured by 17 photographers from 13 nations shed light on sexism, gender-based violence, reproductive rights, and the pursuit of equal opportunities. Each curated story signifies the evolving landscape of gender issues in the 21st century, underlining the deep impact of photojournalism.

 'Finding Freedom in the Water' by Anna Boyiazis, portraying the determination of girls in Zanzibar learning to swim, and 'Crying for Freedom' by Forough Alaei, revealing the defiance of Iranian female football fans disguised as men advocating for rights, are just glimpses of the compelling narratives. 'The Promise' by Irina Werning poignantly encapsulates resilience amid the COVID-19 pandemic, narrating the story of Antonella from Buenos Aires, Argentina.

 Lecturer and Head of the Institute for Gender and Development Studies at The UWI, Dr. Sue Ann Barratt shared her thoughts on the significance of the exhibition, "Images carry multiple complex messages in a moment. It catches our eyes, minds, and hearts as we pass by. These images of RESILIENCE tell multiple stories about women's lived experiences. And goes beyond the limit of time, space and place. These images, curated by the World Press Association and brought to us through the collaborative efforts of the IGDS, The Alma Jordan Library and our external partner, The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, bring to our attention how women live their lives as resilient, moving resilience from the realm of the abstract to the real of the real in context."

 Simultaneously, The UWI St. Augustine Campus is celebrating its 75th Anniversary, and The Institute of Gender and Development Studies (IGDS) will be showcasing the synergy of research and outreach at the upcoming Research Festival and Principal’s Research Awards. Discover the breadth of IGDS projects and initiatives on November 22 and 23 at the IGDS booth.

 Aligned with the festival, the 'Resilience' exhibition stands as an essential part of the 16 Days of Activism, intertwining with IGDS' IGNITE ChalkBack UWI event. This event marks the culmination of the semester's Cat Calls of UWI Project, illuminating street harassment and gender-based violence. Further, a panel discussion - Narratives of Resilience: Women Speak their Truth will also be hosted on Friday 24 November.

To register please visit  https://uwi.zoom.us/.../tJIqceGoqT8iHdbTAQHoT8nLhKGY68Z-G9VM

 

Amidst these events, the Alma Jordan Library will proudly exhibit 36 posters and 5 stories highlighting resilient women across diverse industries throughout the Research Festival.

 This collective effort signifies a steadfast commitment to global gender equality, justice, and human rights, in solidarity with the 16 Days of Activism from November 20 to December 10, culminating on Human Rights Day.

 For detailed event information please contact Kathryn.Chan@sta.uwi.edu or visit The IGDS Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/IGDSStAugustineUnit

 Notes to Editor

 About the World Press Photo Foundation

 We are a global platform connecting photojournalists, documentary photographers and our worldwide audiences through trustworthy storytelling.

 World Press Photo was founded in 1955 when a group of Dutch photographers organized a contest (“World Press Photo”) to expose their work to an international audience. Since then, our mission has expanded. Our contests have grown into one of the world’s most prestigious competitions, rewarding the best in photojournalism and documentary photography. Through our successful worldwide exhibition program, we present to millions of people the stories that matter.

 The World Press Photo Foundation is a creative, independent, nonprofit organization, based in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. We appreciate the support of our global partner, the Dutch Postcode Lottery, and our partner, PwC.

 For more information, visit worldpressphoto.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube.

 About The University of the West Indies

 The UWI has been and continues to be a pivotal force in every aspect of Caribbean development; residing at the centre of all efforts to improve the well-being of people across the region for the past 75 years.

 From a university college of London in Jamaica with 33 medical students in 1948, The UWI is today an internationally respected, global university with near 50,000 students and five campuses: Mona in Jamaica, St. Augustine in Trinidad and Tobago, Cave Hill in Barbados, Five Islands in Antigua and Barbuda and its Open Campus, and global centres in partnership with universities in North America, Latin America, Asia, Africa and Europe.

 The UWI offers over 800 certificate, diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate degree options in Culture, Creative and Performing Arts, Food and Agriculture, Engineering, Humanities and Education, Law, Medical Sciences, Science and Technology, Social Sciences, and Sport. As the Caribbean’s leading university, it possesses the largest pool of Caribbean intellect and expertise committed to confronting the critical issues of our region and wider world.

 The UWI has been consistently ranked among the top universities globally by the most reputable ranking agency, Times Higher Education (THE). The UWI is the only Caribbean-based university to make the prestigious lists since its debut in the rankings in 2018. In addition to its leading position in the Caribbean in the World University Rankings, it is also in the top 25 for Latin America and the Caribbean and the top 100 global Golden Age universities (between 50 and 80 years old).  The UWI is also featured among the leading universities on THE’s Impact Rankings for its response to the world’s biggest concerns, outlined in the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Good Health and Wellbeing; Gender Equality and Climate Action.

 2023 marks The UWI’s 75th anniversary. The Diamond jubilee milestone themed “UWI at 75. Rooted. Ready. Rising.” features initiatives purposely designed and aligned to reflect on the past, confront the present, and articulate plans for the future of the regional University.

 Learn more at www.uwi.edu  

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