Passing down knowledge through generations is a common concept in all societies. But knowledge is not only passed down – it flows up as well. Grandmothers talk to their daughters, but daughters also talk to their mothers and grandmothers. These intergenerational exchanges collectively build momentum for important practices and conversations such as sexual and reproductive health and rights.
Through compelling photographs and storytelling, the current Grebel Gallery exhibit shines a light on the cultural and intergenerational struggles in advancing sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). SHORE Centre, a local non-profit organization that provides sexual health programs and healthcare services, has brought Inter Pares’ exhibit, "Daughters, mothers, grandmothers, and other sexual outlaws" to the Waterloo Region. This free pop-up exhibit will be at the Grebel Gallery for a limited time, until Thursday, March 20.
SHORE Centre has been Waterloo Region’s trusted source for accurate sexual health education and confidential pregnancy options support since 1972. Their mission is to offer exceptional and inclusive sexual and reproductive health services that uphold the dignity of everyone. Tracy Boyle, Donor Relations & Stewardship Specialist at SHORE Centre, worked with Inter Pares to install this meaningful exhibit with the hope that it will foster a deeper understanding of activism across the globe and inspire discussions about the ongoing challenges in accessing reproductive health services, both internationally and within Canada.
Curated by Inter Pares, a Canadian social justice organization based in Ottawa working around the world to support people’s struggles for peace, justice, and equality, the exhibit features the work of photographers from three countries: El Salvador, Bangladesh, and the Philippines. Although the three countries face different social and political contexts, the same hostile notions of bodily autonomy for girls, women, and gender-diverse people are present in each country. Speaking out against this is essential and risky work, hence the term, “sexual outlaws.”
The official launch event for the exhibit was held Thursday, February 27, with guest speaker Rita Morbia, a Co-Manager at Inter Pares in Ottawa. She works with activists on access to healthcare, bodily autonomy, and women’s political participation. The launch was an intimate event comprised of women from many different backgrounds including researchers, first responders, professors, and project managers. It was a lovely evening gathering, with the proceeds of the tickets going towards SHORE Centre.
This exhibit is one of the outcomes of Inter Pares’ project Strategic Interventions to Build Momentum on Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights, or Buil-Mo for short. In partnership with Global Affairs Canada, this five-year project aimed to deepen access to SRHR in Bangladesh, El Salvador, the Philippines, and Sudan through partner organizations in those countries.
Inter Pares worked with three of the four international counterparts of the Buil-Mo project and asked them to work with a local photographer who they felt comfortable with to illustrate their work as part of the exhibit:
Nijea Kori
Nijera Kori is an organization in Bangladesh, formed by a group of activists in 1980. As part of the Buil-Mo project, Nijera Kori formed adolescent monitoring committees for cases of child marriage and sexual harassment. The youth received training on SRHR and used it to raise awareness among their fellow classmates. They chose to work with renowned photographer, Taslima Akhter.
La Colectiva Feminsta para el Desarollo Local
La Colectiva Feminsta para el Desarollo Local (Feminist Collective for Local Development) is a national feminist organization in El Salvador. As part of the Buil-Mo project, La Colectiva trained local women’s groups on advocacy and expanded their program through various interactive activities for adolescents and the LGBTQI+ population. They chose to work with journalist, Jessica Ventura.
Likhaan Center for Women's Health
Likhaan Center for Women’s Health is an organization based in Manila, the Philippines. As part of the Buil-Mo project, Likhaan expanded its program of providing contraception to marginalized women and adolescent girls. They have also developed educational resources specifically for the youth and LGBTQI+ population. They chose to work with freelance visual journalist, Lisa David.
Taslima Akhter
Taslima Akhter, a renowned photographer, researcher, and activist from Dhaka, documents the rural landless communities in Bangladesh. Taslima’s photography seeks to bring attention to issues of workers’ rights, gender, culture, and social discrimination. Her work has been featured in exhibits around the world.
Jessica Xiomara Orellana Ventura
Jessica Xiomara Orellana Ventura, a journalist from El Salvador, provides a glimpse into the lives and struggles of feminist activists across her country. With over 13 years of experience in photojournalism, Jessica focuses on a various issues including gender, health, education, childhood, and violence.
Lisa Marie David
Lisa Marie David, a Filipina freelance visual journalist based in Manila, captures the hardships of informal settlements in the Philippines. Lisa has a special interest in documenting women, children, culture, and the environment. She has had her work published on CNN and Libération, among others.
The work of the Sudanese counterpart is not included in this exhibit due to the ongoing war in the country. However, Inter Pares continues to support their counterpart, the Sudanese Organization for Research and Development, as they navigate the humanitarian crisis.
To learn more about this project, view the impactful photographs on display in the Grebel Gallery (level 4+ of Conrad Grebel University College) until March 20. The Grebel Gallery is open Mondays – Fridays from 8:30 am – 8:30 pm.