Young Feminism Network
Feminism is evolving around the globe. Through diverse projects, we have been exploring how young Bangladeshis approach and explore questions on the subject. Outcomes include reading circles, essays, podcasts, deep listening experiences, visual art, poems, illustrations, a conference and a magazine.
Photograph of Paddmini Chakma. The show exhibited the portraits of nine young feminists of Bangladesh, layered on top of which are maps of significant areas in Bangladesh where a sexual assault had taken place. Each of these photographs capture the indomitable spirit of the feminist who despite the toxic misogynistic culture always fight back. | © Ashfika Rahman
Fotografien der neun Feminist*innen im Rampenlicht | © Ashfika Rahman
The artist and her mother at the exhibition. Through a video clip the visitor was able to experience an intimate conversation between the artist Ashfika Rahman and their mother, a single mother and social activist, paving the way for the next generation of feminists. Rahman attempts to represent the conversations between women across various generations | © Ashfika Rahman
"’Break the rules, smash the patriarchy, I belong too’ - symbolizing these ongoing narratives around feminism, we felt the need for a conversation between the older generation who have fought for our rights and the younger generation of feminists who might be facing new challenges. We all came together to offer a platform to understand their perspectives and their desire to contribute to the cause," opening speech by Dr. Kirsten Hackenbroch, Director, Goethe-Institut Bangladesh (middle) with the representative of the project partner Priya Esselborn, Program Director, Bangladesh (India, Afghanistan), DW Akademie (left) and Ashfika Rahman, Artist and Curator (right) | © Snighdha Sultana
A documentary clip exhibiting the opinions of strangers; their faced pixelated in order to keep their identity anonymous on the streets of Dhaka were asked to share their ideas on feminism bringing forth the reality of the existing misogynistic perception and religious stigmas surrounding the issue. "Although the clips aware us on the narrow-minded perception of most people towards women in Bangladesh, we have to understand that it is not entirely their fault. In order to succeed in this movement, we need to determine why they hold this view and subsequently work towards changing it in a way that makes feminism a part of people's consciousness." shares Ashfika Rahman. (Film still photographed by Snighdha Sultana) | © Ashfika Rahman
Besides the powerful photographs, statements from these feminists were hand printed on their mothers' belongings. | © Ashfika Rahman
This photo shows a quote in the Chakma language | © Ashfika Rahman
Poems by Aahir Mrittika from their debut collection of poems The Unforgiving City and I, illustrated by Meheruba Hasin. Photographed by Snighdha Sultana | © Ashfika Rahman
Visitors at the exhibition that took place at DrikPath Bhaban along with a gender worksop, an artist talk, poetry recitals, a musical performance, and various conversations, from 6-8 March 2022. Photographed by Snighdha Sultana | © Ashfika Rahman
