The event was organised in response to the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women (November 25).
Addressing the opening ceremony, Arthur Erken, a representative of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in Vietnam, expressed his hope that the exhibition would help improve public awareness and change the attitudes of Vietnamese men towards domestic violence.
UNFPA Representative Arthur Erken addresses the launch
“I found the stories of abused women despicable. Men should use their strength to protect women and should not commit acts of violence against women”, said Bui Van Thuan from Sung village, Hoa Binh northern province.
One corner of the exhibition is dedicated to photo stories with the theme ‘violence destroys love’, which is placed opposite other photos in a larger space under the theme ‘sharing inspires happiness’. The positive images reflect the present and future with bright colours, showing the ideas and actions of Vietnamese men aimed at terminating violence against women and building an equal life with respect and love.
In a new approach to violence against women and girls, photos by Na Son are displayed in a modern and upbeat atmosphere, conveying the message that men are not only people who need to be changed; they can also be factors for change, contributing to ending domestic violence through sharing and love.
The exhibition has been organised by ActionAid International in Vietnam; the UNFPA; the Centre for Studies and Applied Sciences in Gender, Family, Women and Adolescents (CSAGA); the Canadian Embassy in Hanoi; Oxfam and CARE International in Vietnam.
The exhibition can be viewed at 29 Hang Bai Street, Hanoi from November 26 to December 2.
