Time: Thursday, June 30, 6 PM

Place: America House Kyiv, Pymonenka st., 6

Women human rights defenders challenge gender inequality and stereotypes, advance sexual and reproductive rights, and promote women’s empowerment and participation in society. They often challenge religious and cultural norms and patriarchal attitudes that subordinate, stigmatize or restrict women.

Because of this, women defenders worldwide often face additional threats, violations, and abuse that male defenders may not – from smear campaigns to sexual and gender-based violence. Human Rights House Network’s photography exhibition featured the portraits of 18 women human rights defenders, that acknowledges the vital role that women play in protecting and promoting human rights. The photographers in this exhibition use their portraits to convey the wisdom, courage and defiance of prominent women defenders. It is a visual journey through the challenging work they do, often unprotected, frequently unvalued by the authorities or their society.

The Human Rights House Network created this exhibition as a contest. A jury of three professional photographers in London reviewed the submissions of 12 Human Rights Houses (HRH) and unanimously selected the winning portrait. The portraits were first displayed on 19 June 2014 in London.

Don’t forget your passport or driver’s license