Action Aid Bangladesh is an international organisation that works towards social justice, gender equality and poverty eradication. The organisation, in association with Drik gallery and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands, has arranged a photography exhibition titled Different Images of Men. The inauguration programme was held at the National Art Gallery of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA), yesterday.

The first prize winner, Salauddin Ahmed (R) for ‘Breaking Boundaries’. Photo: Sheikh Mehedi Morshed

The exhibition underway at gallery-4, was inaugurated by the Minister of Planning Government of Bangladesh M A Mannan, MP. He was the chief guest of the programme. At the inaugural ceremony, he mentioned that it is difficult to evaluate the untiring responsibilities of women, and their hard work cannot be ignored. It is the duty of the men to share the responsibilities equally.

The aim of the exhibition is to create awareness towards the role of men in the society. According to Action Aid, women working at home usually do not get their due appreciation from the society. The exhibition persuades the idea that household chores are responsibilities of everyone, irrespective of gender. 

Photo: Sheikh Mehedi Morshed

The event was presided over by the country director of Action Aid Bangladesh, Farah Kabir. “If the government shows more concern about the domestic public policy at the marginal levels, and create more space for women to be economically independent, it is possible to witness a rapid change in the society,” she said.

Professor Dr Meghna Guhathakurta, executive director of Research Initiatives, Bangladesh, spoke about the importance of men contributing to domestic work. “In 2018, in Lalmonirhat, Gaibandha, a study was conducted into a total of ten unions.  According to the research, women spend seven hours per day in domestic service, while men spend less than three hours. Increasing in participation of men in the domestic works, will lead to a productive and healthy society. This will eventually change the perception of the society towards women. This will also result in developing the infrastructure and facilities needed to ensure the protection of women.

As the programme went on, the winners of the photography contests were announced. The winners are -- Salahuddin Ahmed, Farhana Akhter and Shahnewaz Shoikot in the first, second and third position respectively. Along with this, seven photographers received honorary awards.

The open for all photography exhibition will continue until November 5, every day from 11 am till 8 pm, at The National Art Gallery number four, BSA.