WINDHOEK, March 8 (Xinhua) -- Eye-catching and thought-provoking artworks created with acrylic on stitched canvas and embroidery on fabric are currently on display at the Franco Namibia Cultural Center gallery in the Namibian capital of Windhoek.
Titled "Inspire Inclusion," the exhibition showcases the work of seven local women artists, focusing on themes such as gender inequality, the role of women in society, environmental protection, and the impact of climate change to shed light on women's empowerment through art.
Among the artworks was a craft of crotchet plastic bags created by Ina Maria Shikongo, one of the featured artists.
Shikongo said her artwork, which incorporates waste plastic bags and vibrant textiles, emphasizes the connection between gender and environmental protection. "Women, especially those in rural areas, bear the face of the disproportionate impacts of climate change, hence the need for art to raise awareness," she said in an interview on Friday.
Foibe Amundaba, another artist, used her work to highlight the experiences of Namibian women and the progress toward gender equality and human rights. "To spark discussion on challenging societal issues such as gender equality and human rights, using art as a powerful tool for empowerment and inclusion," she said.
The artists involved in the exhibition also hope to raise awareness about social challenges such as gender-based violence. Namibian police records show that a total of 4,815 cases of gender-based violence were registered between April 2023 and January 2024.
"With a significant number of cases reported, art shall be the voice for the voiceless," Shikongo said.
Meanwhile, the exhibition came at a crucial time for Namibia, as the country continues its efforts to address gender disparities, said Morina Muuondjo, acting director at the Namibia International Women's Peace Center.
The exhibition, held in observance of the annual International Women's Day, opened Wednesday and runs through next Tuesday.
