Celebrating women through art

Kimberly Mhembere

THE National Arts Gallery of Zimbabwe, in conjunction with the Embassy of Ireland, is hosting a month-long art exhibition titled “We Should all be Human”.

The exhibition is part of the women’s month commemorations and it celebrates the achievements of women.

The International Women’s Day is observed annually on March 8, while the rest of the month is dedicated to celebrating women.

Some of the works being showcased are part of the gallery’s permanent collection.

Amina Hamshari — the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation head of programmes — said the exhibition resonated with this year’s theme “DigitALL: Innovation and technology for gender equality”.

“Since the start of the feminist revolution, it is crucial to note that many breakthroughs have been made — from the rights of women to vote, to the influx of women into the workforce. The equitable transformation of the world’s social frame has been positive,” Hamshari said.

On display are 25 works from artists who offer an interrogation of female experiences.

Hamshari, who was the guest of honour during the official opening ceremony of the exhibition on Wednesday, expressed gratitude to the Embassy of Ireland and National Gallery of Zimbabwe curator Fadzai Muchemwa.

The exhibition, she said, shows the creative power within women.

“This exhibition takes a step forward from last year’s exhibition ‘Break the Bias’. It engages a wide array of stylistic media, which shows the creative power among the artists, who are women,” added Hamshari.

The exhibition, according to Hamshari, shows that women are still facing prejudices in the workplace.

However, calls have been made to end systematic discrimination against women in all spheres.