When British photographer Luke Duggleby earlier this year exhibited his photographs on human rights defenders killed for standing up for their rights, few women were represented.
In a sense, that is positive, as Duggleby's exhibition exclusively featured Thai activists who had lost their lives. Still, one shouldn't forget that women human rights defenders are targeted just as much as their male counterparts and often are victims to gender-based forms of harassment.
On the occasion of International Women Human Rights Defenders' Day, which is celebrated annually on Nov 29, Duggleby, with support from Protection International and the Canadian embassy, pays tribute to 20 brave women working on land and environmental issues, fighting against discrimination or laws deemed unjust in Thailand.
"Her Life, Her Diary: Side By Side WHRDs 2018" is a one-day exhibition, which opens tomorrow on Bangkok Arts And Culture Centre's first floor and will be accompanied by a seminar and talk with several of the women human rights defenders featured in Duggleby's photographs, including National Human Rights Commission member Angkhana Neelapaijit, Chutima Chuenhuajai from Rak Ban Heang conservation environmental group, Asane Rodphol of the Southern Peasants Federation of Thailand, and several others.
This discussion, to take place around 10am, is an occasion to hear women activists exchange dialogue on the challenges they face and how they address them.
According to Protection International, at least 170 women human rights defenders based in rural areas have been the target of judicial harassment, from state and non-state actions between 2014-2017, due to their outspoken roles in the defence of the environment, land rights and equal access to natural resources.
Women human rights defenders in Thailand are subject to systematic violence and discrimination due to their identities and unyielding struggles for rights, equality and justice.
These individuals and informal networks have become vital in raising awareness and drawing attention to the issue, but also deserve recognition for their work and for building solidarity with local and global movements.
The exhibition, on display until 5pm, responds to this need to raise awareness on the many struggles and challenges these women face in their daily work to promote social justice and universally recognised human rights, but also to pay tribute to their outstanding tenacity and courage.
Call 080-970-7492.
