The "No Woman’s Land” Exhibition Spotlights Plight of Afghan Women

Three members of the HEC Imagine program attended the opening of a major exhibition in Paris depicting the realities of Afghan women under the Taliban regime. HEC Imagine Fellow Lima Safi -from Afghanistan herself), project manager Agnes Tourneix and HEC lecturer Charles Autheman share their thoughts on the month-long event which goes on until December 18 outside the Musée d'Orsay of Paris.

For the past decade, the Fondation Carmignac has been supporting excellence in documentary photography with its  annual Photojournalism award. Centered on pressing human right and environmental issues, this award supports photojournalists and researchers in their efforts to document some of the most powerful stories of our times. The latest exhibition, No Woman’s Land is dedicated to the dramatic situation of women’s rights in Afghanistan under the Taliban regime.

Exhibiting the works of Iranian-Canadian photographer Kiana Hayeri and French researcher Mélissa Cornet, the 80 photos offer a journey into several provinces of Afghanistan to better understand the realities women and girls are facing. The powerful images are the product of the two laureates’ six month journey to seven provinces in Afghanistan. The exhibition also includes sketches by Mélissa Cornet and background information on the evolution of women’s rights since the August 2021 fall of Kabul into the hands of the Taliban troops.

The three HEC visitors to the exhibition explored the different issues presented by the photographer and academic, navigating between the outside and the inside, metaphorically represented through movable partitions, windows, veils and curtains. The outside (the public sphere) is the general space of oppression where rights are restricted, and interactions strictly limited. The inside (the home) is shown as a fragile sanctuary for women and girls to interact and continue to exist, a last shelter from the tyranny outside.

For Lima Safi, the exhibition was a particularly powerful experience, offering a “small trip” back to her country of origin. Recalling this experience, she wrote the following recollection:

“As I wandered through the gallery, I felt a deep connection to my home country, overwhelmed by a mix of emotions and memories. The photographs told powerful stories of resilience and strength. Each image revealed different aspects of Afghan women's lives, some depicted their daily struggles, while others captured their unyielding spirit and hopes for the future. From the bustling markets of Kabul to the tranquil landscapes of rural Afghanistan, the exhibition showcased the complexity of Afghan women's experiences, a narrative often overlooked in mainstream media.

One photograph that particularly struck me was printed on a veil. It featured a woman standing alone in the snow, lost in thought as she gazed at the vast white landscape before her. This haunting image resonated deeply, encapsulating a myriad of emotions and stories.

The exhibition offered a space for reflection and conversation, inviting us to engage with the realities faced by Afghan women. It highlighted their roles as caregivers, educators, and activists, often at great personal risk. I left feeling both proud and saddened - proud of their courage and resilience, yet heartbroken over the challenges they continue to face.

Attending the exhibition was more than just a visual experience; it reminded me of the rich tapestry of Afghan culture and the unwavering spirit of its women. The exhibition not only brought me back to my roots but also deepened my understanding of the incredible resilience that defines Afghan women today.”

Practical information about the exhibition
 

Réfectoire des Cordeliers

From 25 October to 18 November 2024

15 rue de l’école de Médecine, Paris (Odéon metro station)

Monday to Sunday, 11am-7pm

Free admission, no prior booking required

Port de Solférino, In front of the Musée d'Orsay

From 31 October to 18 December

Port de Solférino, 75007 Paris

Outdoor exhibition, free access, open to the public 24/7

In partnership with the City of Paris