A new exhibition about women’s safety in cities featuring the work of local photographer Stephanie Simcox has opened at the Sydney’s University of Technology. The exhibition compliments ActionAid Australia’s Safe Cities for Women Campaign – that seeks to raise global awareness of women’s rights in urban environments.
Late last year, Stephanie travelled to Cambodia and Bangladesh and met with women in capital cities Phnom Penh and Dhaka, documenting their stories in a series of photographs. Since then she has been working with ActionAid to share the stories of the women she met while overseas with Australians.
“My visit was a real eye-opener. The issues ActionAid’s Safe Cities for Women Campaign is responding to are not always immediately apparent to a visitor,” said Simcox. “Safety in cities is relative everywhere in the world. That’s what makes this campaign global. Even in Sydney there are places I would avoid at night as a woman.
“I wanted Australians to see how women on the other side of the world live. The best way I knew how to do this was through pictures. I met many inspiring and resilient women and have tried to respectfully share a bit of their world and their struggle. Through these photos I hope to bring some awareness home and spread initiative in creating safe cities for women.
“The Safe Cities for Women Campaign is particularly important in the Global South and for women living in urban poverty. I have seen first-hand the work that ActionAid is doing mobilising local women as the campaign builds globally. Everyone should be able to move freely through their city whether it be to work, university or for social engagements without the threat of being harassed, abused or discriminated against.”
Safe Cities for Women
UTS Tower Exhibition Space, 15 Broadway Ultimo
Exhibition continues to 30 November 2015
Free entry
For more information, visit: www.actionaid.org for details.
Image: Stephanie Simcox, Woman at Night, Gazipur, Bangladesh 2014