A powerful photovoice exhibition titled “Silent frames, loud voices” organized by Ipas and partners took place at an art gallery in Dhanmondi, Bangladesh. The evocative event featured 26 compelling photo stories captured by youth volunteers highlighting critical issues related to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR).
The exhibition was organized by Ipas Bangladesh and SERAC-Bangladesh, in collaboration with partner organizations BAPSA, OGSB, and RHSTEP, under a project funded by Global Affairs Canada through the HealthBridge Foundation.
The photos and stories, curated by youth volunteers from local communities, captured the challenges faced by women and adolescents, particularly those living in low-income urban areas of Dhaka. The exhibition attracted a diverse audience, including government officials from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives, as well as representatives from international nonprofits, media, development partners and community members.
Youth volunteer answers questions about her photovoice project.
The photovoice initiative aimed to provide a platform for individuals within the community to voice their concerns, highlight their perspectives and drive positive change. Ipas Bangladesh provided technical support for the event, assisting SERAC Bangladesh in organizing training for youth volunteers in photography and storytelling techniques. These volunteers collected approximately 50 photos from their communities, which illustrated the ongoing challenges in accessing sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) services and issues related to sexual and gender-based violence.
Of the collected photos, 26 were selected for the exhibition. The personal narratives that accompanied the photos shed light on the current SRHR landscape and the obstacles faced by women and adolescents in underserved areas. The powerful imagery moved attendees, prompting discussions on the need for improved reproductive health services, including menstrual regulation (the term used in Bangladesh to refer to abortion), post-abortion care, contraceptive access and addressing gender-based violence.
Youth volunteer poses with his photovoice project.
Ipas Bangladesh, committed to empowering marginalized communities and influencing SRHR decision-making, hopes to use these photovoice stories to continue advocating for better SRHR outcomes across the region.
“By showcasing these photo stories, we aim to stimulate meaningful dialogue, foster empathy and inspire action,” states Project Director Dr. Ziaul Ahsan of Ipas Bangladesh. “It is our sincere hope that these authentic and compelling visuals will serve as a catalyst for positive change and contribute to a more inclusive and informed approach to addressing SRHR challenges in Dhaka and beyond.”