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A group of people, some seated and some standing, hold up awards and smile at the camera. They are dressed in a mix of formal and traditional attire. A few banners in the background display logos and text, and the flags of Canada and Bangladesh are partially visible.

September 6, 2024

News | Youth
Md. Eklas Uddin
Senior Advisor, Communications and Social Behavior Change

‘Silent frames, loud voices’ youth photovoice exhibition unveils community stories in Bangladesh

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.

A group of people stand in an art gallery, closely observing framed pieces of text and images displayed on the wall. One woman in the front wears a white sweater and has braided hair. The wall displays detailed artworks or documents with accompanying descriptions.

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.

A man with a beard and dark hair, wearing a teal kurta and white shawl, stands in front of a wall displaying three framed informational posters. The posters contain text and images, possibly part of an exhibition. The room appears to be a gallery or display area.

Youth volunteer poses with his photovoice project.

Stakeholders and guests praised the initiative for not only serving as a form of artistic expression but also for being a catalyst for social change. By bringing attention to these pressing issues, the photovoice exhibition contributed to raising awareness and advocating for enhanced SRHR services in urban low-income areas.
A man in a red tie speaks at a podium in front of an audience. Behind him, a banner reads "Silent Frames Loud Voices: Exploring SRHR through Community Lens," with logos from Ipsos and Global Affairs Canada. Five seated men are on stage, attentively listening.
“Our highest acknowledgement goes to the youth volunteers who generously contributed their time, skills, and creativity in collecting stories and capturing photos—their enthusiasm and selfless dedication has been truly inspiring.”
-Dr. Sayed Rubayet

Country Director, Ipas Bangladesh

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.”