Fatherhood in Egypt and Sweden in focus at Photo Exhibit
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The exhibit consists of photos from Egypt and Sweden, portraying the universal role of fatherhood, promoting cultural exchange and gender equality, and is a joint undertaking by the Swedish Institute, the Embassy of Sweden in Cairo, the National Council for Women, UN Women Egypt, as well as Al Ismaelia for Real Estate Investment and Soma Arts School and Gallery.
“This is an opportunity to take a closer look at the important role fathers have in the lives of their children, and how this impacts not only their family but society as a whole,” said Mr. Jan Thesleff, the Ambassador of Sweden to Egypt. “Such artistic initiatives are an excellent way to create cultural dialogue around important topics such as gender equality.”
“The most important message from today’s exhibit is that fatherhood is a decision to bear responsibility,” said Dr. Maya Morsy, the President of the National Council for Women. “The father has the principle responsibility to ensure his family and children’s sense of stability and security.”
“We strongly believe in the important role that men play in achieving gender equality. Women’s rights can’t be achieved without critical contribution of men; and only when both men and women enjoy equal rights we can be reassured of being on the right development track,” said Ms. Blerta Aliko, UN Women Country Representative. “Children always look up to their fathers who shape their personalities and characters; therefore, it is essential to feature positive role models and a strong way to do so is through using art that appeals to a wide audience.”
Background about the exhibition
Egyptian Dads is a photo exhibition that aims to show examples of Egyptian fathers who share responsibility for taking care of their children, participating in the daily lives of their daughters and sons, playing, reading, laughing, teaching, cooking, and other acts of support and love. The exhibit by the National Council for Women aims to highlight the stories of engaged Egyptian dads who share responsibility for child care with their partners, with the aim to nurture a more gender equal generation, with stable and happy homes for a more productive society.
Swedish Dads is a photo exhibition based on portraits of Swedish fathers who choose to stay home with their children – paternal leave – for at least six months. Photographer Johan Bävman examines why these fathers have chosen to stay home with their children, what experience it has given them, and how their relationship with both their partners and their children has changed as a result. The exhibition aims to show the effects of gender equality in parenting on both individuals and society.
Background about “Because I am a Man” Campaign
A social media campaign under the title of “Because I’m a Man” was launched as a collaboration between the National Council for Women and UN Women, aiming at raising awareness about the positive role of men in achieving gender equality and women empowerment, changing negative stereotypes related to gender roles including household roles and responsibilities, fatherhood, violence against women, employment and other subjects. It also highlights positive role models of men and youth who have supported the achievement of gender equality. Campaign champions include prominent male figures: the Egyptian footballer Mohamed Salah and various other celebrities including the Tunisian actor Dhafer Al Abedin, the TV presenter Osama Kamal, the rap artist Zap Tharwat, the script writer Mohamed Hefzy and many others. This campaign reached more than 7 million followers.