The "Ordinary Objects" exhibition, a poignant exploration of gender-based violence issue in Kazakhstan, has crossed borders, arriving at the UN Palais des Nations in Geneva following a successful launch in Astana.
The exhibition, which initially opened in Astana on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, marking the start of the 16 Days of Activism campaign, has opened in UN Palais des Nations.
Showcasing 16 seemingly mundane objects, the exhibition unveils the harrowing stories of violence they conceal. Each object, from a child's toy to a kitchen utensil, represents a real case of abuse drawn from police reports and crisis centres across Kazakhstan, where a woman or child became a survivor of violence.
The exhibition's impactful display in Geneva, opened by influential figures including Mr. Yerlan Alimbayev (Permanent Representative of Kazakhstan at UN Geneva), Ms. Tatyana Valovaya (Director of UN Geneva), Ms. Elmira Azimova (Ombudsperson for Kazakhstan), Ms. Monica Ferro (Head of UNFPA in Geneva), and Ms. Adriana Quinones (Head of Geneva Liaison Office of UN Women), further amplifies its crucial message.
"Ordinary Objects" serves as a powerful reminder of the global epidemic of gender-based violence, where 137 women tragically lose their lives daily at the hands of family members. By bringing these hidden stories to light, the exhibition encourages dialogue and action towards a world free from violence against women.