16 Days of Activism: Protesting against patriarchy

Mary Sibande and ActionAid South Africa (AASA) collaborate to mark 16 Days of Activism. In a ground-breaking project with the award winning artist, AASA unveils ‘Umhlangano’ (the gathering) at Gallery Momo in Johannesburg on November 30th.

You can bid to own this one-off artwork, and all the proceeds will help young women in South

Africa receive support and training about their rights.

“For me the piece represents unity: a gathering of young women fighting against inequality. It highlights that we need to stand together and become a force,” said Mary Sibande, after two weeks of working with four young women to conceive the ideas informing the artwork.

To get a place at the event, on Thursday 30th November, call Pule Nkwana on 083 514 8572.

An international bidder for Mary Sibande’s specially created artwork ‘Umhlangano’ said, “This is a celebratory piece, in my view, marking the end of patriarchy. It’s a totally unique collaboration with young women who endure the effects of patriarchy every day, but it signals an ending. The images resonate with retro depictions of destruction; the almost comic strip imagery calls out for change in how we treat and relate to women. Gender violence and child abuse is no comic matter – the irony looks us straight in the eye with this work. I can’t wait to bid again for Mary’s amazing work!”

To be present at the unveiling of ‘Umhlangano’ or to register to bid by call Pule Nkwana on 083 514 8572.

Last year’s auction provided the funds for AASA’s first-ever Girls’ Club Conference, where over 200 school girls worked together and issued guidelines for teachers to implement, in order to protect children from abuse at school.

Mary Sibande has donated her time and creative energies to communicate a message about women in our societies, and to help young women make the changes they want to see, with ActionAid’s support.

AASA’s Director, Fatima Shabodien says, “16 Days of Activism is an important moment to draw attention to the pandemic proportions of gender based violence in our country and the war against women’s bodies which is waged every day. In light of the dwindling funds for women’s rights work, it’s critical that we mobilise the required resources to continue with this life-saving work.”

We’re inviting everyone who wants to help young women in South Africa to get involved: Will you be the highest bidder?