In support of the Global 16 Days Campaign against Gender-Based Violence, the Wilson Center proudly presented, “Celebrating Women,”an art exhibition highlighting female artists from around the globe.

Around the world, women and girls are targeted, abused, and killed because of their gender. The United Nations estimates that 1 in 3 women will experience some form of violence during their lifetime.  The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated already devastatingly high rates of gender-based violence (GBV).

Each year, the Wilson Center participates in the 16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence Campaign to amplify the visibility of the global issue of violence against women and girls. This year, the Wilson Center is highlighting the intersection between GBV and women’s economic and financial inclusion.

Job loss and financial instability resulting from the pandemic have been identified as potential drivers of increased domestic abuse and intimate partner violence against women. Economic independence has been shown to be a helpful tool in reducing GBV and improving the lives of survivors. This year, the Wilson Center is hosting female artists from around the world to highlight women as active contributors to society as a demonstration of solidarity to survivors of violence and all women and girls.

This exhibition would not have been possible without the support from Ambassador Mark Green and the Wilson Center programs and staff, Qatar-America Institute of Culture, Québec Bureau Washington, the Inter-American Development Bank, World Bank, ROFA Projects, and the Embassies of Argentina, Colombia, Ecuador, Jordan, Qatar, Mexico, Panama, Dominican Republic, and Uruguay.