By Her Side at Hoxton 253
Afghanaid presents a photography exhibition, By Her Side, showcasing the stories and strength of Afghan women.
by spectrum
Afghanaid is exhibiting an exclusive new photography exhibition – By Her Side – at Hoxton 253, Shoreditch.
The exhibition is a collaboration with photographers Kobra Akbari and Lynzy Billing.
It aims to showcase the resilience of Afghan women as they continue to battle an unimaginable humanitarian crisis.
Afghanaid works with all of the women featured, some in the remote areas of Afghanistan.
“Through photography I am able to communicate with people, society and culture,” said Akbari.
“Through photography I get to know my country. My biggest concern is portraying the situation of Afghan women and art.”
By Her Side
The exhibition launches Afghanaid’s summer appeal, also called By Her Side.
From June 30 to September 30, the UK government will match all public donations made to Afghanaid.
One hundred per cent of the matched funding unlocked will be used to support female livestock owners in remote rural Afghanistan.
Afghanaid will help them gain the skills, knowledge and tools they need to maximise the health and productivity of their animals and create a reliable source of food and income.
Half of the donations Afghanaid receives from the public will also support this work.
The other half will go towards supporting its general work across Afghanistan, supporting families to recover and rebuild their lives, adapt to climate change and strengthen their resilience to future crises.
Exhibition details and talks
The exhibition opens at Hoxton 253 gallery space on Friday, July 1.
It closes on Sunday, July 3.
Portraits are accompanied by short films and interactive content.
At 5pm on Saturday, July 2, there will be a series of short talks.
Speakers include Gulwali Passarlay, author of The Lightless Sky.
“Since the Taliban takeover last August, the situation in Afghanistan remains unimaginably tough,” said Passarlay.
“It is more important than ever to take time to celebrate the resilience of women across the country who have continued to provide for their families despite acute adversity.
“I visited Afghanaid’s head office in Kabul in February of this year and saw first-hand the impact of their invaluable work to support families through the current humanitarian crisis.
“I am thrilled to be speaking at this new exhibition and to support their exciting By Her Side campaign.”