Art Blog #112

Shamsia Hassani - Shining a light on gender apartheid through art!

Gender apartheid refers to the economic and social discrimination against individuals based on their gender or sex, enforced through physical or legal practices that relegate them to subordinate positions. It is characterized by systemic oppression, segregation, and exclusion of women and girls from public life, education, and political participation. The term is often used to describe the situation of women and girls in countries like Afghanistan and Iran, where their rights are infringed, and they are denied full participation in society.

Wikipedia

'Heartbroken' set of prints by Shamsia Hassani

Afghanistan Human Rights Violations

Key Restrictions Imposed by the Taliban:

1. Education:

   The Taliban has banned girls from attending school beyond the sixth grade, severely limiting their educational opportunities and future prospects.

   
   

2. Employment:

   Women have faced significant restrictions on their ability to work, with many being barred from employment altogether, including in humanitarian sectors.

   
   

3. Freedom of Movement:

   Women are often required to have a male guardian accompany them when leaving their homes, and many everyday activities, such as visiting parks or gyms, have been prohibited.

   
   

4. Legal and Social Rights:

5. Women seeking legal recourse for domestic violence or other issues often face discrimination and are discouraged from pursuing justice.

   
   

About the Artist:

Shamsia Hassani

​

Born April 1988, is the first female graffiti artist of Afghanistan. Through her artworks, Shamsia portrays Afghan women in a male dominant society.

Her art gives Afghan women a different face, a face with power, ambitions, and willingness to achieve goals. The woman character used in her artworks portrays a human being who is proud, loud, and can bring positive changes to people’s lives. During the last decade of post-war era in Afghanistan, Shamsia’s works have brought in a huge wave of color and appreciation to all the women in the country.

Her artworks have inspired thousands of women around the world and has given a new hope to female Afghan artists in the country. She has motivated hundreds of Afghans to bring in their creativity through her graffiti festival, art classes, and exhibitions in different countries around the world.

www.connorcontemporary.com