Sweden, UN agencies launch photography exhibition in Dhaka celebrating fatherhood

The Embassy of Sweden in Bangladesh, in collaboration with UNDP, UNFPA, and UN Women, launched a photography exhibition titled “Bangladeshi and Swedish Baba” on Thursday at Gulshan Lake Park, Dhaka.

A celebration of fatherhood, the exhibition is an effort to challenge traditional gender stereotypes while highlighting the evolving role of fathers in families and communities.

The exhibition, featuring 23 captivating photographs of selected Bangladeshi fathers showcasing their role as active caregivers involved in their children’s lives, will continue until 22 December 2024.

This initiative builds on the award-winning concept ‘Swedish Fathers’ by renowned Swedish photographer Johan Bävman. These visually compelling stories encourage a reimagining of modern fatherhood while promoting cross-cultural dialogue on parenting and gender equality.

A total of 23 fathers out of 100 submissions were selected through a month-long competition held online. The jury board included Nicolas Weeks, Swedish Ambassador to Bangladesh; Ms Gitanjali Singh, UN Women Representative; Mr Stefan Liller, UNDP Resident Representative; Mr Masaki Watabe, Representative a.i., UNFPA; Ms Sabina Yasmin, Senior Photographer at Prothom Alo; and Mr Saiful Huq Omi, Managing Director of Counter Foto.

Speaking at the launch event, Mr Nicolas Weeks, Swedish Ambassador to Bangladesh, said, “This exhibition provides a powerful platform for sparking meaningful dialogue about the evolving role of fathers in both the family and society. Through the ‘Bangladeshi and Swedish Baba’ exhibition, we aim to challenge traditional gender stereotypes and highlight the invaluable contributions of fathers as active caregivers.

"We hope this exhibition will inspire fathers to reflect on their role in shaping family life, promote a rethinking of modern fatherhood, and encourage new, more equitable approaches to parenting and gender equality," he added.

UN Women Representative Ms Gitanjali Singh said, “The 2021 Time Use Survey reveals that women in Bangladesh perform 7.6 times more domestic work than men. This is not just a number; it highlights barriers that create unequal opportunities and outcomes for women and girls in education, employment, leadership, and financial security across their lives.

“This imbalance is rooted in societal norms and stereotypes that define fathering through an outdated lens, placing a disproportionate burden of care on women. The Bangladesh Baba exhibition showcases men across generations breaking free from traditional roles, embracing more approachable and involved parenting to create a more equitable society.”

UNDP Resident Representative Mr Stefan Liller said, “This exhibition, in partnership with UNFPA, UN Women, and the Swedish Embassy, challenges established societal norms. By showcasing fathers as active caregivers, we aim to inspire more inclusive parenting practices and deepen discussions on gender equality, a key priority for UNDP.”

This exhibition primarily aims to promote meaningful dialogue around parenting practices, gender equality, and work-life balance. By showcasing stories that challenge traditional perceptions of fatherhood and highlight the positive impacts of engaged fathers, the exhibition seeks to inspire different approaches to parenting and gender roles.

UNFPA Representative a.i. Mr Masaki Watabe said, “This photo exhibition showcases the incredible power of fathers to shape their families and communities. These inspiring stories and photos encourage fathers to promote models of masculinity that encompass their role as more than just providers, but also caring partners who nurture, guide, and empower their children. Let's work together to create a future where every family is built on equality, empathy, and empowerment.”

mirmostafiz@yahoo.com