“I Was Born a Girl” - Art and Poetry Exhibition on Women’s Rights at the Palais des Nations in Geneva
The opening ceremony, held at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, took place in the presence of prominent figures, including EU Ambassador Lotte Knudsen, Finnish Ambassador Heidi Schroderus-Fox, and Deputy Head of the German Mission to the UN Nikola Gillhoff. Each emphasised the need for collective action to address gender-based inequalities. Ambassador Knudsen’s speech resonated with a powerful message: “Gender equality is not just about fairness; it is about unlocking the full potential of every individual, ensuring that women and girls have the same opportunities to thrive, contribute, and lead.”
At the heart of the exhibition are portraits of world-changing women who symbolise the rights enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. Among them are Malala Yousafzai, Tarja Halonen, Mahbouba Seraj, and Dr. Musonda Mumda, Secretary General of the Convention on Wetlands, who attended the opening and saw her portrait for the first time.
The portraits were realised by the Finnish artist Minna Pietarinen. Her work in “I Was Born a Girl” centers on the empowerment of women and girls, drawing inspiration from real-world figures who have fought for gender equality. Through her art, Pietarinen aims to not only tell stories but to spark dialogue and action on the rights of women and girls. During the opening ceremony, Pietarinen gave a moving speech in which she shared how her own personal journey and experiences have shaped her deep commitment to gender equality, making her art both a reflection of her life and a call for justice.
The opening event was further highlighted by a poignant dance performance from Swiss dancer Manon Leresche, who addressed the issue of gender-based violence through movement, adding a deeply emotional layer to the exhibition's themes.
Co-curated by Peppi Stünkel, the exhibition “I Was Born a Girl” serves as a platform for advocacy, art, and storytelling, with each piece portraying both the challenges and triumphs faced by women around the world. It remains open to visitors at the Palais des Nations until September 20, offering an opportunity for delegates and guests of the Human Rights Council to reflect on the ongoing struggle for gender equality and the critical importance of safeguarding women’s rights.
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