Gender-based violence is one of the most serious and widespread violations of the basic rights of women, particularly on the African continent. In Africa, gender discrimination is both one of the causes as well as an aggravating factor contributing to the perpetuation and impunity of women’s access to justice.

This is the context for the adapted and expanded West Africa version of the currently traveling contemporary art exhibition Off the Beaten Path: Violence, Women and Art,. Its mission: to promote awareness of the root causes of violence against women and girls, create empathy for women’s stories, foster a dialogue about the pervasiveness of violence against women, and inspire the belief that women and girls can be empowered with new behavioral choices. The project combines the highest integrity of art and storytelling with important social messaging.

The goal of the exhibition is to help create a new conversation on the full spectrum of issues that surround this important topic within Africa. “Off the Beaten Path/AFIRCA” explores various definitions of violence against women and girls as it relates to the themes of: Violence and the Individual; Violence and the Family; Violence and the Community; Violence and Culture; Violence and Politics. These are also the organizing principles for the structure of the exhibition.

For more information email Info@ArtWorksforChange.org