‘Does She Travel Safe?’, presented by UNFPA in collaboration with AOD; an eye-opener for International Women’s Day 2019
The audio-visual installation for the exhibition was a collaboration with the Rotaract Club of AOD. The young designers took over an integral part of the inception and management of the installation while the structural and interior concept was designed by Rotaractor Abdul Basith. The exhibition and installation aimed to encourage the public to speak up, intervene and be the change against sexual harassment in public transport.
At the opening of the exhibition the Mayor of Colombo, Her Worship Rosy Senanayake, stated, “Sexual harassment in public transport is a priority national issue that needs continuous policy level action. It is important that women are part of the planning and implementation of development projects to ensure a holistic approach towards making Colombo a safer space for all women and girls.”
It is extremely important that young students get the opportunity to create awareness and instigate change in globally-relevant issues and as designers, there is great power to change the way people think and be part of the movement to change society and the world. Moving stories of women and girls who have been subjected to sexual harassment in public transport provided by the UNFPA were displayed at the installation and was open to the public from 2nd to 8th March at the Town Hall Grounds. Since the opening of the installation, it drew a crowd of variety of members in society from young students, parents as well as bus drivers, conductors and media.
The Rotaract Club of AOD played an active role in ensuring community engagement with the installation, guiding the visitor as well as supporting the Interior Design of the a ‘walk through bus’, which utilised the interior of a double decker bus to highlight the guidelines that private buses need to follow in Sri Lanka.
Bling Productions headed by AOD Alumni Marlon Jesudason, built and maintained the entire physical structure and interior design of the exhibition space, highlighting the importance of design for change and understanding how design plays a major role in engaging society with timely topics and inspiring thought, discussion and action.
Section 345 of the Penal Code of Sri Lanka recognises sexual harassment as a criminally punishable offence. If the perpetrator is convicted, the penalty is imprisonment up to five years and/or a fine. However, with societal pressure and mistrust in the legal system, not even half of the victims report the perpetrator. While sexual harassment on public transport is commonplace, it is still rare that a victim would stand up for herself or seek help. With this in mind, UNFPA initiated this campaign for International Women’s Day 2019 to draw attention to this issue as well as create awareness on what to do if you go through the same or see someone going through it in your presence.
The Rotaract Club of AOD was particularly passionate about the project, being involved from its inception and volunteering throughout the proceeding of the exhibition. It is a great platform to engage the community and contribute towards societal change through design.
AOD is a catalyst for change in South Asia, championing design driven innovation that goes beyond education and believes in driving change and inspiring young minds to think differently and take action to take society forward. With a strong sense of equality instilled in the minds of AOD’s young design students, it is imperative to be a part of global movements of this nature.
To find out more about Fashion, Fashion Marketing, Interior Design, Visual Communication Design and Motion Graphics & Animation Design, reach AOD Colombo on 0775727772, 011 5867772, AOD Kandy on 081 4 548322 email info@aod.lk or walk in between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday – AOD, 29, Lauries Road, Colombo 4. www.aod.lk