Resonance Of Choice” Exhibition Promotes Reproductive Justice, Dismantles Stigma- Stakeholders
0
Ipas Nigeria Health Foundation, in collaboration with the Embassy of Sweden, Ipas Canada, has organised “Resonance of Choice” immersive sensory exhibition and art competition, bringing together art, advocacy, and dialogue to spotlight reproductive justice, safe abortion care, and bodily autonomy in Nigeria.
The grand finale of the Resonance of Choice Art Competition, which took place over the weekend in Abuja, drew development actors, creatives, health advocates and media professionals to discuss the human realities behind reproductive justice.
Dr Hadiza Thompson, Board Director, Medical Students for Choice, USA, said the event was organised to engage in conversations with participants on reproductive justice that has been buried in shame and stigma, using art and stories.
Thompson explained that it also provided an opportunity to highlight the stories of women and girls as well as explore how stigma and misinformation shape abortion care and reproductive health experiences in Nigeria.
According to her, “It is an opportunity to reiterate the fact that women should be allowed to choose when, how, in what manner and at what frequency they want to have pregnancy and children and exercise their sexual rights.”
She highlighted the need for proper medical standards and safety in reproductive health care, adding that” safe abortion is healthcare.”
One of the panellists, Hannatu Favour Asheolge, Founder, The Sarah Project, stressed the importance of using storytelling, short films and social media platforms to promote abortion care and reduce stigmatisation associated with abortion.
The exhibition featured artwork, photography, and storytelling designed to challenge misinformation, break the silence around sexual and reproductive health rights, and centre human-angle realities.
The exhibition further utilised art, storytelling, and interactive sensory experiences to destigmatise abortion care, promote bodily autonomy, and foster a deeper understanding of sexual and reproductive health rights.
Visual artists and creators contributed pieces exploring the theme of choice, with cash prizes awarded to exhibitors whose work best championed bodily autonomy.
Participants used the platform to discuss the intersection of personal rights, community health, and access to accurate healthcare information, highlighting both the social and medical realities of reproductive rights in Nigeria.
“Resonance of Choice” underscored the role of art and sensory experience in shifting public discourse and reducing stigma around reproductive health.
At the grand finale of the Resonance of Choice Art Competition, the organisers showcased bold, original works submitted by visual storytellers, photographers, and artists across Nigeria.
The winning creators were: Le’Ohaga Mmesomachi Venetia(first position), Odebiyi Glory Oluwanishola(second position ) and Adenugba Omolara Elizabeth(third position).
Recall that Ipas Nigeria Health Foundation works to expand access to comprehensive reproductive healthcare, including safe abortion care, through advocacy, training, research, and partnerships aimed at protecting reproductive rights and reducing preventable maternal deaths.
