Until this digital era, technology never fully supplanted art when it came to communicating significant messages. Since humans inhabited caves until now, visual arts have persisted as an influential channel, acting as the premier method of human interaction. Regardless of whether the intent is political, economic, or social, art continues to be among the most potent instruments for delivering messages to specific groups.
Therefore, visual arts possess a significant power to depict the complex aspects of migration, especially focusing on the daily lives of female migrants. By employing evocative and potent visuals and symbols, these artists can capture both the emotional and physical obstacles encountered by migrant women, illuminating their hardships and fortitude.
Lately, an art exhibition titled ‘Her Story’ was held in Addis Ababa, portraying the hardship and the struggles that women pass through in their efforts to improve their lives. Staged at The Space Ethiopia Art Center (formerly Post Gallery) the Exhibition featured a range of visual artworks demonstrating the challenges women face during illegal migration.
At an exhibit showcasing various forms of visual art, one particular piece highlighted the difficulties faced by women throughout their journeys. Painted on a vast canvas, this artwork portrays a distinct trail of footprints traversing through a desert scene. Initially, these tracks appear clear and well-defined at the outset of the depicted trek. Yet, as the pathway extends further, the imprints gradually become fainter until they ultimately lose much of their original clarity. Created by an artist from Eastern Africa, this composition serves as a poignant reminder of the countless female migrants who tragically lost their lives amid arid expanses while pursuing improved circumstances for themselves.
As indicated by the Exhibition’s organizer, Frehiwot Demisse, migration is one of the horrible experiences individual migrants face. This is especially true for women, who took the perilous journey of illegal migration in search of a better life abroad.
“Her Story” was organized to demonstrate the life threatening experiences many women endure during illegal migration, said Frehiwot. The exhibition displayed several photographs that depict the harshest journeys women often face while crossing borders.
According to her, the exhibition showcases visual artworks by six artists from East African countries, and two from Ethiopian artists. “The main theme of the exhibition is to raise global awareness about migration; that migration is a global issue that impacts not only individual migrant but also their respective families and the entire nations as well. Women, particularly from East African countries, are seriously affected by migration because of conflicts and civil wars. Those who migrate illegally through illegal routes are often face gender based violence; including rape, sexual assaults, exploitation, forced labor, and other serious challenges.
Tragically, there are instances that many women lose their lives in the desert which is unbearable for humans, she explained. “These women did not choose the illegal routes because they are adventurers. Rather, they did it because it was the only option they had to transform their own and their families’ lives. Whenever women face life threatening situations that affect their families, they do not hesitate to act. They take whatever steps necessary to rescue the lives of their families; and migration is one of the ways they take to secure a better future and financial stability for their families.
What is more, conflict and internal displacement forces women to look for safer places for themselves and their family. Under these circumstances they may face several forms of challenges, she added.
According to Frehiwot, there is nothing good about war, and, it is women, the elderly and children who are always the victims of all forms of conflict and war. Women are the ones who would be forced to flee from their villages; carrying their children and other members of families.
Every time we discuss migration, we aren’t suggesting that all migrations result in catastrophe. We must acknowledge that some women have reached their destinations safely and transformed their circumstances. These stories highlight these women’s dedication to building a brighter future both for themselves and their loved ones.
“The impacts of war and conflict are more severe for women and children than men; and several reasons can be mentioned for this. In addition to the physical vulnerabilities, women are the primary caregivers of their children and senior members of the family. For that reason they could not run freely as men do. This in turn leads them to additional risks: including sexual harassment and other related threats. These challenges are not only war time challenges. They will continue to affect women for the rest of their lives- physically and psychologically. But its intensity is high in times of conflict and war. This was what those East African artists tried to show to the world,” she remarked.
These everyday challenges faced by women in numerous East African nations often involve conflicts and internal displacements. To tackle this issue, the Ethiopian administration aims to foster enduring peace within its borders. By engaging diplomatically, they encourage nearby states to adopt peaceful discussions for the benefit of their citizens. Additionally, leveraging every possible avenue, the government assists Ethiopian women seeking employment overseas by collaborating with destination countries. Moreover, Ethiopia provides refuge to hundreds of thousands of displaced individuals, ensuring them safety and job prospects.
The ability of visual arts to depict the migration stories of women has a powerful effect. This goes beyond enhancing cultural tales; it sparks dialogues capable of driving societal transformation. Through acknowledging and promoting these narratives via creative mediums, we can gain deeper insight into the complex fabric of migration and its significant influence on women globally.
Through mediums such as painting, photography, installations, and murals, artists narrate tales of dislocation, optimism, and reunification, giving a platform to voices often silenced. Artworks focusing on topics like familial estrangement, the pursuit of security, and personal identity strike a profound chord, forcing viewers to confront the stark truths of these women’s existence. Using an approach centered around individual humanity, creators cultivate compassion and insight, sparking broader conversations about the impacts of immigration laws and gender-related abuse.
BY LEULSEGED WORKU
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD THURSDAY, May 1, 2025
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