Designer and Art Director Mustafa Karakas created a poster campaign focused on women’s rights in today’s society and in different cultures. The individual posters show a calla lily in various renditions, each representing a type of violation of women’s rights. The series was awarded the SI Germany Prize in 2015.
These motifs symbolise women who are….
Repressed
Stop systematically repressing women and girls!
The systematic repression of and discrimination against women and girls are still widespread practices today. In many countries of the world women do not have the same rights as men under the law, nor are women treated equally by the courts. Women are still not given the chance to freely express their opinions or to defend their position. Many girls are repressed by their own parents or other relatives, and women victims suffer daily under emotional stress. This repression often leads to mental health issues and even suicide. Repressing women is a crime, which is why Soroptimists Stand Up in defence of these women.
Mutilated
Stop mutilating young women and girls!
Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a cruel tradition, which is still practised in more than 28 countries today. Millions of girls and young women are affected worldwide. This horrific procedure involves cutting or removal of some or all of the external female genitalia. It is a ritual practice performed on girls from infancy to adolescence without any medical justification. Many victims die as a result of this procedure or suffer life-long painful consequences. FGM is a dangerous and vile ritual, which destroys women’s lives. Soroptimists Stand Up against FGM as a violation of women’s rights!
Forced to marry
Stop forcing women and girls to marry!
Although it is a clear violation of personal rights and freedom, the forced marriage of girls and young women is a widespread tradition in some parts of the world. When parents choose whom their daughter should marry, it deprives those affected of their right to take free decisions and to self-determination. These young wives live in fear and suffer from emotional stress, which can lead to suicide. Soroptimists Stand Up against forced marriage as a violation of human rights!
Mistreated
Stop mistreating women and girls!
Mistreatment and abuse of women are widespread crimes throughout the world. Millions of women are victims of domestic violence. They are beaten, tortured, berated and even raped by their partners. In many cases the abuse is so bad that medical attention is necessary. Victims live in constant fear, and yet they are often too frightened to seek help from family, friends or the law. Domestic violence occurs in all social classes and can lead to anxiety, insomnia, depression and suicide. Society, politics and the courts must address this issue. Soroptimists stand up to defend the victims of this crime and to demand an end to impunity!