The internationally celebrated poster show on gender-based inequality, violence, and discrimination comes to The Branch Museum of Architecture and Design.
RICHMOND, VA – August 29, 2023 – A graphic design exhibition titled Women’s Rights are Human Rights will be on view at The Branch Museum of Architecture and Design from October 6th, 2023, through February 17th, 2024. In their collective visual voice, the posters speak from various backgrounds to address globally intersecting themes of gender-based inequality, violence, and discrimination. Designed by both women and men, the posters reflect the idea that all citizens must play a vital role in protecting and advancing human rights.
Women’s Rights are Human Rights was originally curated by Elizabeth Resnick, Professor Emerita, Graphic Design Massachusetts College of Art and Design, Boston. In her curator’s statement, Resnick says “Gender inequalities remain deeply entrenched in every society. Women lack access to decent work and face occupational segregation and gender wage disparities. Women are often denied access to basic education and health care, suffer from violence and discrimination, and are under-represented in political and economic decision-making processes.”
The Branch will host programs and events dedicated to spreading the message created by Women’s Rights are Human Rights, “We feel that this exhibition of graphic design work by such a diverse group of artists is a strong example of how design can make an impact on everyday life. By bringing attention to this topic and providing space for dynamic discussions, we can inspire change in our community,” said The Branch’s Deputy Director, Heather Ernst.
The term women’s rights are human rights was used as early as the 1830s but was famously coined in a speech by Hilary Rodham Clinton in 1995. “If the term women’s rights were to be interchangeable with the term human rights the world community would be a better place because human rights affect the women who raise the world’s children, care for the elderly, run companies, work in hospitals, right for better education and better health care,” said Clinton.
Although they vary in language, message, and purpose, the posters create a unified voice that boldly declares that women’s rights are human rights.
About The Branch Museum of Architecture and Design (or The Branch):
The Branch Museum of Architecture and Design – housed in a 1919 John Russell Pope building on the National Register of Historic Places – explores the impact of design in everyday life, working with individuals and communities to create a more equitable, beautiful, and productive future. Through thought-provoking exhibitions, we aim to spark creativity, joy, and appreciation for design excellence. Through forward-thinking programs, we empower people to recognize and advance successful design solutions to better lives.
General Information:
The Branch Museum of Architecture and Design is located at 2501 Monument Avenue, Richmond, VA 23220. The museum is open to the public Tuesday through Saturday 10am – 5pm, and Sundays 1pm – 5pm. Admission in pay-what-you-can. For general information please call 804-655-6055 or visit www.branchmuseum.org.
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About Women’s Rights are Human Rights:
Organized and curated by Professor Emerita Elizabeth Resnick, Massachusetts College of Art and Design, Boston. Learn more at www.womensrightsarehumanrights.org.
Image Credits:
Fight Like RBG 2016 © Nigel Buchanan
Allowed 2013 © Mohammad R. Sharaf
New Forms of Slavery 2002 © Antonio Mena
My Body My Rights 2017 © Ewa Wein