This Mother’s Day, World Vision is inviting Victorians to take a journey along the road to safe motherhood in sub-Saharan Africa by attending Motherhood Matters, a stunning exhibition of photographs that showcases the experience of mothers in rural African communities.
The free photo exhibition will be held at the Atrium Community Gallery at Federation Square from the 5 to 13 of May and looks at some of the challenges faced by mothers and the vital work being done to improve maternal health in Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Tanzania and Rwanda.
Mother’s Day on May 11 will further evoke the sound and spirit of Africa as the exhibition plays host to two African dance and drum performances by Asanti Dance Theatre at 12 and 2pm, near the Visitors Centre at Federation Square.
World Vision’s East Africa Program Advisor, Margy Dowling, said that the event is aimed at raising Victorians’ awareness of maternal and child health issues in Africa ahead of Mother’s Day.
“This exhibition showcases some of the most beautiful and touching photos from East Africa that World Vision Australia and Anglican Overseas Aid have been fortunate enough to capture. It’s a real celebration of motherhood and the common bond that exists between many mothers and their children, with a special focus on East Africa,” Ms Dowling said.
“We want people to be able to absorb the stories of these mothers and their children and to develop their understanding of the difficulties they face living in developing African countries, as well as to find out about what is being done to improve their health,” Ms Dowling explained.
Since 2011, World Vision has been working with the Australian Government to deliver the East Africa Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Project in Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda.
Anglican Overseas Aid is working with nomadic pastoralist communities in Ethiopia and Kenya to improve maternal and child health, through their project The Road Less Travelled.
Both projects aim to boost maternal, newborn and child survival by improving the quality, supply and community utilisation of health services and promoting positive health practices for mothers and children.
Motherhood Matters is proudly presented by World Vision Australia and Anglican Overseas Aid, with support from the Australian Government.
Find out more information and preview some of the photographs that will be showcased in Motherhood Matters here.
High-resolution versions of the photos to be displayed at the exhibition are available for media use.
Media contact: Jessica Ciccotelli on 0402 971 225 or jessica.ciccotelli@worldvision.com.au