Bangladeshi and Swedish Baba' photography exhibition begins in Rajshahi on Saturday.. Photo : BSS

RAJSHAHI, Feb 2, 2025 (BSS)- A photography exhibition has been launched here to mark the celebration of fatherhood, challenging traditional gender stereotypes and highlighting the evolving role of fathers in families and communities.

 The weeklong event titled "Bangladeshi and Swedish Baba" was inaugurated at the open stage on the bank of the River Padma on Saturday afternoon featuring 23 captivating photographs of selected Bangladeshi fathers showcasing their role as active caregivers involved in their children's lives.
 
The Embassy of Sweden in Bangladesh is hosting the exhibition in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and UN Women as an effort to challenge traditional gender stereotypes through highlighting the evolving role of fathers in families and communities.

 Resident Representative of UNDP Bangladesh Stefan Liller and its Story Teller Sadia Rahman, Head of Mission and Head of Development Corporation of Swedish Embassy Maria Strideman and Chief Community Development Officer Azizur Rahman addressed the inaugural ceremony.

Primarily, this exhibition aims to promote meaningful dialogue around parenting practices, gender equality and work-life balance.

 It also seeks to inspire different approaches to parenting and gender roles by showcasing stories that challenge traditional perceptions of fatherhood and highlight the positive impacts of engaged fathers.
 
Addressing the opening ceremony, UNDP Resident Representative Stefan Liller said the exhibition provides a powerful platform for sparking meaningful dialogue about the evolving role of fathers in both the family and society.

 Time has come to challenge traditional gender stereotypes and highlight the invaluable contributions of fathers as active caregivers through the exhibition.

 "We hope this exhibition will inspire fathers to reflect on their role in shaping family life, promote a rethinking of modern fatherhood, and encourage new, more equitable approaches to parenting and gender equality," he added."

"By showcasing fathers as active caregivers, we aim to inspire more inclusive parenting practices and deepen discussions on gender equality, a key priority for the UNDP," he opined.

 Maria Strideman also mentioned that the exhibition challenges established societal norms.