Portraits of Power Exhibition Honors Women Leaders From 15 Nations

At the historic Union Buildings in Pretoria, women who have influenced nations, challenged injustice and paved the way for future generations took center stage as the Portraits of Power exhibition was officially unveiled.

The Charlotte Mannya-Maxeke Institute (CMMI), in partnership with the Presidency of the Republic of South Africa, diplomatic missions and international partners, organized the exhibition as part of Women’s Month celebrations. The event also marks the 70th anniversary of the historic 1956 Women’s March.

The unveiling ceremony brought together diplomats, government representatives, artists and civil society members to honor the achievements and legacies of remarkable women from around the world.

Fifteen participating countries selected women whose lives represent courage, leadership, service and the pursuit of equality. Emerging South African artists created their portraits, bringing together diplomacy, history and contemporary African artistic expression.

Key Highlights:

• 15 countries celebrate women leaders through the Portraits of Power exhibition
• Mary Robinson honored for her human rights and climate justice work
• Exhibition calls for action to create greater opportunities for women

Among those honored are Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah; former Irish President Mary Robinson; Queen Marie of Romania; Panamanian President Mireya Moscoso; Kenyan environmentalist Wangari Maathai; Turkish aviator Sabiha Gökçen; Mozambican freedom fighter Josina Machel; Colombian political leader Trismila Rentería; Angolan liberation heroine Deolinda Rodrigues; Lithuanian military figure Emilija Pliaterytė; former Malawian President Joyce Banda; Singaporean activist Chan Choy Siong; and Australian Aboriginal rights advocate Mum Shirl.

Former President Mary Robinson, for her global legacy, her achievements in human rights, justice and sustainable development was chosen by the Embassy of Ireland.

Africa has always been of particular interest to Robinson, who, as president of Ireland, was the first woman to assume the role and as High Commissioner for Human Rights at the United Nations, played a prominent role in this role. As a member of the United Nations, she was a regular traveler on the continent, promoting human rights, peace, justice and good governance.

However, her recent research has been mainly centered on climate justice and the inequality of the effects of climate change on vulnerable communities, which are the ones that have contributed the least to climate change but are the ones that are most affected.

Bamanye Gugu created the portrait of Robinson, which was unveiled during the ceremony, and is an artist who lives in East London.

In a speech read on her behalf by Minister in the Presidency for Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Sindisiwe Chikunga, the Minister said women's celebration must go beyond symbolism.

“A portrait on your wall is a beginning, not a destination,” she said, calling for women to occupy their rightful place wherever decisions are made and power is exercised.

Chikunga urged institutions to move beyond commemorating women to creating meaningful opportunities for the next generation through access to education, capital, technology, leadership, networks and markets. The message was all the more relevant, as South Africa is currently commemorating the marchers who went to the Union Buildings in 1956 in protest against apartheid's pass laws.

The exhibition was officially opened at a ribbon-cutting ceremony, where the portraits were unveiled by the representatives of the countries involved. It's an art show and more than that. It's a call to re-think how history is told, whose history is remembered and how the contributions of women can be a source of inspiration for future generations.

The Portraits of Power exhibition will now be traveling to South Africa, to reach new audiences and to make the women portrayed not just a reflection of history but a symbol of possibility. Their portraiture may adorn walls, but their legacy should be defined and placed in classrooms, universities, communities, institutions and, most of all, in the dreams of the next generation of young women.