The message is clear at Cartier’s Women’s Pavilion and exhibition in Expo 2020 Dubai: when women thrive, humanity thrives.
Aside from being home to an exhibition called “New Perspectives,” the Women’s Pavilion, which is open until March 31, 2022, will also host a variety of meaningful dialogues, inspirational talks and discussions on gender equality and women empowerment. It also aims to drive tangible, collaborative action that can be shared with the world.
Upon arriving, visitors can expect to be taken away by the façade – a truly unique piece of art designed by a diverse community of creators and artists. Interior architect Laura Gonzalez contributed to the design of the upper part of the façade, together with Dubai-born artist Kholoud Shara and French light designer Pauline David. eL Seed’s unique artwork takes over the lower part of the façade. His calligraphy is a poem that pays tribute to a female activist from the 1950s, who advocated for women’s rights in Nepal. Upon entering on the ground floor, visitors will walk through five structures, each with a different narrative.
The Introduction Room
The opening section expresses the purpose of the Pavilion through the eyes of children in a film directed by Nadine Labaki, the first female Arab director to be nominated for an Oscar in the category for Best Foreign Language Film. The film showcases how enabling young women and girls to fulfill their dreams and chart their own destinies can drive social progress and help to create a more inclusive society.
Achievements Room
This section shines a light on women’s positive impact on the world. Visitors are immersed in a cosmic universe, where they can see female figures as stars. Each constellation focuses on a woman’s achievement, intended to show that a more equal, safer, open- minded world is key to empowerment.
Challenges Room
In this section, visitors will be shown the factors that are still holding women back in areas such as education, politics and peace building, safety and wellbeing, basic needs, economic independence and impact of COVID-19
Solutions Room
In this section highlights initiatives that enable women to thrive so that humanity can thrive, each wall outlines how various individuals are helping to develop solutions to specific challenges for women and the world. It also serves as an ode to women champions who fight for access and make the world a better place.
On the upper first floor is another immersive exhibition curated by Mélanie Laurent, French actress, screenwriter and director, showcasing stories of women from all over the world as they navigate through their experiences.
Expo 2020 Dubai and Cartier will celebrate International Women’s Day on 8 March 2022 by hosting a global forum under the theme of “Creating New Perspectives.” Follow the Women’s Pavilion’s Instagram page @womenspavilion.
