Humanitarian Rabia Siddique to feature in global exhibition on feminine power
Perth based humanitarian Rabia Siddique has been chosen by the British Museum to feature as one of five strong global female voices on Feminine Power.
Rabia is the only woman from the Asia Pacific region to feature in The Citi exhibition Feminine Power: the divine to the demonic - which opens in London on May 19 before coming to the Australian National Museum in Canberra in December and travelling to other parts of the globe.
Announcing the development on International Women’s Day, a statement from the British Museum said the exhibition represented the first time special guest contributors had been invited to share their personal and professional experiences when responding to featured themes.
The five themes include Passion and Desire, Magic and Malice, Forces of Nature, Justice and Defence and Compassion and Salvation.
Rabia, a former British Army officer and barrister specialising in war crimes, terrorism and human rights, will feature in a section on Justice and Defence.
The multi-award winning story-teller, is known for standing up for justice against the might of the British Military amidst widespread public ridicule.
The exhibition will also feature Dr Leyla Hussein – a psychotherapist and award winning international campaigner opposing violence against women who will focus on Forces of Nature.
Classicist, author and broadcaster Professor Mary Beard will speak to Passion and Desire and award winning writer and presenter of the podcast How to Fail, Elizabeth Day will explore Magic and Malice.
Writer, comedian and presenter of The Guilty Feminist podcast, Deborah Frances-White will explore the theme of Compassion and Salvation.
The exhibition brings together ancient sculpture, sacred artefacts and contemporary art from six continents to explore the diversity of ways in which femininity has been perceived across the globe, from the ancient world to today.
It explores the embodiment of feminine power in deities, goddesses, demons, saints and other spiritual beings, associated with diverse areas of human experience from wisdom, passion and nature to war, mercy and justice.
Roman sculpture and Indian relief carvings will be shown alongside intricate personal amulets from Egypt, painted scrolls from Tibet, vibrant Japanese prints and contemporary sculptures.
Video and audio-thought pieces addressing each section of the exhibition will encourage visitors to discuss and frame their responses to the universal themes represented.
Rabia, who overcame a terrifying 2005 hostage ordeal as well as childhood sexual abuse, garnered global attention after successfully suing the British Government for silencing her about a 2005 hostage ordeal in Basra.
Her action opened the floodgates for similar cases, heralding policy changes to deliver a fairer workplace for women and cultural minorities in the military and other areas of public life.
Author of the best-selling memoir, Equal Justice, My Journey as a Woman, a Soldier and a Muslim, Rabia has been decorated by Queen Elizabeth 11 for her humanitarian work in Asia, South America, Europe and the Middle East.
Her greatest joy – being a Mother to her triplet sons – amplifies her drive to advocate for the most marginalised and show how values based leadership can foster peace, inclusion, diversity, equity and the sustainability of our planet.
You can read the British Museum’s press release about the exhibition, here.
Media contact: Evelyn Duffy on 0439981505