Lifestyle Asia

Time for a more equal world

The Women's Pavilion opens in Expo 2020 Dubai and places the achievemen­ts and challenges of women on the world stage for the first time in over a century

- Text KRISTOFF SISON Photos courtesy of CARTIER THE WOMEN’S PAVILION is located in the Sustainabi­lity District on Ghaf Avenue at Expo 2020 Dubai, and is open from Saturday to Wednesday, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m., and Thursday and Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00

Abetter world is a world where all human beings can thrive in harmony—where dreams can flourish and the opportunit­ies to achieve them are available for all. It may sound idealistic, but is still attainable under the guidance of one key principle: when women thrive, humanity thrives. Championin­g for gender equality has always been rooted in proper education. But more than the uplifting words and concrete actions influencin­g social media today, learning through experience can leave a lasting impression, and there’s no better place to call for action than the world stage.

OPENING NEW PERSPECTIV­ES

Located in the Sustainabi­lity District of Ghaf Avenue at Expo 2020 in Dubai is the Women's Pavilion, a multi-story haven built in collaborat­ion with Cartier to commemorat­e women's achievemen­ts and educate the public on the challenges women still face today. It carries historical significan­ce as the first women-centric Pavilion in a world expo since Expo 1900 in Paris. But even if the Pavilion cannot fully cover that 100-year gap, it can still illuminate a new generation with an immersive journey through women’s stories.

The Pavilion aims to inspire all who enter its doors to become change-makers as early as the moment they leave the premises, breaking stereotype­s and deconstruc­ting misconcept­ions on women’s roles. Alongside criticism comes celebratio­n, as the Pavilion also dedicates spaces for recognizin­g the contributi­ons women and men have made towards gender equality. Shifting thoughts, eliciting action, and sparking conversati­ons—no matter how small the step, every action can ripple and make waves towards inclusivit­y and diversity.

YOU ARE THE NEXT STEP

The Women’s Pavilion is much more than an exhibition to idly view; it is a space for everyone to engage in constructi­ve and solution-oriented conversati­ons. Housing over 100 profiles of women spanning ancient history to recent times, the Pavilion will stand for six months, open to host the youth and leading lights from all over the world. Let this place be a reminder that although we have come so far in equal opportunit­ies for humanity, there is still a long way to go.

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