The world today has become more sensitive towards father’s role in raising children. Earlier maternity leaves were only granted so that mothers could stay at home with the child. These day’s fathers are asking for paternity leaves as well. To support gender equality, the Consulate General of Sweden, announces opening of Swedish Dads – Indian Dads – a photo exhibition about gender sensitive Swedish Dads, by Swedish photographer Johan Bävman, and Indian Dads, by Indian photographer Avinash Gowariker at Swedish Avenue, Dapodi, Pune from 14th February 2019- 24th February 2019 . The Consulate General of Sweden is organizing this in collaboration with Swedish companies in Pune, Swedish Chamber of Commerce in India (SCCI) and UNDP who launched a pilot project on increasing the female inclusion in the manufacturing sector and promoting gender equality called Kraftsamla.
The exhibition “Swedish Dads – Indian Dads” is derived from the lack of role models,that men can relate to as parents. It consists of 35 pictures of real Swedish and Indian dads. The Swedish ones remained at home for atleast 6 months on paternity leave with their children, which is longer than most fathers in the world. What it meant to them, how it affected their relationships with both their partners and their children, and what were their expectations.
Sweden has one of the world’s most generous parental insurance schemes, enabling parents to stay home with their children for up to 480 days, paid for by the state. Ninety of these days are reserved for each parent, exclusively. Despite this, only a fraction of the country’s fathers choose to claim all statutory days of parental leave, and only 14 per cent choose to share them equally.
“By showing the everyday lives of fathers on parental leave, through pictures and interviews, I’ve focused on men who’ve chosen to put bonding with their children and families before their jobs and careers,” says Johan Bävman. “I’ve also sought to show the universally valid,loving aspect of parenthood, regardless of whether you’re a mother or father. With this project, I hope to inspire more men to begin reflecting on their roles as fathers and partners, which is an important step towards a more gender-balanced society. It’s good to see these stories going out into the world, where the Swedish perspective on gender equality is by no means self-evident.”
Ms. Ulrika Sundberg, Consul General of Sweden in Mumbai further stated: “This exhibition will show a more gender aware side of men, who are in search of redefining masculinity and a role reversal in raising the children, which has traditionally been the exclusive woman’s responsibility. Photographers Johan Bävmanand Avinash Gowariker have taken real fathers as models, which gives a different perception of men and their bond to their children.”
Sara Larsson, General Manager, Swedish Chamber of Commerce in India: “Gender stereotyping defines what a woman or man should be or do both in the home, workplace and society and limit us on all levels. We need to question status quo and redefine what we do and why, what holds value and what is important. This exhibition is a great way to start a conversation”.
The Swedish Dads photo project has had a tremendous impact and has spread across the globe. It has been issued in book form by Bävman himself, with English texts. Johan Bävman has won many awards for his pictures, including a World Press Photo prize, POY, a Sony Award, NPPA, a UNICEF Photo Award and some leading Swedish prizes.
Avinash Gowariker enjoys creating the drama inherent in shooting portraiture. By nature, outgoing and always true to himself, Avinash savors his relationships with people always trying to understand what makes them tick, what makes them comfortable and reflects their true nature.
