Palais des Nations
in Geneva 1211
About the exhibition:
The UNECE presents the photo exhibition “Women Without Wall”, in collaboration with Cafe Art, in commemoration of the World Habitat Day (1 October 2018).
The exhibition highlights the need to alleviate homelessness through the implementation of the 2030 Agenda on Sustainable Development including the Sustainable Development Goals and the Geneva UN Charter on Sustainable Housing.
Cafe Art is a unique initiative showcasing artwork created by people affected by homelessness or are socially vulnerable based in London, United Kingdom. Cafe Art exhibits the artwork of people attending art sessions run by London homeless sector organisations. Cafe Art is registered as a Community Interest Company (CIC), with all profits committed to building up the social enterprise. They find independent London cafes to hang and sell artwork in, with 80 percent of the proceeds going to the artists and 20% back into the project.
This exhibition focuses on women experiencing homelessness and illustrates the specific needs of women experiencing homelessness and why a gender-neutral approach often fails to support women. This exhibition aims to illustrate the link between Sustainable Development Goal 11: Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable and Goal 5: Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.
Background:
The United Nations has designated the first Monday of every October as World Habitat Day. It was established in 1985 by the United Nations General Assembly through Resolution 40/202, and was first celebrated in 1986. Each year, World Habitat Day aims to promote sustainable development policies that ensure adequate shelter for all. This World Habitat Day will focus on alleviating homelessness, especially for the vulnerable populations through the implementation of the Geneva UN Charter on Sustainable Housing, New Urban Agenda and 2030 Agenda, including the Sustainable Development Goals to provide adequate, affordable, decent and sustainable housing to all.
World Habitat Day 2018 is the occasion to raise awareness on the importance of ensuring that vulnerable populations, especially the homeless, are adequately housed.