Art and archive expose women's absence in decision-making spaces

The National Congress has opened its doors to "¿Dónde están las mujeres?" (Where Are the Women?), an impactful art exhibition designed to confront a persistent issue: the glaring absence of women in public forums and decision-making bodies. This initiative, born from the "All Male Panel" archive, serves as a stark visual reminder of the inequality that continues to plague our society. The archive, meticulously maintained since 2017 by TEDIC and CyborgFeminista, has cataloged over 1,500 instances where expert panels have been exclusively male, a statistic that speaks volumes about the barriers women face.

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to make visible the absence of women in public discussion spaces and promote debate on equal opportunities.

The exhibition transcends mere documentation; it features compelling artistic works by Paz Moreno Re, Betania Ruttia, and Riccardo Castellani. These artists have delved deep into the archive, translating its data into powerful visual narratives. Moreno Re's textile installation, "Tejer la ausencia" (Weaving the Absence), uses the traditional ñandutí technique as a metaphor for the structures that perpetuate these gendered voids. Ruttia's "In-visibles" uses light and photography to explore absence as a visual language of memory and silence, while Castellani's interactive video game, "El panel es al otro lado" (The Panel is on the Other Side), immerses the viewer in a labyrinthine virtual space, directly engaging them with the problem.

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to reflect on the persistence of panels composed exclusively of men in public and private spheres

This exhibition is more than just an artistic display; it is a call to action. It challenges us to reflect on why, despite progress, these "all male panels" remain a recurring feature in both public and private spheres. The collaboration with the Senate's Commission on Equity and Gender underscores the official recognition of this problem and the commitment to fostering a more inclusive environment. The "minga colectiva" (collective work) that produced a large-format collage from the archive's images, involving over 20 activists, further emphasizes the community-driven nature of this initiative. It is a powerful statement from Paraguay, demanding greater representation and equal opportunities for women in all areas of public life.

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Weaving the Absence