In August, FFEM organized several activities within the framework of the International Congress of Feminist Research in Francophonie (CIRFF) at Paris Nanterre University.

Part of these activities, an exhibition and a seminar in particular, were devoted to the promotion of art as yet another tool to promote gender equality and women’s rights and to challenge the myths and stereotypes surrounding women’s roles, place and bodies.

The exhibition which was installed in the lobby of the Weber building from 27 to 31 August and the workshop which was organized on 28 August under the title "Breaking Gender Stereotypes in the Euro-Mediterranean Region: Photographers in Action" both linked the feminist struggle to culture and art. The workshop was moderated by Judith Martin-Razi who paid tribute to female photographers who highlighted feminist movements.

Nassima Baziz, architect, professor and feminist activist, explained that she initially wanted to participate in the contest launched by the FFEM by photographing herself naked in front of the fountain Ain El Fouara de Setif whose statue representing a naked woman was vandalized at the end of 2017. But taking this type of photo was complicated and dangerous. So she finally participated at the contest with the photo "Anonymous" to advocate for non-mixt spaces that feminist collectives prefer to call "dedicated spaces."

Nora Noor, entrepreneur, portrait photographer and feminist activist, spoke about portraiture as a medium that helped her break stereotypes, especially those of racialized women.

Fatima Essabar, a feminist photographer as well, is also interested in portraits of women with atypical backgrounds, she argues that art can engage people intellectually and emotionally.

The workshop concluded by calling for other similar initiatives that are needed to connect academics, activists and artists: art makes us think and makes women’s oppressions more visible.

This workshop is part of the " Powerful Women: Breaking Stereotypes in the Euro-Mediterranean Region " photo contest, launched by the FFEM on November 25, 2017 with the support of the French Misnistry of Europe and Foreign Affairs.