Héritages secrets
Les voies du passage : Rites ancestraux en Gambie
A photographic exhibition by Nadia Ferroukhi
From October 29 to December 10, 2024, at Alliance Française
A photographic exhibition by Nadia Ferroukhi will be presented from October 29 to December 10, 2024 at Alliance Française in Banjul. This exhibition is the result of a one-month residency in Gambia, where the artist created connections with local communities. Nadia Ferroukhi doesn’t just observe; she engages, shares, and inspires.
Born to an Algerian father and a Czech mother, Nadia Ferroukhi carries within her the richness of cultural diversity. Through her lens, she captures the essence of Gambian women in their quest for freedom, immersing us in ancestral rites that witness a society in transformation.
Gambia’s age-old traditions blend with women’s aspirations for emancipation through Nadia Ferroukhi’s lens. “Les voies du passage” invites us on a visual journey to the heart of this societal transformation, where each image is a bridge between yesterday and tomorrow. With the sensitivity of a visual storyteller, Nadia reveals the complexity of female emancipation in a country where certain traditions, such as female genital mutilation, remain deeply rooted.
Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) remains a common practice in Gambia despite its prohibition under the Woman’s Amendment Act of 2015, which aims to protect women’s and girls’ rights while promoting their health and well-being. However, enforcing this law remains challenging, especially in rural areas where traditional and cultural beliefs are deeply entrenched. Many non-governmental organizations and associations (Girl’s Pride, Will, Wave…) conduct awareness campaigns to inform communities about the harmful consequences of FGM/C, both physically and psychologically.
Despite these efforts, resistance to abandoning the practice persists, as it is often seen as a condition for marriage and social acceptance, particularly in religious contexts. Discussions about reproductive health, girls’ education, and human rights remain crucial for fostering dialogue about traditional practices and questioning mindsets in Gambia.
This project, funded by the French Embassy in Senegal and Gambia, is implemented by the Alliance as part of the “We together for women’s empowerment” initiative. It aims to engage women’s expression through arts, culture, debate, and entrepreneurship.
The exhibition opening will take place on October 29, 2024, at 5 PM, with the artist in attendance. Don’t miss this opportunity to see the world through Nadia Ferroukhi’s unique perspective, where each image is a step toward emancipation and each portrait a rising voice.
Practical information:
Tuesday, October 29 – Tuesday, December 10, 2024
Alliance opening hours
Alliance exhibition hall
Free entrance