The Global Observatory for Gender Equality and Sport, in collaboration with esteemed partners like UNESCO, UN Women, the Office for the High Commission for Human Rights (OHCHR), UNAIDS, the MTV Staying Alive Foundation, the Sports for Social Change Network Africa, and Bobbi Brown, is thrilled to announce the launch of an inspiring photo competition and exhibition. This initiative is dedicated to empowering women and girls through the realm of sports.
Entitled “Overpower. Overtake. Overcome: A Visual Tribute to Women & Sport,” this captivating photography contest draws inspiration from Serena Williams’s words, seeking to honor the diverse array of women and girls who participate in sports. It aims to shine a spotlight on their efforts to defy stereotypes, overcome obstacles, and break barriers across various spheres of life.
The competition invites submissions that capture the essence of women and girls in sports, showcasing their resilience and determination in diverse settings, ranging from rural fields and school playgrounds to refugee camps and elite stadiums. These photographs will celebrate those who challenge norms, strive for equality, and drive transformative change, often amidst limited resources and numerous challenges.
With the backdrop of the Paris 2024 Olympics and beyond, the Global Observatory for Gender Equality & Sport, along with its partners, is organizing a globally traveling photo exhibition featuring the winning entries. Titled “Overpower. Overtake. Overcome: A Visual Tribute to Women & Sport,” this exhibition will journey across the globe, gracing prestigious venues such as art galleries, selected museums, and UN offices in Geneva, Dakar, Johannesburg, Paris, and beyond. Notably, the winning image will be prominently displayed as part of a high-impact exhibition hosted by UNESCO at its headquarters in Paris, dedicated to empowerment through sports. Additionally, a virtual exhibition with global reach will be hosted to ensure wider accessibility.
While select photographs will be showcased during Paris 2024, serving as a legacy of sustained activism and advocacy, a broader selection will be featured in an “Overpower. Overtake. Overcome: A Visual Tribute to Women & Sport” Exhibition Photobook, available for purchase.
Who can participate? The competition welcomes entries from professionals and amateurs alike, irrespective of age, gender, or nationality. Entrants under 18 years old must obtain parental or guardian consent to participate.
The theme of the competition is open to interpretation, encouraging submissions that encapsulate the spirit of “OVERPOWER. OVERTAKE. OVERCOME” Women & Girls in Sport.
To enter the competition, participants can submit their favorite photographs through the Global Observatory’s website, where they will find detailed information and technical specifications.
The deadline for submissions is June 6th, 2024. Join us in celebrating the power and potential of women and girls in sports through the lens of photography!
