AOD, powered by UNFPA, launches Asia’s first ‘Design Campaign’ on gender-based violence this week

The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) recently selected AOD international design campus to partner for a unique initiative that addresses one of the more pressing issues of today – Gender Based Violence (GBV). GBV is a social issue that is prevalent across the world, including Sri Lanka. 

Together with UNFPA, the young designers of AOD International Design Campus announced #100voicesAOD project which aims to provide a platform for creative work that provides solutions and awareness on gender based violence. 

The project will be the first of its kind in Asia and will demonstrate the power of design to tackle a significant social issues and will be opened by UNFPA and AOD on Friday, 4 September, at Hilton Residences Union Ballroom in the presence of UN dignitaries and members of the diplomatic community. The exhibition invites the public to freely view it from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. on the day. 

Gender Based Violence is a violation of the fundamental rights of a person as declared by the United Nations human rights constitution; UNFPA is one of the most active organisations in Sri Lanka to work against GBV which defined as violence that is directed against a person on basis of gender. 

UNFPA Sri Lanka states that it is the unavailability of open discussions, education, awareness and correct support that primarily contributes to this issue. Therefore, it is of utmost importance for Sri Lanka to pursue new and alternative ways to educate the public and support survivors and perpetrators alike. This is the challenge accepted and led by AOD design campus’ young designers. 

UNFPA Sri Lanka Representative Alain Sibenaler stated that 100voices is a great example of young Sri Lankans taking leadership for the betterment of their community; “I thank and commend the AOD for taking ownership of and tackling a wide spread yet taboo issue of Sri Lanka. The students embrace GBV with courage and use their creativity and innovation to bring the issues to the public. This is a wonderful example of youth leadership - genuine, creative and assertive.”

AOD Chief Executive Officer Ranmal Ekanayake stated that part of AOD’s unique design education method is to engage students to use their creativity and design education to tackle real problems that affect our society: “At AOD, we create designers who are not only professional and proficient in their work, we create designers who are responsible citizens. This is what makes the AOD designer different from the rest. Projects like this are part of AOD’s unique vision for design education headed by our international faculty. We’re proud to partner the prestigious UNFPA for this groundbreaking venture and we thank UNFPA for trusting AOD and trusting design to deliver awareness on such an important social issue.”

AOD Student Committee President Sasanka Edirisinghe stated that his peers were excited to share the project with the public and that their work for 100voices has allowed them to exercise their creative capabilities for a cause they truly believe in: “Projects like this really challenge us as designers and push us to use our skills to make a change in this world. As young designers, this is the biggest reward we can expect from our work, and we’re thankful to our campus AOD as well as the United Nations’ Population Fund for the opportunity and the support to make this dream a reality. We invite everyone in Sri Lanka to join us this Friday and witness our hard work.”

For more information call AOD on 011 586 7772, email [email protected] or visit AOD campus between 9am-5pm on weekdays at 29, Lauries Road Colombo 4.