Consulate General of Sweden brings “Swedish Dads – Indian Dads”

35 selected photographies to showcase Swedish and Indian Dads supporting joint  responsibility, shared parenthood and parental leave as well as gender equality,

The ‘Indian Dad’ series also features a photograph of Bollywood Superstar ‘Shahrukh Khan’ with his son AbRam promoting gender equality 

Mumbai- Today the world has become more sensitive towards the father’s role in raising children. Earlier only mothers were granted leave to take care of children. These days’ fathers are increasingly asking for parental leave.  

To support gender equality, the Consulate General of Sweden, in collaboration with Kala Ghoda Arts Festival Association, Safe City and Red Dot Foundation, are proud to display  Swedish Dads – Indian Dads – a photo exhibition about gender sensitive Dads, by the Swedish photographer Johan Bävman, and by Indian photographer Avinash Gowariker in Coomaraswamy Hall at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS) (former the Prince of Wales Museum) from 2nd to 10th February 2019 during Kala Ghoda Arts Festival 2019. The photo exhibition explores how Swedish and Indian fathers view the modern male role in contrast to the traditional, stereotype parental role. The ‘Indian Dad’ series also features a photograph of Bollywood Superstar ‘Shahrukh Khan’ with his son AbRam promoting gender equality.

The inaugural day host a panel discussion on ‘Unlocking the Keys to Gender Equality, in presence Of Swedish Consul General Ulrika Sundberg, Swedish photographer Johan Bävman and Indian Photographer Avinash Gowarikar, Principal Secretary Skill Development & Entrepreneurship Department (Addtl Charge) Aseem Kumar, CEO Red Dot Foundation Elsa Marie D’Silva, General Manager SCCI Sara Larsson alongwith Maharashtra State Intelligence Commissioner Rashmi Shukla. The event concluded with screening of renowned Bollywood movie, ‘MOM’.

The exhibition “Swedish Dads – Indian Dads” was derived from the lack of role models,that men can relate to as parents. The exhibition displays 35 pictures of real Swedish and Indian dads. The Swedish ones remained at home for at least 6 months on paternity leave with their children, which is longer than most fathers in the world. What it meant to them, how it affected their relationships with both their partners and their children, and what were their expectations.

Sweden has one of the world’s most generous parental insurance schemes, enabling parents to stay home with their children for up to 480 days, paid for by the state. Ninety of these days are reserved for each parent, exclusively. Despite this, only a fraction of the country’s fathers choose to claim all statutory days of parental leave, and only 14 per cent choose to share them equally. “By showing the everyday lives of fathers on parental leave, through pictures and interviews, I’ve focused on men who’ve chosen to put bonding with their children and families before their jobs and careers,” says Johan Bävman. “I’ve also sought to show the universally valid,u loving aspect of parenthood, regardless of whether you’re a mother or father. With this project, I hope to inspire more men to begin reflecting on their roles as fathers and partners, which is an important step towards a more gender-balanced society. It’s good to see these stories going out into the world, where the Swedish perspective on gender equality is by no means self-evident.”

Ms. Ulrika Sundberg, Consul General of Sweden in Mumbai further shared, “This exhibition will show a more gender aware side of men, who are in search of redefining masculinity and a role reversal in raising the children, which has traditionally been an exclusive woman’s responsibility. Photographers Johan Bävman and Avinash Gowariker have taken real fathers as models, which gives a different perception of men and their bond to their children.”

Elsa Marie D'Silva, Founder & President, Red Dot Foundation added "True gender equality requires an enabling environment, where shared family responsibilities exist allowing each partner to achieve his or her own potential. Men's role in family care is important, not only for the children’s wellbeing, but also to allow their spouse time and space to pursue her own goals. This exhibition is a sensitive portrayal of the bond between fathers and their children and we are pleased to be partners in this event."

The Swedish Dads photo project has had a tremendous impact and has spread across the globe. Johan Bävman has won many awards for his pictures, including a World Press Photo prize, POY, a Sony Award, NPPA, a UNICEF Photo Award and some leading Swedish prizes. Avinash Gowariker enjoys creating the drama inherent in shooting portraiture and savors his relationships with people always trying to understand what makes them tick, what makes them comfortable and reflects their true nature.