Since 1981, women activists have marked Nov 25 as a day against violence, taking the date from the assassination of the Mirabal sisters, political activists in the Dominican Republic, back in 1960, under the order of the dictator Rafael Trujillo. The UN designated the day as International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women in 1999, aiming to raise awareness that women around the world are still subjected to rape, domestic violence and other forms of abuse. 

Opening at Chomp on Nov 6 at 8pm, Thai artist Tinna Hongngam's exhibition A Girl of November presents striking, thought-provoking fabric embroidery on the theme of gender-based violence. It runs through Nov 30. Below, she provides some contextual insights into her works. 

"This was actually a part of my thesis at Silpakorn University. The process of the work is very simple. I started off with raw photographs and printed them on canvas before I started sewing on top of the images. The sewing is symbolic because it represents the pain that one has to endure once the needle sinks in."

"It's a very personal piece to me because everything you see here conveys what I went through, someone who was trapped in an abusive relationship. It's the story through the eyes of someone who at one point actually subjected themselves to that state of abuse and violence."  

"I do hope to show, though, that this is all just a part of a bad memory that enabled me to grow a lot as a person. You should never have to see yourself as less worthy, and you should never have to live with abuse in any form - mental or physical. I learnt from my mistakes and understand that what I lived with was not love, and I walked away from it. Everyone always has a choice." 

Nov 25 also marks the start of the 16 Days of Activism which runs through Human Rights Day on Dec 10. To this end, the UN Women Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific will also be organizing the first Bangkok International Film Festival on Ending Violence against Women and Girls, kicking off on Nov 26. Sporty folks can take part in the Walk/Run To Stop Violence Against Women, to be held at the Ministry of Public Health on Nov 22.  

At Chomp, there will also be weekly screenings, discussions and presentations with the aim of raising awareness on topics such as violence against women, sex slaves, human trafficking and re-educating society to end gender-based violence. More details here. 

Chomp, 63-65 Samsen Rd., 02-629-2026