Extension of the exhibition in Mexico!

Little did we know at the moment of this photo at the opening, that 15, 566 visitors would come to see the "I was born a girl" exhibition in Mexico City ( to date).

When Minna Pietarinen was asked to paint Malala, for the Nordic Business Forum 2022, we both read her book and soon realized that we had to do something for our sisters in the world, who've been deprived of their human rights. We started from the very basics, by listing women's rights, to make sure girls and women were aware of them. And for each right, we chose a person, who had inspired others with their courage and dedication, like Malala had with regards to education. Minna then translated their stories into empowering art and wrote touching poetry turning the exhibition into a unique experience.

Minna is without a doubt extremely talented, both as a an artist and a poet, but what does not cease to impress me, is her brave, unique and authentic way of reaching peoples hearts around the world. The tears, the tight hugs and the grateful words by both men and women whose experiences have been made visible through art by Minna, speak volumes about the power of peer-support. "She wrote my life" said one Mexican woman, with tears in her eyes.

We said early on, that if only one woman, would find consolation and strength through this project, we would have accomplished the objective. And we have. Yet the project continues evolving as there are many more stories to be told, so the second book is already underway.

We've now also been requested to extend the exhibition in Mexico until the 6th of August and we are so grateful for the support of the Museo Nacional de las Culturas, Ambassador Päivi Pohjanheimo Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Finland, First Secretary Hanna Öunap, Ambassador Paula Parviainen, Director of the Museum Alejandra Gómez Colorado, President of Inmujeres Nadine Gasman Zylbermann, Director of ONU Mujeres México Belén Sanz Luque and everyone who has been a part of this project. ❤️

And those in Finland, worry not, the exhibition will be at the hashtag#NBForum2023 and also available to the general public (in a yet to be decided space) after the event, before it continues its journey around the world.