yesterday, met a friend for an impromptu drink (of coffee and rootbeer). a not so secret meeting but we went to a secret garden in the middle of town. nice and cozy place. when we walked out of it, we chanced upon a not so secret square and a building that houses a photo exhibition.


Dear Child
-on men,children and gender equality.



he's everything that we want. he carries the babe, the groceries and still look happy doing these. from Sweden. i mean the photos. but probably the man too.


i have reasons to be partial towards this country, heh, but here are some interesting facts i learnt yesterday:

Sweden is one of the most gender equal nations. this is largely due to concerted government efforts.

It is the only nation (so far that i have known) with a Gender Equality Minister. And it seems everytime there is a new policy, the ministry concerned is responsible for analysing, following up and presenting proposals concerning equality between women and men. sort of gender equality policing like that huh.

an in an interview with the photographer taken from a turkish newspaper;

"In Ulla Lembergs home country, Sweden, progressive efforts have been made to ensure both parents the opportunity to spend time with their child. Perhaps the most crucial factor is the laws regarding parental leave. Out of the full 480-days parental benefit, 60 days are earmarked for each parent. This was decided in 2002 in an effort to encourage men to take parental leave.

And although women are still more likely to take the leave, Ulla Lemberg believes that things will change. "You have to be an optimist", she says, and emphasizes that no educated woman in Sweden would take a man who was not prepared to share the burden of house work. "She does not ask for his money. She says: Can you cook? Will you clean the house? Will you go shopping? Otherwise - get out!". Ulla laughs."

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Dear Child Exhibition
Dates : 30 Apr to 22 May 05 (3 Weeks)
Time : 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Venue: Sculpture Square, Middle Rd

*this one was a walkin..but i know there is another exhibition down the road which i'll try to go soon.