Through Her Lens is a compelling new UN photo exhibition bringing global attention to the leadership, courage and impact of women and their allies driving peace in some of the world’s most volatile places. Featuring original photos by local women photographers, the exhibition spotlights women peacebuilders, human rights defenders, UN peacekeepers and grassroots activists whose stories are too often overlooked. Their portraits and environments reflect both the challenges of conflict and the possibilities that emerge when women lead.
Launched to mark the 25th anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325, the exhibition is both a celebration and a call to action. Despite progress, women’s participation in peace and security remains limited, and the need to advance the Women, Peace and Security agenda is more urgent than ever.
This initiative is a collaboration between the UN Department of Peace Operations, the Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, UN Women, and the Elsie Initiative Fund, and is brought to life in partnership with the Photoville Festival.
Exhibition at Photoville and Opening Night – 7 June 2025
The exhibition will be on view from 7 to 22 June 2025 at Brooklyn Bridge Park, Emily Roebling Plaza, as part of the Photoville Festival. The launch event is Saturday, 7 June at 7:00 PM, featuring remarks from UN leadership, photographer talks, live music, and more.
Free and open to the public, the exhibition will continue its global tour with stops at United Nations Headquarters in October, the European Parliament in November (TBC), and other locations worldwide.
Social Media Campaign
To mark this occasion, a digital campaign running throughout 2025 highlights the women and communities featured in the exhibition and commemorating 25 years of the Women, Peace and Security agenda.
We invite you to join the call to action by sharing the stories, voices and images of Through Her Lens and reaffirming your support for the #WomenPeaceSecurity agenda. Follow the campaign on X, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and Tiktok via @UNPeacekeeping