When I’m anticipating something
horrific at the movies I sometimes close my eyes. It’s as if blocking my sight
will make the ugliness non-existent. When I first read Mukhtaran Bibi’s story, I
felt a similar urge. It was a story of victimization and brutality that were
difficult to take in, much less do anything about.
Nicholas Kristoff s 2003-04 editorials described the Pakistani woman’s gang rape at the hands of tribal leaders, an ancient and all-too-accepted punishment in that region. Worse, we learned that Mukhtaran’s punishment was considered rightful revenge for a “crime” her brother was accused of committing—that of having relations with a woman from a different tribe.
Normally Pakistani women like Mukhtaran, as we came to know her, went on to commit suicide, unable to endure their societal shame. It was the accepted way.
Mukhtaran Bibi’s story, however, unfolded differently. Through her extraordinary courage it became a story of transcendence.
Her Choice
Mukhtaran chose to live. Furthermore, she chose to reach out to other young people in her community. Putting herself and her family at great risk, she did the unheard of: she spoke out against her attackers and the local authorities. Then she used her notoriety to raise compassion and funding to help educate local children. Never permitted to have a formal education herself, she went on to use her painfully won monetary award to build a new school. Rather than succumb to sanctioned inhumanity, she responded in bravery and love.
But what does Mukhtaran Bibi have to do with eight women living in Columbia, South Carolina?
Through artists Laura Spong and Ellen Yaghjian, a group of Columbia women came together to honor and support this woman living worlds away, under a system of repression foreign to our own lives. I believe the experience changed all of us. It certainly did me. I would describe myself as creative and visual, but also a person who can be empathetic to a fault. Perhaps that’s why I sometimes avoid looking at life’s darkest edges. Or maybe it’s because I honestly don’t know what to do. In today’s world, I so often read a story like Mukhtaran’s and find myself turning the page weighted down with sadness, rage and hopelessness. I’ve told myself there was no way I could make any difference—I had my hands full with my business and a family to nurture.
When Laura Spong read about Mukhtaran Bibi, however, she didn’t react with that sense of futility. In her eyes, Mukhtaran’s story was a call to action. As she said to me, “God has called me to love my neighbor, and I am so grateful when I can use my art to do this.” (By the way, Laura has been making art for over 50 years. She is a very young 80-year-old.)
Laura and fellow artist Ellen Yaghjian share a common passion for social justice, and it was through their network of artists and friends that “Open Eyes” came to be. We chose the name as a symbol of our intention—to acknowledge those who endure and overcome tremendous hardship, and to spread awareness and compassion. Our focus would be women’s acts of bravery in today’s world. Our medium would be works of art in response to a specific situation. We would be ongoing, with a different cause each year. We adopted a mission statement:
“Open Eyes is resolved to support women’s triumphs over staggering odds. We stand as a unified visual presence and an affirmative voice for women’s singular acts of bravery in today’s world.”
In the winter of 2005 the group began planning its first show, set for September. Questions arose, and we had no template to follow. How would the show honor Mukhtaran’s experience, and at the same time offer appealing works of saleable art? Would the theme be too depressing to the public? Would artists want to participate?
Our primary goal was to raise awareness, but also money for Mukhtaran’s work. We asked artists to contribute a percentage of each sale to the cause. Entry fees would add to revenue. We decided to make ceramic “open eye” medallions to sell at the show. We planned an exhibit about Mukhtaran’s story, with a jar for donations.
Each of us got to work on our own contributions. Six of the group are well known artists who exhibit regularly. Another member is a committed social services professional. I am a graphic designer. As calls for entry were sent out to artists, I found myself wondering how it would all come together. My faith in this talented group of women was unshakable. My faith in our results—and my own role in it—felt less steadfast.
So here, let me skip to the best part.
Opening Night
Open Eyes’ opening night was nothing short of miraculous. As the Columbia community arrived in waves, I felt an aura surrounding us, an outpouring of something I would have to call grace. Each of us heard, from people age twenty to ninety, how Mukhtaran’s story had moved them. People I had unfairly assumed would be disinterested expressed gratitude and empathy. I was humbled and deeply moved. Our community responded in love to a courageous woman living thousands of miles away. Surely Mukhtaran’s triumphant spirit was among us!
In the end, we raised around $4,000
for Mukhtaran Bibi’s educational work. Perhaps even more meaningful, we honored
her struggle and celebrated her courage among friends and new acquaintances of
many diverse ages, beliefs and perspectives.
Open Eyes would like to share its structure and mission with other art groups who want to make a difference. The group is hopeful future shows will travel to other sites. The second Open Eyes show, slated to open this October, will focus on the theme of shelter, with our primary beneficiary being our local women’s shelter. Already, the symbol of Mary (as one who desperately sought shelter!) has arisen.
I give thanks for those brave people in this world who dare confront life’s darkness with light. Mukhtaran Bibi. Nicholas Kristoff. A small group of ordinary women so touched by another woman’s struggle halfway around the world that they wanted to make a difference.
I pray for the courage to look at the world with open eyes. To see clearly when I am called to help. To respond to that call with love.
You can find current information about Mukhtaran Bibi on various web sites by entering her name on Google. For more information on Open Eyes, contact Laura Spong at 803-787- 0699, or Ellen Yaghjian at 803-765-2221.
Susan Craig lives in Columbia SC with her husband and two college age sons. She has been a graphic designer for over thirty years, and has a passion for writing, understanding other cultures, and spending reflective time in nature. She is a member of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral.
Photo 1: In response to Mukhtaran’s strength and dignity after being targeted and broken, Ellen Yaghjian created these three-dimensional images of women from copper and other materials.
Photo 2: Mana Hewitt created this etched copper piece honoring oppressed Pakistani women, titled “The Silent Majority.”
Photo 3: The Columbia community came together to honor Mukhtaran’s struggle and support her work
