Powerful Birthing Woman
‘Powerful Birthing Woman’ depicts the difficult position of pregnant women around the world who often find themselves in contradictory roles. The piece reflects how women can frequently feel both empowered and yet also subjected to the expectations of the maternity system and wider society.
‘Powerful Birthing Woman’ was created by textile artist Barbara Touati-Evans in collaboration with AIMS volunteers Anne Glover and Alex Smith. AIMS is a human rights charity that has been supporting pregnant women and their families to navigate the UK maternity system for over 60 years. The organisation provides people with information on their rights and on the medical and midwifery research related to pregnancy and birth. It also campaigns on maternity issues and provides a free information helpline. In addition, AIMS publishes a journal where people can learn about the lived experience of birth in all its different guises. The charity is run solely by volunteers, and relies on the generosity of public donations. More information about AIMS can be found here.
Barbara has been exhibiting her work for over ten years, focussing on sculpture and performance. Her involvement began when I spotted her ‘Angry Mum Doll’ online. The impactful and daring crochet piece reflects aspects of motherhood that are frustrating, tiring and frantic. More information about Barbara can be found here.
‘Powerful Birthing Woman’ was crocheted with blue yarn so that her ambiguity can reflect mothers from all corners of the globe. She is woman, mother, goddess, force of nature and creative power. She is safely cocooned in a womb-like space, supported by the women around her and the ancestors who came before her, and yet she is also entangled in society and in the maternity system. Her candle is a symbol of AIMS, a demonstration of hope, and a light in the darkness.
The idea for Powerful Birthing Woman came about after several online workshops where a variety of ideas were explored. Although we were aware of abusive practices in maternity services and the levels of trauma women experienced, we wanted to ensure that the piece was not graphic, triggering or violent. In addition, we wanted to highlight that while some women do experience harm, there is also positivity, particularly with regards to the work of AIMS and the idea of women supporting other women. We were also aware of historical imagery of goddesses and birthing women, vulvas and other feminist iconography.