Strijdbare Vrouwen in Amsterdam West - De stad in haar handen
On the occasion of the month of International Women's Day, De Passage features monumental portraits of women from Amsterdam-West who have been making a difference in their neighborhood for generations. Strijdbare Vrouwen in Amsterdam West- De Stad in Haar Handen is a tribute to their commitment, strength and commitment.
About the exhibition
For centuries, women in Amsterdam-West have moved mountains. Often without a stage or recognition. They cook for neighbors in need, open neighborhood rooms, create safe spaces for young people, and work tirelessly against inequality. They take the lead in trade union actions, build communities and keep their streets livable.
Their commitment is essential to the city's story — but remained underexposed for a long time.
In De Passage van De Hallen Amsterdam, these women are shown in monumental portraits by photographer Hanane El Ouardani. The images hang like XL banners in the public space and literally bring their strength, determination and quiet energy to the eye level of passers-by. Everyone who walks through De Passage gets to know their stories.
The exhibition combines the portraits with archival material collected by the Amsterdam City Archives via an open call. Personal photos, documents and memories are included in the archive so that these stories are preserved for future generations.
The exhibition was created by Stadsdeel West, in collaboration with the Stadsarchief (Amsterdam City Archives) and Foam Photography Museum Amsterdam. Previously, the exhibition was shown on Mercatorplein; in De Hallen, it gets a new context in the public heart of Amsterdam-West.
Amsterdam-West is constantly changing. But the commitment of these women is constant. This exhibition is for them — and for everyone who recognizes themselves in their story.
Photo credits:
1: Patria factory, 1978 ca © Han Singels
2: Vanessa Wattimena, 2025 © Hanane el Ouardani
3: Anita Groenink, 2025 © Hanane el Ouardani
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