The KIOO Project is changing gender dynamics far and wide, and their next stop: Nepal.
Tuesday, July 19th, was a big day for the KIOO Project. Founder, Babita Patel, hosted a “Through Her Lens” fundraiser to spread awareness, raise funds for the organization, as well as introduce the establishment’s newest board members.
The KIOO Project is a nonprofit organization that aspires to spread gender equality across the globe. They advance these notions of gender equality through the use of photography. Marcus Russell Price, renowned photographer, filmmaker, and new board member of the KIOO Project, stated, “Art itself is the greatest thing humans have ever created, and there’s no better way to explore humanity than with art.” This advancement of gender equality is made possible through the project’s specific order of teaching photography during their workshops; Firstly, during week one, the young girls are taught about photography and various techniques to hone their skills. Then during week two, the young boys are introduced to the workshop, and the girls teach their peers what they learned prior. This distinct teaching process can build these young girls’ self-confidence and leadership skills while boys can begin to recognize the leadership ability of girls and see them as equals.
The KIOO team has traveled all over the world to spread their message. Their reach has extended to places such as Haiti, Kenya, India, Uganda, Ethiopia, and even in Brooklyn. Their upcoming stop for the fall of 2022 is in Janakpur, Nepal, where they are partnering with the Janaki Women Awareness Society to host a workshop for the children in this area. As mentioned by Price, “Bringing the KIOO Project to these different places and using art as a tool or vehicle for challenging gender dynamics and bringing gender equality, there’s no better way to do it.”
This event for the KIOO Project held at CSTM HAUS in the Meatpacking District was full of fits of laughter, food, and fabulous silent auction items! The food and drinks were courtesy of generous sponsors, Edy’s Grocer, SunBoy, and The Community Spirit. They provided a mezze spread that could put your charcuterie board to shame and delicious drinks like The Community Spirit Vodka and Sun Boy’s spiked coconut water that are to die for!
As attendees wined and dined, Babita Patel introduced the new board members joining the KIOO team. This included previously mentioned Marcus Russell Price and Jenny Toth, model and digital illustrator. While speaking with The Knockturnal, Toth voiced her adamance to join this project, “It was an easy decision for me. When Babita actually made the ask, it was all-caps YES. I love the mission and I love what the organization is doing.”
Once everyone settled in their seats, the comedic portion of the night commenced. Babita Patel, the founder of the KIOO project, disclosed in an interview that she was ecstatic to have a bunch of comedians come out to support the cause. Furthermore, she was really “excited to have an equal number of female comedians and male comedians because we are gender equality.” The comedians in question are Jon Laster, Ronny Chieng, Corinne Fisher, and Rachel Feinstein, who had people falling out of their chairs from belly-laughing so hard.
The silent auction perfectly rounded out the night. Luxurious gifts such as Hugo Boss bags, Veuve Clicquot champagne, and spa packages from Ameon skin care were up for grabs. Additional auction items were tickets for two great experiences: a stand up comedy show by comedian, John Mulaney and a magic show by illusionist and showman David Copperfield. Also for sale were photos taken by KIOO students (some of which are still for sale on the KIOO website).
All proceeds from this event are going towards making this KIOO Nepal trip possible. The estimated cost to create a long-term photography program is $30,000. Currently, with one hundred supporters, KIOO has raised $9,648 of its $30,000 goal. With your help, they could reach their goal and spread the lessons of gender equality to Nepal and many other destinations in the future.