Chief UNICEF Office of Research - Child Rights and Protection
Key Takeaways:
Meeting with Dr. Subrahmanian pushed me to reflect on perception and audience. When UNICEF adapted its photographic approach, it changed the response it hoped to gain from its audience. I learned that, although some cultures perceive something as acceptable, it may be wrong for another group. Not only is the presentation of issues important, but audience awareness and understanding are also vital.
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On Monday, December 6th, Ponte Nuovo students had the opportunity to meet Ramya Subrahmanian and discuss a wide range of topics related to children's rights and the role of UNICEF. Dr. Subrahmanian oversees a portfolio of research that includes gender equality, violence against children and women, migration and displacement, child labour, and child marriage. Her team includes a staff of nearly 70 professionals.
The meeting was held at Dr. Subrahmanian's workplace, so the students had the opportunity to see UNICEF's Florence-based office. Dr. Subrahmanian began by explaining that the building where we met — Ospedale degli Innocenti or "Hospital of the Innocents" in English — was the first orphanage in Europe, and has been taking care of children for the past 500 years. Dr. Subrahmanian noted how appropriate it was that UNICEF, The United Nations Children's Fund, be located in a building with such a storied history of helping children.
Dr. Subrahmanian summarized her job at UNICEF and the organization's goals and achievements. Most memorably, we discussed UNICEF's shift of approach in advertising. Previously, UNICEF publicized photos of starving, injured, or sad children as a way to elicit support. However, they have since decided that needed to change. Now, they take colorful and bright photos of children to promote causes in a more positive light. This topic led to a discussion of ethics. Should a photo of a dead child be used if it can help raise awareness and make a difference? The example given was Alan Kurdi's heartbreaking photographs that raised awareness of the Syrian refugee crisis. In the end, good points were made and it was clear where we all stood on the ethics of photography and journalism.
