The Pixel Project Selection 2014 – 16 Notable Anti-VAW Activists and Organisations You Should Follow on Twitter

Twitter with MegaphoneWith Twitter quickly becoming a reliable, if not the most reliable, news source for many individuals, activism is beginning to play a major role within social media. For many, it is how resources are found, knowledge obtained, and discussions begun. Furthermore, organisations have taken notice and also use this new form of media to gain better outreach worldwide. Online volunteer charities and groups, such as The Pixel Project itself, are becoming a major staple in this modern age of activism.

Twitter offers a real-time view and perspective of what is occurring both elsewhere and in our own communities, enabling us to become more aware of social issues like violence against women. Information is very often a weapon of power, a tool to help us better our world through understanding. In this way, we are also creating an atmosphere of solidarity worldwide, which is something to take notice of.

Being able to look up a hashtag – #vaw for example – in order to find news sources, helplines, or other activists is a simple yet incredibly useful way to become involved. With that in mind, The Pixel Project presents our 2014 Twitter selection. We narrowed down the many incredible organisations and individuals involved in the cause to end violence against women to the 16 listed below. These are groups and people who will keep you informed simply because they share the passion to create a better tomorrow for girls and women everywhere.

Written and compiled by Ashley Sapp


Twitter Follow Recommendation 1: Canadian Women’s Foundation (@cdnwomenfdn)

Cdn Women FdnThe Canadian Women’s Foundation is a national organisation whose goal is to empower women and girls throughout Canada, aid them in moving out of violence and poverty, and rediscover a life of confidence and freedom. Furthermore, they host a wonderful campaign called Donate Your Voice, where the voices and faces of women who have been forced into sex trafficking are used to share stories by Canadians.

Twitter Follow Recommendation 2: Daughters of Eve (@daughtersofeve)

DOEDaughters of Eve is a non-profit charity organisation that campaigns to end gender-based violence and female genital mutilation worldwide in order to protect women and girls. Their work includes a broad advancement of physical, mental, and sexual health rights in order to bring an end to the FGM practice and prevent the young women at risk of being subjected to it.

Twitter Follow Recommendation 3: Everyday Feminism (@EvrydayFeminism)

everyday feminismLaunched in 2012, Everyday Feminism is an online magazine that works to amplify and accelerate the progressive cultural shifts taking place across the US and the world. With a following of 3 million users in over 200 countries, its mission is to not only shed light on the everyday discrimination, violence, and marginalization that occurs globally but also to bring an end to it. In doing so, it seeks to create an environment in which we can live without fear of silencing, violence, and dominance in our communities and everyday lives.

Twitter Follow Recommendation 4: Everyday Sexism (@EverydaySexism)

Everyday SexismThe Everyday Sexism project founded by Laura Bates has as its mission the documenting the experiences of harassment, sexism, and assault that occur on a day-to-day basis in order to create solidarity and raise awareness of how widespread the problem is. It aids in calling out how these levels of sexism are normalized in society and discussing ways to change this.

Twitter Follow Recommendation 5: Fem 2.0 (@Fem2pt0)

Fem2Pt0Feminism 2.0 is geared toward bringing together women’s grassroots organisations and online communities in order to connect voices, stories, and missions addressing women’s issues. Founders of Fem2pt0 recognised the potential of breaking down barriers between the many feminist activists utilizing new media and chose to enhance this pathway. Based in Washington DC, the group intends to create a better world and policies for women, families, and society.

Twitter Follow Recommendation 6: FORCE: Upsetting Rape Culture (@UpsettingRape)

FORCEFORCE: Upsetting Rape Culture is a creative campaign geared toward upsetting the culture of rape. Furthermore, the organisation has formed the Monument Project, a display that calls for an end to violence against women through this monument dedicated to survivors of rape and abuse. It is a crowd-sourced platform of stories from survivors of sexualised violence.

 

Twitter Follow Recommendation 7: Girl Up (@girlup)

Girl UpCreated by the United Nations Foundation, Girl Up is a campaign with a vision of creating and upholding a world where all girls and women, no matter where, have access to education, justice, and rights in order to become the next generation of leaders. The campaign is geared toward raising funds for UN programmes that aid some of the world’s most difficult-to-reach adolescent girls. In this way, they are providing access to resources to many who might not otherwise have such support.

Twitter Follow Recommendation 8: Girls’ Globe (@girlsglobe)

Girls GlobeA group of organisations and individuals with the mission of improving the lives of girls and women worldwide, Girls’ Globe works on raising awareness of global issues that affect the health, education, and rights of women. Based in Sweden, Girls’ Globe is a non-profit with team members around the world all focused on sharing stories, news, and information in order to create an environment for women that is without violence, injustice, and discrimination.

Twitter Follow Recommendation 9: Laurie Penny (@PennyRed)

Laurie PennyAn English journalist, writer, and activist, Laurie Penny speaks on the subject of gender issues, pop culture, and social justice for The Guardian, Salon, The Nation, Vice, and others.  She is also the author of her fourth book, Unspeakable Things, and Editor for The New Inquiry. She appeared on the Bread and Roses Award for Radical Publication shortlist in 2012 for her book, Penny Red: Notes from the New Age of Dissent.

Twitter Follow Recommendation 10: Leyla Hussein (@LeylaHussein)

Leyla HusseinRecipient of the Emma Humphrey Award for her work on ending female genital mutilation and other violence against women and children in 2011, Leyla Hussein is an activist and psychotherapist. She is also the co-founder of the project Daughters of Eve. She has previously spoken on these issues on several local, national, and international TV and radio programs, such as BBC World, BBC Today, and Al Jazeera.

Twitter Follow Recommendation 11: National Network to End Domestic Violence (@NNEDV)

NNEDVThe National Network to End Domestic Violence is an American national non-profit organisation founded to be the leading voice of domestic violence survivors and their allies with a network of over 2000 organisations nationwide. Their focus is on addressing all aspects of domestic violence with a goal of forming an environment without economic, political, and social injustices for all girls and women.

Twitter Follow Recommendation 12: National Sexual Violence Resource Center (@NSVRC)

NSVRCThe NSVRC’s mission is to prevent and respond to sexual violence through resources, research, and collaboration. Their goal is to celebrate diversity and ensure the world treats all women and girls with dignity and respect, creating a safer and healthier environment where people have full control over their bodies and sexual expression.

 

Twitter Follow Recommendation 13: Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network (@RAINN01)

RAINNThe largest in the United States, the Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network is an anti-sexual assault organisation. They are home to the Department of Defense Safe Helpline which provides one-on-one support and information online. It is a secure, anonymous, and confidential resource available online and via telephone, text, chat service, or mobile app. RAINN is also the partner of over 1,100 rape crisis centres across the country.

Twitter Follow Recommendation 14: Soraya Chemaly (@schemaly)

Soraya ChemalySoraya Chemaly is a writer and activist who discusses gender inequalities in pop culture, media, politics, and religion. She particularly focuses on the repression of women in all forms and uses media activism to draw attention to everyday sexism. Furthermore, she writes often on the subject of violence against women, and has appeared in The Nation, Salon, Time, CNN, Huffington Post, and many other platforms.

Twitter Follow Recommendation 15: Young Fems & Allies (@NOWYoungFems)

NOW Young FemsThe National Organization for Women has created the first virtual chapter for young feminists and allies with the purpose of bringing young women, men, and non-gender-conforming individuals onto the activism path.  In doing so, this organisation offers a voice to many who often feel underrepresented. They tackle many issues, one of which is the oppression and violence faced by many nationwide.

Twitter Follow Recommendation 16: Zerlina Maxwell (@ZerlinaMaxwell)

Zerlina MaxwellZerlina Maxwell is a political analyst, writer, and speaker on multiple cultural issues including gender inequality, domestic violence, victim blaming, and sexual assault. She has visited various universities and colleges to speak on the subject of rape culture and feminism. She was also selected by TIME magazine as one of the best feeds to follow on Twitter in 2014.

16 Ways to Educate Individuals and Communities about Sexual Consent

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Valuing a women’s consent over her own body is an integral step towards ending violence against women. This means providing women the power to say “no” to sexual encounters, and for the word “no” to be respected in all situations. Myths depict rape and sexual assault perpetrators as strangers. However, two out of three rapes are committed by a person the victim knows. This occurs because sexual consent is either not understood or not respected.

Education is necessary to ensure everyone involved in a sexual activity is consenting, comfortable, valued and safe. Sexual consent education includes talking about how and when to ask for consent, how to say no, what constitutes consent, and the importance of respecting another person’s decision. Assault laws and consequences for a lack of consent should also be included in sexual consent discussions. These lessons will help end the countless sexual assaults that occur every day.

In this “16 For 16” article, we present 16 innovative ideas for educating children, young adults, and other members of your community about sexual consent.

Written by Rebecca DeLuca


Sexual Consent Education – Tip #1: Team up with local organisations

If you are assuming the responsibility of educating your community about sexual consent for the first time, it will be beneficial to connect with local organisations that focus on sexual consent and violence against women. Many organisations have already developed material and messaging that will help engage your audience and direct you in your educational messages. Speakers, educators, and classes may also be available.

Sexual Consent Education – Tip #2: Conduct appropriate research 
Sexual consent education will fail if the audience misinterprets, forgets, or ignores the message. Conducting research will help you prepare and construct a successful educational campaign and ensure message retention. Research can be done first-hand through interviews and surveys with your target audience. Information can also be found online. For example, Julie S. Lalonde conducted a Twitter survey about teaching male youth about rape culture. The responses – which can be found here – can help craft successful messages and sexual consent curricula.

Sexual Consent Education – Tip #3: Start an online newsletter
An e-newsletter is an easy and inexpensive way to keep your community updated and involved in sexual consent education. Publishing, professional templates and contact maintenance are available free of charge on various platforms such as MailChimp. The e-newsletter, which can be sent daily, weekly or bi-weekly, can include upcoming events, recent stories, educational tips, advice, and questions and answers to ensure your community is always up-to-date.

1361797_52190285Sexual Consent Education – Tip #4: Include consent-based education in school curriculum
Challenging school boards to alter curricula is difficult and education about sexual consent may not be allowed in certain classrooms. However, obtaining consent and respecting the word “no” are skills that can be taught in numerous other environments and to all age groups. For example, using consent-based education to help children negotiate the use of toys will help them develop the mentality necessary to understand sexual consent when they are older.

Sexual Consent Education – Tip #5: Make yourself a visible advocate
Making yourself or your group a visible advocate for sexual consent demonstrates to your community that discussing consent is not embarrassing or taboo. It is also a continuous reminder that you are available for discussions, assistance and advice. Tips for remaining visible include having booths at community events, sharing information about consent through your social media accounts, developing business cards with “Sexual Assault Advocate” listed on them, or speaking at events.

Sexual Consent Education – Tip #6: Create an anonymous question box
Though asking questions about consent is nothing to be embarrassed about, some people will feel more comfortable remaining anonymous. Creating an anonymous question box will help ensure more people get the answers they are seeking. You can place the anonymous box in the classroom, at your school, at various events, on community websites, or at your community centre, then either answer the questions via a general FAQ sheet that can be distributed to the community or contact the asker directly to answer his/her question.

Sexual Consent Education – Tip #7: Skits
Theatrical skits and performances are a creative, non-threatening way to discuss sexual consent. Scripts can be developed to discuss topics that affect your audience most, such as having sex for the first time, going away to college, or talking to teenage children about consent. While writing the script, acknowledge crucial moments in the plot to survey your audience on ways they would act. You can then discuss the correct and incorrect ways to proceed.

Kids_croppedSexual Consent Education – Tip #8: Introduce youth to other youth programmes

Research suggests people are more likely to retain and listen to messages if the sender is similar to them and faces similar concerns. Thus, an important strategy to educate youth in your community about sexual consent is through peer education. This may include introducing youth-developed campaigns such as The Girl Code Movement, Party with Consent, or Campaign4Consent to your community to show teenagers how their peers are getting involved. Other tools include peer groups and guest youth speakers.

Sexual Consent Education – Tip #9: Partner with bars, clubs and other local events to remind youth about consent
Reinforcing your messages about consent is integral, especially in high-risk situations. By identifying and partnering with organisations that have high-risk environments, you can help youth remember the importance of consent when you are absent. Partnerships with local bars, clubs and other events can include washroom poster campaigns, door stamps or wristbands easily-remembered reminders about consent on them.

Sexual Consent Education – Tip #10: Monitor the media
Media can be consumed anywhere: on television, radio, social networks, and through messaging and face-to-face interaction. As a result, youth are consuming more media, quicker than before. Monitoring the news and other popular culture makes you proactive in spotting news stories and headlines that are teachable moments for helping children and other young people understand what they see and hear, and answer important questions they may have. Conversation starters can include “The [event here] that happened yesterday scared me. What did you feel?” or “Why do you think [he/she/they] acted that way? What would you have done?”

Sexual Consent Education – Tip #11: Hold bystander intervention events
Bystander research states people will make judgements about their behaviour based on the reactions they receive from the people around them. Through proper bystander intervention education and training, bystanders learn how to prevent and ease potentially violent environments and become confident enough to intervene in various situations. Bystander intervention events are integral for both youth and adults, and can be held in school, as part of after-school activities, or as a prerequisite for team sports and other community groups.

Sexual Consent Education – Tip #12: Create and distribute visual content
Discussing consent should not be boring, overpowering or embarrassing. While facts, statistics and research are useful, they can often be overwhelming. To encourage youth understanding, use visuals. These can include bumper stickers, bracelets, or “What is Consent” pocket cards. Valentine’s day cards, for example, circulate messages about consent in an nonthreatening, creative way.

Sexual Consent Education – Tip #13: Develop safety slogans
Slogans increase retention and recognition for brands. However, they are not exclusive to advertising and marketing. Developing and utilising  slogans in your sexual consent education will help individuals recall information about consent. As slogans are easier to remember than facts and statistics, they will remind community members to make safe, smart decisions. Some examples of consent slogans are: “Yes means yes,” “consent is sexy,” and “a dress is not a yes.”

Sexual Consent Education – Tip #14: Introduce youth to available technology.
As mobile phone usage increases, young people can carry and access sexual consent information in their pockets. Developers have designed applications that emphasise the importance of consent, provide communication advice, answer anonymous questions and more. After researching mobile applications that are appropriate for your audience, location and goals, share them with your community. Or, if you cannot find an application that meets your unique needs, develop one with the help of your community.

1087539_11462380Sexual Consent Education – Tip #15: Start a Popular Culture Club.
Popular music, books, television and movies can help reinforce lessons about sexual consent by providing springboards for discussion. Through the sharing of books, movies and other media, a popular culture club allows community members to consume consent-positive media. The club, which can be developed online or in person, should also include a discussion section for members to share thoughts, insights and lessons learned with others.

Sexual Consent Education – Tip #16: Encourage community event participation. Encouraging participation in events that other organisations hold not only reinforces your messages, but also provides another outlet for engaged community members to support. Contact local organisations, look on your community’s event calendar, or connect with non-profits on social media to find upcoming events you can participate it in as a community.

The Pixel Project Selection 2014: 16 Films About Violence Against Women

Film-Reel-225x300 (1)One of the most useful awareness-raising and educational tools at our disposal is the craft of film. To portray the real experiences and lives of individuals—particularly women who suffer tragedy, abuse, and revival—is something not to be taken for granted. It is just one way to open public consciousness and heighten awareness to the breadth of the issue of violence against women worldwide.

However, it is common for filmmakers to use violence against women as shock value or to be gratuitous, implying that such violence is either blithe or exemplary.Such portrayals further perpetuate the notion that sexual assault and other forms of gender-based violence are a non-issue when in reality, they affect 1 in 3 women worldwide. Films that depict the violence girls and women experience in their daily lives are a great step towards building a better tomorrow simply by recognising the reality of today.

Many of the following films can be found online, which is yet another reason why video is a vital avenue for discussing worldwide and community issues like violence. Video-streaming sites like YouTube and Vimeo allow people to upload their own work or that of others, thus reaching a broader audience and bringing the conversation home. We hope that our 2014 selection of 16 documentaries show just how important film can be in advocating for the truth of these issues, enlightening audiences, and hopefully enabling others to join the fight to end violence against women.

Written and compiled by Ashley Sapp.


Selection Number 1: Casablanca Calling

Casablanca Calling is a 2014 documentary that showcases the social revolution slowly occurring in Morocco where approximately 60% of women have never been to school. Despite political conflict, Moroccan women are being trained for the first time to be leaders. The film follows these women as they circulate in schools and other sites, speaking on marriage, education, and employment. In doing so, the film highlights the promise of change and indicates the importance of empowerment among girls and women.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ezL2mDc_eMM

Selection Number 2: Defending Our Lives

The Oscar-winning documentary Defending Our Lives emphasises the seriousness and prevalence of domestic violence in the United States. The video features the testimonies of battered women who have been imprisoned for killing their husbands. The women in the film are members of ‘Battered Women Fighting Back,’ an organisation formed initially as a prison support group but expanded into a community-based task force. Each woman who appears in this video has experienced domestic violence firsthand via stalking, harassment, and abuse by their husbands and partners. The video focuses on how these women defended their lives and were subsequently put behind bars for it.

Note: Please go here to watch the trailer for this documentary as the video is unavailable on YouTube or Vimeo. TRIGGER WARNING: There are images that may be distressing for survivors of domestic violence.

Selection Number 3: Duma

Duma was a controversial documentary about the abuse women face in Palestinian and Arab societies. It is regarded as the first film to fully document and shed light upon the sexual abuse women face in Arab society. The documentary features women and the experiences they have endured at the hands of friends and family as well as the resulting silence imposed upon them. By giving voice to these perspectives, the film not only reveals the abuse but gives hope to survivors that they will no longer be silenced.

Selection Number 4: Heaven on Earth

In the 2008 film Heaven On Earth, a young Indian Punjab woman moves to Ontario, Canada, for an arranged marriage to an Indo-Canadian man. However, her husband is an abuser who continues to isolate her after she has already left behind her community in India. The film explores a real problem for immigrants who are victims of domestic violence as they struggle not only to find resources but also ways to communicate what is occurring in their home lives.

Selection Number 5: I Am a Girl

Simply by being female, girls are more likely to be subjected to poverty, violence, disease, and other disadvantages. The 2013 film I Am A Girl follows the lives and stories of various young girls and teens as they face forced marriage, pregnancy, and threats against their lives if they seek education. These girls live in places like Cambodia, Australia, New York, and New Guinea, signaling the fact that these issues are faced worldwide.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fExPacu9wds

Selection Number 6: Jazz Mama

The 2010 film Jazz Mama focuses on the sexualised violence of Congolese women and also how they remain pillars of strength, as survivors, within their community after their experiences. This film has also become a movement inspired by the strength and resilience of these very women from the Congo. It was given the Zanzibar International Film Festival award in 2010.

Selection Number 7: Maria in Nobody’s Land

A film by Marcela Zamora Chamorro, Maria in Nobody’s Land takes an intimate look at the journey of three women from El Salvador as they travel to the US. The decision is not a light one, but they each decide to leave behind their abusive husbands and seek a better life outside of poverty. In doing so, they face prostitution, rape, kidnapping, and death, which is similar to many other immigrants’ stories. This 2010 film highlights the dangers many women endure.

Selection Number 8: Mrs. Goundo’s Daughter

Mrs. Goundo’s Daughter is a film featuring a woman originally from Mali now living in the United States. However, if deported back to Mali, her two-year-old daughter would be under the threat of female genital mutilation. The movie follows Mrs. Goundo as she seeks political asylum and works on convincing an immigration judge of the danger her daughter faces. This film demonstrates the struggles women often face when it comes to immigration laws and human rights.

Selection Number 9: No Burqas Behind Bars

The 2013 film No Burqas Behind Bars showcases the experiences and life of women in Afghanistan prisons. For example, in the Takhar Prison, 40 women and their 34 children were locked behind bars together within four cells. The film investigates how imprisonment is used to control women in Afghanistan, with some even facing longer punishments for fleeing their husbands than others who have commited murder.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LJc-KajJA7s

 Selection Number 10: Private Violence

Premiering at the 2014 Sundance Film Festival, Private Violence won the Candescent Award, which was created to support socially conscious documentary films. The feature-length documentary narrates the stories of domestic violence survivors while breaking down the knee-jerk reactions of asking why victims stay with their abusers. In doing so, the film works to change the conversation and build a different future for women.

Selection Number 11: Silent Voices

The film Silent Voices is a docudrama that discusses the issue of domestic violence in the United Kingdom. It was later released as a DVD in 2008 in order to raise funds for the charity National Centre for Domestic Violence. The film features fictitious characters ranging from the ages of 10 to 40 performing monologues based on real events and experiences.

Selection Number 12: Six Days: Three Activists, Three Wars, One Dream

By following three human rights defenders as they move through Iraq, Liberia, Georgia, and Abkhazia, Six Days offers insight into the everyday plight of women worldwide. Education, honour killings, and health issues are just a few examples explored in the 2013 documentary which enlightens audiences to the challenges women face but also the changes, the empowerment, and the differences they are making in order to create a better tomorrow.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rAxBGQ2XNy4

Selection Number 13: Telling Amy’s Story

Telling Amy’s Story is a film that recalls the timeline of a domestic violence homicide that occurred in 2001 through interviews with the victims’ parents, co-workers, law enforcement, and others. The actress and activist Mariska Hargitay hosts while Detective Deirdri Fishel narrates. Through this film, further awareness is raised on the issue of abuse against women.

Selection Number 14: The Conspiracy of Silence

This PBS documentary focuses on the silence that follows domestic violence, as victims feel they cannot come forward about the abuse they have experienced whether by fear of their abusers or the stigma surrounding such abuse. Often the victims believe their silence will prevent further violence from occurring. The film goes beyond economic and racial lines in order to demonstrate that domestic violence does not discriminate and can happen to anyone.

 Selection Number 15: V-Day: Until the Violence Stops

Until the Violence Stops documents the way in which The Vagina Monologues developed into the international movement V-Day, geared toward ending violence against women and girls. The film features women from around the world who each share their stories and experiences of abuse and rape as well as circumcision. In doing so, both the film and the resulting movement have aided in raising awareness of the prominence of violence within global societies and breaking the silence surrounding abuse.

 Selection Number 16: War Zone

Though there are multiple forms of assault and abuse, one that often goes unnoticed since it is considered the norm is street harassment. The 1998 documentary War Zone engages men in order to seek answers as to why they catcall, whistle, or otherwise make comments at women. As director Maggie Hadleigh-West explores this issue within the United States, some men apologize or converse while others yell or even attempt to hit her. Through this film, the very real experience of women is put into the spotlight to be analyzed and discussed.

The Pixel Project Selection 2014 – 16 Notable Facebook Pages by Anti-Violence Against Women Organisations

Foto-FacebookIn only ten years, Facebook became a social media powerhouse, with 829 million daily active users as of June 2014. Of those users, 654 million log in from their mobile devices every day. Facebook has grown from a basic social connection website to a life platform. It is used to find, connect, and catch up with friends, to read the news, to conduct business, to shop, and to learn.

Facebook is also used to find causes, organisations, and events that are important to us and to advocate for various issues. Now, Facebook users can learn about and support global issues from their own home. They can follow organisational news, participate in grassroots campaigns, and donate right from their mobile phone or computer.

Violence against women is one of the global issues finding supporters on Facebook. Now, one story can be heard by millions of people around the globe. In this article, we highlight 16 anti-violence against women Facebook pages that are unique in their message and their delivery. This is our third annual list of recommended Facebook pages and we have selected them because they make an effort to temper humour with information, offer a significant way for their readers to help, and make those in the fight feel more powerful and part of something greater. They present a unique perspective on a global issue. So pick and choose a couple to ‘like’, or better yet – ‘like’ them all and get informed and take action.

Written and compiled by Rebecca DeLuca


Recommended Facebook Page 1: A Call to MenUnited States of America

A Call to MenA Call to Men is a violence prevention organisation geared towards men. The organisation educates men to be loving and respectful, so all women and girls can be valued and safe. A Call to Men believes shifting social norms about manhood is an integral step to ending domestic and sexual violence. Understanding that preventing violence against women is primarily the responsibility of men, A Call to Men utilises training, keynote presentations, consultation and education to challenge men’s understanding of masculinity. The Facebook page, while focused on United States media, shares global news about men’s roles in ending violence against women.

Recommended Facebook Page 2: Create Consent Culture by Providing Youth the ToolsCanada

Create Consent Culture by Providing Youth the ToolsCreate Consent Culture by Providing Youth the Tools is a Facebook community geared toward educators. The community’s goal is to develop resources to integrate consent-based education into schools. This Facebook page is a place for discussion about rape culture, a resource exchange, and an idea hub for educators. While many of the posts discuss education and educational institutions, followers will also find information for parents and news about other feminist organisations.

Recommended Facebook Page 3: Foundation to Prevent Violence against Women and their ChildrenAustralia

Foundation to Prevent Violence against Women and their ChildrenThe Foundation to Prevent Violence Against Women and their Children is an Australian organisation working to raise awareness about violence against women. The Foundation shares articles about empowering women, violence against women, and tips to end abuse. The Foundation’s Facebook page is also a resource for members to find information about upcoming women-focused events in various Australian communities.

Recommended Facebook Page 4: Girls Not BridesGlobal

Girls Not BridesGirls Not Brides, an organisation also featured in our 2013 edition of “16 Notable Activists and Nonprofits to Follow on Twitter,” is bringing global attention to the issue of child marriage. The Girls Not Brides Facebook page is a collaborative resource for discussions about ending child marriage and bringing awareness to child brides. While important news articles are shared, the Facebook page’s most important resource is real, first-hand stories from women and girls affected by child marriage. 

Recommended Facebook Page 5: Human Rights Project for GirlsUnited States of America

Human Rights Project for GirlsHuman Rights Project for Girls (Rights4Girls) is an organisation that focuses on gender-based violence and its effects on women and girls in the United States of America. Focusing on sexual violence, domestic violence, rape, and trafficking in the U.S., the organisation uses education and engagement to demand policy changes. The Rights4Girls Facebook page shares information on laws and policies affecting women and girls across the United States.

Recommended Facebook Page 6: Men Against ViolenceMauritius

Men Against ViolenceMen Against Violence (MAV) is a Mauritius nonprofit organisation framing violence against women as an issue men need to solve. The MAV Facebook page develops messages targeting men and boys and shares them in English and French. Not only does the organisation upload relevant news articles to its Facebook page, but it also shares videos, photos, and other forms of multimedia discussing violence against women.

Recommended Facebook Page 7: Object! Women not Sex ObjectsUnited Kingdom

Object Women not Sex ObjectsObject! Women not Sex Objects challenges the sexual objectification of women in the media and in popular culture. Object! uses grassroots activation and political lobbying to achieve its vision: a society free of sexism, in which women’s diversity is fully embraced and represented. While Object! focuses on ending sexual objectification, their Facebook page also acts as a hub for research and articles about a broader range of women’s rights issues. 

Recommended Facebook Page 8: Pandora’s ProjectAustralia and United States of America

Pandoras ProjectPandora’s Project is a haven for rape and sexual abuse survivors, and their family and friends. With an active community, the Facebook page acts as an online support group where survivors can tell their stories and connect with others. Pandora’s Project shares inspirational quotes, powerful messages, and articles about survival and coping.

Recommended Facebook Page 9: Sexual Violence Research InitiativeGlobal

Sexual Violence Research InitiativeThe Sexual Violence Research Initiative promotes research and generates empirical data about sexual violence. The organisation connects researchers, policy makers, donors and activists from around the world to ensure that sexual violence is recognised as a global issue. Those looking to study the effects of sexual violence, incorporate best practises into their teaching or therapy, or follow important research will find weekly SVRI updates including new research, grants, proposals and relevant news stories on the organisations’s Facebook page.

Recommended Facebook Page 10: Stop the Worldwide War on GirlsGlobal

Stop the Worldwide War on GirlsStop the Worldwide War on Girls is an active Facebook community building awareness about the frequent injustices women and girls face. If you are looking for global violence against women stories and updates, Stop the Worldwide War on Girls is a suggested place to begin. The Facebook page also has an active community, allowing you to engage in discussions, tell and read personal stories, and connect with like-minded activists.

Recommended Facebook Page 11: Take Back the TechGlobal

Take Back the TechTake Back the Tech! is a campaign calling for the control of technology to end violence against women. The campaign accompanies the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence in its daily actions, however the Facebook page is active the rest of the year too. Focusing on how technology and violence against women are connected, Take Back the Tech! engages its supporters in surveys, provides an anonymous harassment reporting service, and shares articles focusing on technology’s role in ending violence against women.

Recommended Facebook Page 12: The Girl Code Movement United States of America

The Girl Code MovementThe Girl Code Movement, founded by youth in New York, unites college women from across the United States to become activists in ending rape. The college-focused organisation uses education and training to empower women to become active bystanders. The organisation’s Facebook page includes stories from rape survivors, female empowerment quotes, news, and Cock Block Tips, which are tips to help women end rape.

Recommended Facebook Page 13: The Official 16 Days of Activation Against Gender Violence CampaignGlobal

The Official 16 DaysThe 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence is an international campaign aiming to end all forms of violence against women. Individuals and groups use the 16 days between November 25 (International Day Against Violence Against Women) and December 10 (International Human Rights Day) to illustrate that violence against women is a human rights violation. The Official 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence’s Facebook page is a focal point for the campaign, sharing actions and news and stories from the numerous individuals and groups involved. The rest of the year the Facebook page is a resource for those interested in the fight to end violence against women, sharing international news and important actions.

Recommended Facebook Page 14: The WAVE NetworkEurope

The WAVE NetworkWomen Against Violence Europe (WAVE) is a network of European NGOs promoting the human rights of women and children. Through raising awareness, empowering women and children, and lobbying, WAVE’s mission is to end violence against women. The WAVE Network uses its Facebook page to share articles about violence European women face. Also, the WAVE Network shares its lobbying efforts, event updates, and photos of their meetings, conferences, and events.

Recommended Facebook Page 15: V-DayGlobal

vdayV-Day, a global moment to end violence against women and girls, promotes creative events that increase awareness and raise money for anti-violence organisations. One of V-Day’s signature campaigns, One Billion Rising, brings together a billion people from across the globe to rise, dance, release and demand justice to end violence against women and girls. The V-Day Facebook page shares information about global anti-violence movements and events, making it easy for supporters to get involved.

Recommended Facebook Page 16: Women Against AbuseUnited States of America

Women against abuseIn 1976, a time when services for victims of domestic violence were unheard of, two social workers started Philadelphia’s first domestic violence hotline. Now, Women Against Abuse is one of the largest domestic violence agencies in the country. Though the non-profit organisation is located in Philadelphia, they share statistics, research, and articles that are pertinent to victims and survivors across the United States.

16 Photographers Who Support the Cause to End Violence Against Women

Half Camera and HandPhotography has the potential to be a great instrument for social change that allows individuals to document their circumstances, share their stories, and change their lives. Photography and the use of images adds depth and forwards the social exploration and commentary on issues impacting our society.

Photography as social documentary brings to light the stories and realities of violence against women and girls, from child brides, to female genital mutilation, to street harassment. The viewer is brought into the worlds depicted by each photographer and asked to join in the global conversation to effect change. The sixteen photographers selected examine the impact of images and the power of storytelling to study and raise awareness of violence against women and girls. Some of the projects, like Project Unbreakable, bring the viewer into the project by having people submit their own pictures of street harassment.

These diverse photographers represent a different countries and different genres of the visual arts. Some of them are global celebrities, others are well-respected in their countries or genres of documentary, portraiture, or street photography. It is the movement to end VAW that unites and inspires them and we hope that all of them will continue to work with the movement in years to come. We hope that these 16 photographers will engage you and inspire you to share and expand your own creative conversations about violence against women.

Note: To learn more about these 16 photographers and their work, click on their names in the header above their write-up. 

Written and Compiled by Angelique Mulholland; Introduction by Carol Olson 

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Photographer Against VAW #1: Ann Jones – United States of America

Ann Jones_croppedJournalist, photographer and humanitarian Ann Jones has spearheaded the International Rescue Committee’s Global Crescendo Project and implemented its simple but powerful strategy across Africa. In countries torn apart by war, women are armed with digital cameras and encouraged to document the daily violence and subjugation of their lives in the aftermath of civil war. Women have presented their photos – evidence of daily violence committed usually by their husbands and fathers – and for the first time, they have been heard. The effect on local elders and tribal chiefs has been groundbreaking and some elders have started to make changes in consultation with the photographers involved. In many traditional and patriarchal communities women are forbidden to touch new appliances in the house. However, through supporting each other, they have overcome their fears and have taken some striking photos that capture the everyday violence that so many women suffer.

Photographer Against VAW #2: Ann-Christine Woehrl – Germany

Ann-Christine Woehrl_croppedThe German photographer Ann-Christine Woehrl has taken pictures of women who have survived acid attacks and through her work has documented great suffering and great strength. Acid attacks are becoming increasingly common across a number of countries in South East Asia and most recently examples of acid attacks have been cited in domestic violence cases in Italy. Ann-Christine’s photos show women who have found life and joy after being scarred so terribly – often by husbands or partners and sometimes after years of physical abuse. Ann-Christine’s work is collated in her exhibition entitled “UN/VISIBLE” and can be seen at the Ethnological Museum of Munich until January 2015. Ann-Christine commented: “My concern is for women who have become invisible in their cultures, to be made visible again.”

Photographer Against VAW #3: Donna Ferrato – United States of America

Donna Ferrato_croppedThe opening message on Donna Ferrato’s website states: “The mission of I Am Unbeatable is to raise awareness, educate and prevent domestic violence against women and their children through real stories and real people.” Donna’s mission, which has spanned over three decades, has resulted in a collection of poignant and haunting images candidly showing the suffering involved for all the family when domestic violence occurs. Indeed, some of Donna’s images capture an assault taking place. In 1991, Donna published a corresponding book “Living with the enemy”. Her photos also document the lives of women who are serving life sentences for killing their abusers and images of children who have lived through abuse. Donna has been featured in Time magazine, won numerous awards and she has met privately with Hillary Clinton to discuss the problem of domestic violence. Her project is called “Unbeatable” because she believes every woman abused by a partner of spouse has the courage to leave the violence and create a new life for herself and her children – free from the fear of violence.

TRIGGER WARNING: The photographs taken by Ferrato may be distressing for some readers.

Photographer Against VAW #4: Gareth Barton – United Kingdom

Gareth BartonGareth Barton, a photographer for UK charity Flame International, won the 2013 photography competition “Look Again” for 28 Too Many – a charity which seeks to empower survivors of FGM and create positive relationships for women across Africa. Gareth gave an emphatic and emotional acceptance speech. “I hate this. I hate this stuff (violence against women)…I want to see it ended.” His striking photo of Sarah, a young woman in South Sudan who was captured by the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) was the winner among many other stand-out photographs on the subject of violence against women. Sarah’s story is both fortuitous and tragic. Along with 14 other innocents, including her mother-in-law, Sarah was selected to be the wife of the captain of LRA. When they found she was pregnant, unusually, she was released, however, not before the other abductees were brutally murdered in front of her, including her mother-in-law. Sarah’s calm, poignant poise and story captured the hearts of the judges and, of course, the heart of the photographer.

Photographer Against VAW #5: Grace Brown – United States of America

Grace Brown_CroppedThe brain child of photographer Grace Brown, Project Unbreakable is a pioneering photography project that depicts survivors of sexual assault holding up posters on which they quote their attackers. Since its founding in 2011, the project has showcased over 2,000 survivors’ stories in pictures. The mission of Project Unbreakable is “to increase awareness of the issues surrounding sexual assault and encourage the act of healing through art.” Project Unbreakable has been featured in media outlets such as Glamour, TIME, Buzzfeed, and The Guardian. Grace tours universities and schools across North America to educate on sexual violence and introduce Project Unbreakable to young people. Women aged 18 – 25 years old are in the highest risk category for rape and abuse and Project Unbreakable seeks to promote healing for women who have experienced sexual violence.

TRIGGER WARNING: The photographs featured in Project Unbreakable may be distressing for some readers.

Photographer Against VAW #6: Jillian Edelstein – South Africa and the United Kingdom

Jillian EdelsteinJillian Edelstein is a London-based award-winning international photographer and The Pixel Project’s principal photographer. Jillian has dedicated her time and extraordinary skills for The Pixel Project’s Celebrity Male Role Model Pixel Reveal campaign to help raise awareness and funds for the cause to end violence against women. Jillian has photographed The Pixel Project’s celebrity male role models in secret locations and has supported the mission of the campaign to get more men speaking out against violence against women. The portraits are currently hidden under a virtual 1-million pixel cover and being gradually revealed as donors donate $1 per pixel. Jillian grew up in turbulent South Africa and witnessed firsthand violence and injustice. This galvanised her drive and passion to work toward ending injustice in all its forms. In the late 1990s, Jillian made several trips to South Africa to document the work of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and her award-winning book Truth and Lies, was shot in large format and published in 2002.

Photographer Against VAW #7: Mary Ellen Mark – United States of America

arrives at USA Network's American Character: A Photographic Journey opening reception at ACE Gallery on May 14, 2009 in Bevely Hills, California. Photo by Michael Underwood/Elevation Photos (Pictured: )Mary Ellen Mark’s interest lies with people living on the fringes of society. Her work has been described by the California Museum of Women Photography as being “somewhere between social documentary photography and photojournalism.” In 1981, Mary lived with and photographed the infamous “cage girls:” prostitutes living in cage-like brothels and ostracised from India’s fiercely hierarchical social system. The project became known as The Cage Girls of Mumbai. The prostitutes did not have pimps, were free of drugs, and were a close-knit community. After living with the cage girls for three months, Mary commented on the young women: “All of them, even the most seemingly aggressive, are vulnerable.” Mary’s photos portray their vulnerability with great sensitivity. One photo shows a prostitute with a client whilst a child, presumably her daughter, looks on – confused and angry. Although prostitution is illegal in India, there continues to be demand among men from all classes of India’s society. Often, young girls are trafficked from poorer rural areas and forced to work as prostitutes. They are vulnerable to violence, rape and can contract HIV at a young age. Mary Ellen’s work in the early 80s shows the vulnerability and the young age of the prostitutes, and unfortunately in the 30 years since Mary took the photos, very little has changed.

TRIGGER WARNING: The photographs taken by Mark may be distressing for some readers.

Photographer Against VAW #8: Meeri Koutaniemi – Finland

meeri koutaniemiIn November 2013, Finnish photographer Meeri Koutaniemi witnessed two step-sisters, Isina and Nasirian* from the Maasai tribe in Kenya, endure the illegal practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). The United Nations estimates that FGM affects 125 million girls across the world and many are suffering from the horrific, life altering effects without proper access to medical treatment or psychological support. Koutaniemi met with the father of the sisters and gained permission to document the “coming-of-age ritual”. Koutaniemi’s black and white photos begin with beautiful portraits of the sisters, their house and their community. They go on to document their nervous faces before the ritual, then the horror of their screaming faces during the cutting and the sadness and pain that seems to envelop them after. Koutaniemi says that they performed type 2 FGM, where the clitoris and labia are completely removed. Some FGM activists object to this kind of photography to raise awareness of this abuse. Koutaniemi has said she will continue to document this terrible crime against young girls and the effect it has on their lives.

*names changed to protect their identities

TRIGGER WARNING: The photographs taken by Koutaniemi may be distressing for some readers.

Photographer Against VAW #9: Patrizia Pulga – Italy

patrizia_pulga_croppedInspired by One Billion Rising – a global protest against gender based violence through the medium of dance – Italian photographer Patrizia Pulga created a unique photography exhibition intent on destroying the “weeping victim” stereotype. She visualised a group of women in clothes she’d designed in different locations around the world, wearing the slogans from the international protest. She comments: “I never liked campaigns against violence which represent women as the eternal, weeping, battered and bruised victims. So I decided to produce symbolic pictures whose subjects are female forms wearing dresses or T-shirts with slogans against violence upon women.” The effect is alternative, vibrant and makes the viewer look twice at the slogans as well as the beautifully contrasting colours.

Photographer Against VAW #10: Pete Muller – Kenya and the United States of America

Pete Muller_croppedWar in the Congo has raged since the 1990s and women’s bodies have long been used as a standard weapon of war. Rape has been used as a tool to ‘demoralise the enemy’ between local militia fighting over land and resources. This seemingly relentless violence, rape, and sexual torture has affected tens of thousands of women since the conflict began and countless lives have been destroyed. In 2011, with the support of numerous international aid organisations, the Congolese military finally sought to intervene and curb this terrible trend with the first of the rape trials. Pete Muller, a freelance photojournalist documented the trial of Mutware Daniel Kibibi, the most senior military officer to be accused of rape and crimes against humanity. The photos are split into two sections: The Trial and The Victims. The victims’ identities are protected as rape is still a taboo subject and women are often ostracised from their families and communities. The photos of the trial show the accused and other soldiers standing trial. It is clear that the justice system is entirely made up of men. After 10 days, Kibibi and 8 of his men were sentenced to decades of hard labour. It was a landmark case and the crowd were heard chanting, “You thought you got away with it, now you will pay.”

Photographer Against VAW #11: Sara Naomi Lewkowicz – United States of America
Sara Naomi Lewkovicz

Sara Naomi Lewkowicz is a freelance photographer and a Masters degree candidate at Ohio university. In 2012, Sara was given an assignment to document the difficulties of being an ex-convict after being set free from prison. She met an ex-convict – Shane, 31 – and his girlfriend – Maggie, 19 – and she began to document their lives. What she didn’t know, was during the assignment she would take some remarkable and incredibly graphic photos documenting domestic violence. One night Shane and Maggie have a drunken argument in a bar and when they return home, Shane physically assaults Maggie. Sara captures everything. The assault itself, the police arriving, Maggie’s daughter witnessing the fight, Maggie packing up and leaving and her attempt to start a new life with her former husband and father of her children. The photos are chilling and extraordinary in the way they destroy the silence surrounding domestic violence by exposing it so openly. Sara won the 2013 Ville de Perpignan Rémi Ochlik Award for her work documenting domestic violence and she has recently started working with Donna Ferrato – a photographer who has been documenting domestic violence for over 30 years.

TRIGGER WARNING: The photographs taken by Lewkowicz may be distressing for some readers.

Photographer Against VAW #12: Souvid Datta – India and the United Kingdom

Souvid DattaSonagachi is one of India’s oldest red light districts. Countless children are born into a life of prostitution, violence and poverty. Kolkata’s local men visit the brothels to pay for sex with both local and trafficked women, some of whom are below the age of consent. UK-based photographer Souvid Datta, who is originally from Kolkata, first visited Sonagachi by accident when he was a child. He was lost and stumbled into the slum and vividly remembers bright red lights and young girls being led away by middle aged men in suits. At the age of 21, Datta decided to expose the truth of Sonagachi by taking pictures of the local inhabitants, his main focus being on mothers and daughters. In Datta’s brave series, In The Shadows Of Kolkata, we witness three generations of women partaking in a profession that is a means of survival. Some images are full of life and colour – children playing games in the streets full of energy and innocence. Yet they are juxtaposed with the darkness of the mother’s work, and the viewer is left wondering how much of the adult world has already encroached on the childhoods of their children. Datta says: “The juxtaposition of the adult profession with the innocence of youth adds an additional layer of disturbance to an already troubling theme.”

TRIGGER WARNING: The photographs taken by Datta may be distressing for some readers.

Photographer Against VAW #13: Stephanie Sinclair – United States of America

Stephanie Sinclair_CroppedHuman rights photographer Stephanie Sinclair has been working on a project to expose childhood marriage for over 9 years. An issue in over 50 countries around the world, childhood marriage is a significant problem that dramatically affects the life of a young girl. A girl forced into marriage is often robbed of an education, her freedom, her childhood and has a higher chance of becoming a victim of domestic and sexual violence. In addition, many child brides have complications during child birth, and some die as their bodies have not fully developed and are not ready to carry children. Stephanie commented: “It’s a harmful traditional practice that is slowly changing we just want to see it change even faster.” Too Young To Wed: The Secret World of Child Brides reveals saddening photos of young girls and their much older husbands as well as a young girl being carted away to her new husband’s house on their wedding night. Stephanie celebrates success stories with her photography too. Nujood Ali – the 11-year-old girl who successfully divorced her much older, abusive husband in a landmark case in Yemen – is celebrated with a stunning photo which simply screams: “Freedom.” Stephanie’s images have also been used for The Girl Summit, which took place in London in July 2014, and is a global event aimed at mobilising and accelerating efforts to end child marriage and female genital mutilation in a generation.

Photographer Against VAW #14: Tim Matsui – United States of America

Tim Matsui, photographerIn collaboration with The Alexia Foundation, a charity that uses the art of photography as a force for change, Tim Matsui has produced a collection of photos and a documentary on the subject of the trafficking of minors for the purposes of sexual exploitation in the US. Tim’s most striking photo of his collection is of a young girl called Lisa. She is arrested on charges of prostitution but instead of being taken to prison the police take her to a safe house that helps women and girls exit prostitution and life on the streets. When she first arrives she is given a bathrobe. She is told that she can keep the robe and that people care about her. She replies: “Why? I don’t care about myself.” The corresponding photo shows the back of Lisa in her robe eating some food. You can see she is young and vulnerable, even from this picture where you do not see her face. Working with Media Storm, Tim has made a feature length documentary called The Long Night about Lisa and three other people whose lives are torn apart by sexual exploitation.

TRIGGER WARNING: The photographs taken by Matsui may be distressing for some readers.

Photographer Against VAW #15: Vlad Sokhin – Portugal

Vlad Sokhin_croppedCrying Meri is a collection of photographs by Vlad Sokhin documenting the atrocities committed against women in Papua New Guinea. Doctors Without Borders has said that the levels of violence witnessed by their volunteers is akin to that of war-torn countries. Cited on Vlad’s website, recent statistics from the Papua New Guinea National Department of Health, indicate that “more than two thirds of women have experienced physical or sexual violence, one third were subjected to rape and 17% of sexual abuse involved girls between the ages 13 and 14.” Women are seen as the property of men and perpetrators of violence act with impunity. Raskol gangs, which operate in settlements in the larger cities, rule with brutal violence and go unpunished for their crimes. In order to enter one of the gangs, the men must rape a woman. If he murders the woman, he is held in higher regard. Domestic violence is also a widespread crime and Vlad’s photos show the mutilated bodies of women who have been violently abused by their husbands.

TRIGGER WARNING: The photographs taken by Sokhin may be distressing for some readers.

Photographer Against VAW #16: Walter Astrada – Argentina

Walter Astrada_croppedWalter Astrada was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina and is a freelance photographer living in Madrid. Walter’s ongoing project Violence Against Women has been lauded by critics as one of the most graphic yet poignant portrayals of different forms of violence against women around the world. He has produced four collections so far. In Femicide In Guatemala, Walter shines a light on the widespread problem of violence against women in this South American country which has led the highest rate of femicide – the killing of women – in the region. Sexual Violence In Eastern Congo has one of Walter’s most famous shots, a woman has a suckling baby at her breast and in the background we see an advancing tank on its way to destroy her village. Shattered Myths In Norway demonstrates the brutal violence that can take place against women in a seemingly peaceful country and Undesired takes a look at the growing problem of female foeticide in India.

TRIGGER WARNING: The photographs taken by Astrada may be distressing for some readers.

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Photo Credits/Sources:

  1. Ann Jones – From www.annjonesonline.com
  2. Anne-Christine Woehrl – From “Attack on body and soul: How do women survive acid attacks?”
  3. Donna Ferrato – From www.donnaferrato.com
  4. Gareth Barton – From www.spreadcommunications.co.uk
  5. Grace Brown – Courtesy of Grace Brown/Project Unbreakable
  6. Jillian Edelstein – Courtesy of The Pixel Project
  7. Mary Ellen Mark – Photo by Michael Underwood
  8. Meeri Koutaniemi – From www.echophotoagency.com
  9. Patrizia Pulga – Photo by Medardo Pedrini
  10. Pete Muller – From www.primecollective.com
  11. Sara Naomi Lewkowicz – From The Alexia Foundation blog
  12. Souvid Datta – From The Young Creatives blog
  13. Stephanie Sinclair – From WorldPressPhoto.com
  14. Tim Matsui – Photo by Frank Huster
  15. Vlad Sokhin – From www.loeildelaphotographie.com
  16. Walter Astrada – From www.walterestrada.com

The Pixel Project Selection 2014: 16 Songs About Violence Against Women (and Staying Strong and Positive)

Girl Playing Piano 1“Where words fail, music speaks.”― Hans Christian Andersen

Music has evolved into something more than a form of entertainment. It has become a vehicle for critiques and social change. In the global fight to end Violence Against Women (VAW), music works in unique ways.

Through music, those whose lives have been touched by violence tell stories that resonate deep within the listener’s soul. One song can inspire someone to seek help, or can remind a survivor that healing is possible. Music can empower women to find strength to overcome obstacles, embrace their differences, and love themselves unconditionally.

As music continues to educate, enlighten, and help with the social change needed to stop VAW, The Pixel Project presents our 2014 selection of 16 songs about or related to VAW and women’s empowerment. Our selection spans an assortment of genres and a variety of artistes. These diverse songs reflect on abuse and VAW, send messages of hope, and empower women everywhere.

Without further ado, here is this year’s selection of 16 songs presented in alphabetical order. We hope they inspire and move you as much as they have inspired and moved us.

Written and compiled by Rebecca DeLuca; Additional song selections by Regina Yau and Crystal Smith.


Song Number 1: Broken Girl – Matthew West

Matthew West’s “Broken Girl” is a song about child abuse and the everlasting effect is has on a person. Letters and confessions about abuse by West’s fans inspired “Broken Girl.” “Anybody who sent me their story that dealt with the topic of abuse,” West said, “that’s their song.”

Song Number 2: Do My Thing – Estelle ft. Janelle Monáe

Estelle and Janelle Monáe came together to create the female empowerment anthem “Do My Thing.” The song encourages women to surpass expectations and defy stereotypes, and make no apologies while doing it: If you are expecting me to give you an apology / For being nothing that you used to, used to / Well go on right ahead and wait / Hold your breath and concentrate / Keep holding till your face turns blue.

Song Number 3: Fixing Her Hair – Ani DiFranco

In “Fixing Her Hair,” DiFranco tells a story of a woman changing herself for a romantic relationship: She bends her breath when she talks to him / I can see her features begin to blur / as she pours herself into the mold he made for her. DiFranco is hoping for a revolution, and reminds all listeners to stay true to themselves and demand their worth.

Song Number 4: Girl in a Country Song – Maddie & Tae

Teenage songwriting duo Maddie Marlow and Tae Dye used their debut single to challenge the popular “bro” themes in country music: Like a girl in a country song / How in the world did it go so wrong? / Like all were good for / Is looking good for you and your friends on the weekend / Nothing more. “We cannot live up to those expectations,” Maddie said about the stereotypes of women today’s chart-topping hits.

Song Number 5: Girl on Fire – Alicia Keys

“Girl on Fire” celebrates strong, passionate women. Keys sings about a girl who enthralls everyone around her with her strength: Everybody stares, as she goes by / ‘Cause they can see the flame that’s in her eyes / Watch her when she’s lighting up the night.

Song Number 6: Hero – Mariah Carey

Deemed by many as her signature song, Mariah Carey’s “Hero” reminds audiences of the strength that lies within them: So when you feel like hope is gone / Look inside you and be strong / And you’ll finally see the truth / That a hero lies in you. Carey receives letters from listeners who have realised they can be their own heroes after hearing to the song. “That’s an unexplainable feeling,”  Carey said in an interview with Fred Bronson. “Like I’ve done something  with my life. It meant something to someone.”

Song Number 7: His Hands – Jennifer Nettles ft. Brandy Clark

Jennifer Nettles’ “His Hands” begins as a story of love and passion, before turning into a story of abuse. “When you start to hear the second chorus, you realise: ‘This is a completely different his hands on me than I originally thought,’” Nettles said. Written as a duet between two abused women, they express the promises their abusers made, and encourage each other to get out: Yeah I should have known better when the last three times he swore / that he would never lay another finger on me but the truth’s on my face.

Song Number 8: I Love Myself Today – Bif Naked

In “I Love Myself Today,” Bif Naked sings about making the decision to leave an unhealthy relationship. Once alone, she falls in love with herself and realises she will survive: I love myself today / Not like yesterday / I’m cool, I’m calm / I’m gonna be okay!

Song Number 9: Keep Holding On – Avril Lavigne

Avril Lavigne’s song “Keep Holding On” is about supporting people going through troubling times. Lavigne sings about staying strong when situations look inescapable: I’ll be by your side, you know I’ll take your hand / When it gets cold / And it feels like the end / Theres no place to go / You know I won’t give in.

Song Number 10: On Fraternity – Default Genders

James Brooks of Default Genders wrote “On Fraternity” to call out rape-culture, and his male peers who support a system where other people are victims. “This is a song about why it is worth fighting fearlessly against a patriarchal world where women are second class citizens,” Brooks said.

Song Number 11: Play On – Carrie Underwood

Carrie Underwood believed “Play On” would be an anthem for people facing adversity or hard times. “Whenever stuff goes wrong, you’ve just got to get up in the morning and you’ve got to play on, finish your song, finish what you started, even when things don’t look good,” Underwood told AOL’s The Boot about the song’s lyrics: Cause you’re going to make mistakes / It’s always worth the sacrifice / Even when you’re wrong / Play on.

Song Number 12: Remember That – Jessica Simpson

Jessica Simpson’s “Remember That” acknowledges the pattern of abuse that many women experience: When your phone keeps ringing all night long / And that same old weakness gets so strong that you’re helpless / Remember that. Simpson tells her fans that they deserve better, and encourages them to leave abusive relationships.

Song Number 13: Rescue – Yuna

Malaysian-born singer songwriter Yuna wrote “Rescue” for a friend who overcame hard times and came out happier and stronger: She said a little prayer, she found herself / Yeah shes got light in her face / She dont need no rescuing / Shes okay. “I wrote about all the song women in my life,” Yuna said. “I just wanted to celebrate that strength.”

Song Number 14: Suggestion – Fugazi

The 80’s punk band wrote “Suggestion,” the anti-rape and anti-harassment anthem, from the perspective of a female. The song challenges the idea that a woman’s body exists solely for the male’s gaze: Why can’t I walk down a street free of suggestion? / Is my body my only trait in the eyes of men? Concerned the song would not resonate with women if sung by men, Fugazi had Amy Pickering sing the emotional song in concert.

Song Number 15: Try – Colbie Caillat

In this empowering song, Colbie Caillat urges women to be true to themselves instead of trying to “belong.” She also challenges women to answer the question: maybe they like you when you try so hard to fit in, but do you like you?

Song Number 16: Who Says – Selena Gomez

In “Who Says,” Gomez encourages her listeners to feel beautiful in their own skin. She sings about her own imperfections: Im no beauty queen / Im just beautiful me. “I hope that the song really inspires my fans to embrace who they are,” Gomez said.

16 Ways of Preventing and Intervening in Child Marriages

M For MarriageThe practice of child marriage–matrimony before age 18–continues to disproportionately affect girls in certain cultures and communities with significant consequences to their education, health, and social life. Child brides have little say in when or whom they will marry, have little influence with their husbands and in-laws, have little opportunity to develop awareness of their rights, and are in no position to claim or demand them.

These large age gaps reinforce power differentials between girls and their husbands. Girls who marry before age 18 are more likely to experience violence within marriage than girls who marry later. Girls may lack the power to negotiate safer sex and have little access to information or services to prevent either pregnancy or infection. According to Girls Not Brides, girls under the age of 15 are 5 times more likely than women in their twenties to die during childbirth. Married girls are also more likely to have multiple children in shorter intervals and more likely to become disabled due to pregnancy or childbirth. Stillbirths and deaths during the first week of life are 50 percent higher among babies born to adolescent mothers than among babies born to mothers in their twenties. Children of adolescent mothers are also more likely to be premature and have low birth weight.

Governments are now recognising the importance of addressing child marriage and integrating societal changes to meet the UN Millennium Development goals. Supporting girls in avoiding child marriage, delaying having children, and finishing school brings opportunities for skills and income to eradicate poverty for future generations. Promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women ensures girls get choices as to when they marry and whom. Reducing child/forced marriage will reduce child mortality and disability related to child/teen pregnancy or childbirth. It will also improve maternal health which will reduce vulnerability to HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases.

Though the practice of child marriage is rooted in tradition and culture, neither culture nor tradition is immutable and there is hope for change. This list presents 16 ways you can join in the efforts to end the practice of child marriage and influence change to ensure a better future for young girls and boys around the world.

Written and compiled by Angelique Mulholland with additional content by Regina Yau; Introduction by Carol Olson 


Way to Prevent Child/Forced Marriage #1: Educate Girls 

According to UNICEF, one in three girls in low- to middle-income countries will marry before the age of 18. Many studies have shown that it is more than likely that a girl who marries as a child will come from a community where education for girls is not valued. She will more than likely be illiterate and will have little to no understanding of her human rights. Girls having access to both primary and secondary education will improve their chances of access to employment and a means of supporting themselves and then in turn their families. It is important to reach out to communities and help challenge traditional and discriminatory views on access to education. INSPIRATIONAL EXAMPLE: Tostan, a women’s human rights charity based in Senegal, runs outreach programmes which educate community elders and decision makers about the importance of educating young women.

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Way to Prevent Child/Forced Marriage #2: Empower Girls

In many countries where child marriage is prevalent, girls are often seen as economic burdens. Girls in households where boys are favoured often have low self-esteem and little confidence. Dr Ashok Dyalchand, who works at the Institute of Health Management, Pachod (IHMP) in India, has conducted a research project on teenage girls living in rural areas of India. Using the Rosenberg scale, he measured the self-esteem of young girls and found that the lower the self-esteem, the higher the risk of child marriage. Dr. Dyalchan found that empowerment programmes for young girls are key to preventing child or early marriage by improving both their sense of self and self-efficacy through informing girls of their basic human rights, their legal right to refuse a marriage, and education programmes on health and sex education. Small scale studies have shown promising results from his programmes that make girl empowerment its central strategy –  the mean age of marriage of 14.5 years old has risen to 17 years old.

Way to Prevent Child/Forced Marriage #3: Educate Parents 

Some parents from traditional communities believe that child marriage is a way of protecting their daughter: providing for her economically so she will be taken care of; safeguarding her from harassment and sexual violence before she reaches puberty, and preventing premarital sex which is still taboo in many countries across the world. Unfortunately, families often do not know the negative and harmful effects of early child marriage, including pregnancy at such a young age which can lead to many complications as a girl’s body will not be ready for childbirth. Such parents will benefit from being educated on the very serious harmful effects of forced early childhood marriage. INSPIRATIONAL EXAMPLE: In Zambia, Chief Nzamane of the Mfumbeni tribe works with THE parents of girls who are at risk of being sold for lucrative dowries. He understands the financial pressures on families and finds way to help them stay financially secure without needing to force their daughters, in his words, into “lifelong trauma.”

Way to Prevent Child/Forced Marriage #4: Mobilise religious leaders and community elders

Religious elders and community leaders – nearly always men – are the decision makers in communities where early or child marriage is prevalent. Engaging and educating these powerful men is key to changing the attitude of a community on childhood marriage. INSPIRATIONAL EXAMPLE: Tostan’s Community Empowerment Programme focuses on engaging local elders and religious leaders and educating them on the harmful effects of traditions such as child marriage on communities as a whole. Once they are knowledgeable, Tostan will hold educational sessions with the whole village including the parents of high-risk girls and the girls themselves. As a result of these sessions, throughout Senegal villages have declared an end to some harmful practices including child marriage.

Way to Prevent Child/Forced Marriage #5: Support Adolescent Girls Who Are Already Married

Although the focus is on communities preventing child marriage, young girls who have already married also need support. As well as being isolated and having less chance to complete or continue their education, child marriage can put young girls at a higher risk of violence in the home- sexually, physically and psychologically. INSPIRATIONAL EXAMPLE: CARE has run a successful project in Ethiopia which has focused on supporting child brides. The TESFA project (meaning “Hope” in Amharic) focuses on educating child brides of their rights and providing them education on their reproductive rights, contraception and healthcare. The holistic approach giving all members of the community a chance to discuss the benefits of supporting child brides and the best ways in which to do it, has resulted in some very encouraging results over a three-year period.

Way to Prevent Child/Forced Marriage #6: Support Legislation Against Child Marriage

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One of the most powerful tools that anti-child marriage organisations and women’s rights activists and advocates have been campaigning for is for governments in countries such as Yemen where child marriage is prevalent to make child marriage illegal by raising the legal age of marriage to the minimum age of 18. If you live in one of these countries or communities, start supporting efforts to get such legislation passed by supporting the efforts of these organisations and activists including participating in community campaigning activities organised by them such as petitions and demonstrations. Where there are such legislations and laws in force but have trouble gaining traction over entrenched traditions, help prevent child marriage by notifying the relevant authorities or agencies about any child marriage may be taking place in your neighbourhood or community. Ditto if you live in countries with large immigrant communities that practise child marriage.

Way to Prevent Child/Forced Marriage #7: Advocate for Women as Community Leaders

In many communities that practise child marriage, women are often kept out of the decision-making processes and are not allowed a voice in local politics. It is vital that women are able to voice their concerns and advocate for women’s rights in all spheres as this is often what accelerates the elimination of harmful traditions such as child marriage and female genital mutilation (FGM). INSPIRATIONAL EXAMPLE: Tostan trains women in leadership skills and advocacy. 80% of their Community Management Committees are coordinated by women and this gives them the vital skills and confidence needed to engage in local community meetings. As a result more and more women throughout Senegal and other areas where Tostan works are being seen, heard, and having a positive impact throughout local communities.

Way to Prevent Child/Forced Marriage #8: Provide Relevant Economic Support 

Inter-generational poverty is often the most prevalent reason cited for forcing girls into early marriage. Families may know about the harmful effects of child marriage, but may be forced to marry off their daughters as the dowry payment from the marriage of an older sister might be essential in ensure the survival of younger children. Providing economic support to families may be a way of helping parents who do not want to their daughters to get married early. INSPIRATIONAL EXAMPLE: The Berwan Hewane project in Ethiopia found that providing a family with a goat or a sheep for refusing to marry off an underaged daughter helped parents stand firm on that decision. In certain cultures and communities, this provision of livestock can mean the difference in the survival and longevity of a family; providing this much-needed resource to a family trapped by poverty gives them more options, including refusing to marry off underaged daughters.

Way to Prevent Child/Forced Marriage #9: Get Informed and Take Action

If this is the first time you have become aware about child marriage, one of the first steps you need take is to understand the issue do more research and learn about the human cost of this harmful practice as there are painful consequences of child marriage. Get informed and knowledgeable on the subject, then proceed with learning more about international, governmental, and grassroots efforts in your community and worldwide that are focused on the prevention and intervention in child marriage. Then, armed with that information and knowledge, decide how you can best support their efforts with your resources and skills, then reach out to the relevant activists and organisations and start taking action.

Way to Prevent Child/Forced Marriage #10: Talk about it

As with the wider human rights issue of Violence Against Women, child marriage is still a taboo subject; talking about it will help to educate societies across the globe about the harmful effects of child marriage. Many people, particularly in Western countries, are hesitant to criticise cultural practices as they are worried they will be perceived as racist or xenophobic. Standing up for the human rights of children should never be perceived as a negative act. Talk about it with your family and friends, share information on your social media forums and be passionate about ending child marriage today.

Way to Prevent Child/Forced Marriage #11: Men and Boys – Please Speak Out!

Like in every area of ending violence against women, men and boys are central to challenging gender norms and changing deeply entrenched traditional practices like child marriage. There would be no child marriage if men in affected communities did not choose to marry children. It is therefore vital that men are educated on the rights of girls and how early marriage can be harmful to her health and happiness and destructive to the family unit. We need men everywhere to speak out against discrimination and violence towards women and girls. INSPIRATIONAL EXAMPLE: In Morocco, a Maths teacher named Mohammed Baddi runs educational projects with Fondation YTTO, a Moroccan women’s rights organisation in the Amazir communities based in the Atlas mountains. He teaches young girls that; they can achieve more than the wife/mother status society affords them: “They are not machines, just meant to sew or to bear children.”

Way to Prevent Child/Forced Marriage #12: Take A Pledge

On 22 July 2014 something extraordinary happened: In a school in South London, UK, David Cameron, Malala Yousafzai, and hundreds of development professionals and representatives around the world pledged to end Early, Child or Forced Marriage (ECFM) and Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) as part of The Girl Summit. 700 million other people did so too. The Girl Summit, co-hosted by UNICEF, is the first initiative of its kind that aims to accelerate and mobilise efforts to end FGM and ECFM within a generation. You can make your pledge here and add your voice to the chorus of millions by Facebook or Twitter. Do it today!

Way to Prevent Child/Forced Marriage #13: Sponsor a Girl Child

Sponsoring a child in a developing country has been a longstanding way for donors around the world to support underprivileged and vulnerabble communities in order to break the cycle of  violence, poverty, and illiteracy. Donating a small amount of money each month to a child with charities like Plan International can help girls who are vulnerable to child marriage. Education is one of the greatest preventatives of child marriage and studies have proven that the longer a girl stays in school, the less likely she is to marry or become an underaged mother. In some developing countries education is not free and families cannot afford to send their child to school and if they do, male children are given priority. By sponsoring a girl child each month you can help pay for their school fees and help her get the education she needs to avoid child marriage and to map her own path in life.

Way to Prevent Child/Forced Marriage #14: Support Anti-Child Marriage charities and organisations 

There are many amazing charities which are implementing some incredible campaigns to put an end to child marriage with encouraging results. Why not support them? Grassroots projects often desperately need support to keep going and your time or money can truly make a difference. To start you off, here are three major grassroots organisations working tirelessly every day to put an end to child marriage: Girls Not BridesSaarthi Trust and Tostan. If you would like to find out more about other charities working to end child marriage, our 2013 16 for 16 article that lists out 16 prominent anti-child marriage nonprofits and charities is a good starting point.

Way to Prevent Child/Forced Marriage #15: Support Obstetric Fistula campaigns and organisations

Fistula is a common problem for adolescent girls giving birth for the first time. A fistula can occur during an obstructed labour, often when access to emergency care is unavailable or limited. Obstructed labour is an agonising process and girls/women often struggle in pain until the baby dies in the birthing canal. There is often a loss of circulation that causes tissue to die, leaving large gaps between the birth canal and bladder or rectum, causing incontinence. This is not only painful for new mothers, but it can also cause social isolation and acute psychological distress. According to Freedom from Fistula Foundation, an estimated 2 million women in Africa suffer silently with an obstetric fistula. Supporting this charity and others doing similar work in the field is a natural first step in helping many victims of child marriage from the maternal healthcare approach.

Way to Prevent Child/Forced Marriage #16: Support Artists, Photographers, and Journalists who Raise Awareness About Child Marriage

Raising awareness about the issue is vital because child marriage has been hidden away for centuries and needs to be publicly addressed by the community in order to end the daily suffering of adolescent girls and the continual violation of their human rights. One way of doing so is to support and share the work of journalists, artists, photographers and activists to help raise the plight of child brides. INSPIRATIONAL EXAMPLE: Stephanie Sinclair is a photographer who started capturing images of child brides over 9 years ago. Stephanie sought to highlight the lives of girls forced into marriage in her photographs in a bid to raise awareness. Her work has now been internationally recognised and has been used as a conversation-starter about child brides.

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Nujood Ali, former Yemeni child bride, after her divorce. Photo Credit: Stephanie Sinclair

The Pixel Project’s Best Blog Articles of 2013

Blog-and-Pen-300x237At The Pixel Project, our contribution to the global movement to end violence against women is as the voice of thousands joining together around the world.  We combine technology, social media, the Arts, journalism and activism to draw attention to the many ways violence against women (VAW) affects the lives of all people in all communities all around the world. Our volunteer researchers, writers, interviewers and editors collaborate to highlight news stories of positive activism and new programmes developed through our bi-monthly e-news digest, highlighting activists through our Facebook page, sharing information and resources through our daily twitter help lines and by writing thoughtful and inspiring blog posts on our main website and our campaign micro-sites.

This past year we have focused on a variety of topics from our Inspirational Interview monthly series on VAW activists, our wonderful 30 for 30 Father’s Day campaign interviews, our Paint it Purple campaign and our exciting Music for Pixels campaign.  Our articles focus on the activities and programmes that people are doing around the world to end violence against women and girls. We have increased our collaborations with programmes and organizations around the world and engaged in conversations online through tweet-a-thons to spark conversations about VAW to break myths, reduce stigma and educate. One of our new forays into technology and activism this year is with our collaboration with P.F.O. Technologies and their iAMDefender smartphone safety app.

Blogging is a vital part of our mission, which includes: raising awareness about VAW, generating conversation by giving people a safe space to talk about VAW, and inspiring activism. As our 16 best blog articles and series show, we succeeded in fulfilling our mission this year. We hope that the stories we shared motivate you to join the effort to end VAW.

It’s time to stop violence against women. Together.

– Carol Olson, Blog Editor (2013) – The Pixel Project

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Blog Article Selection #1: Inspirational Interview: Vidya Siri – of Gangashakti.org

Our first Inspirational Interview of 2013 was with Vidya Sri, the founder of Gangashakti.org – a community advocacy organisation she developed to utilise the framework of her own forced marriage to raise awareness. Her mission is to engage a wide range of agencies, service providers, students and scholars on the poorly understood issue of forced marriage in the United States.

Blog Article Selection #2: 10 Alternatives to Roses for Valentines Day 

This post celebrated celebrated non-commercial alternatives to celebrate the traditional day of love.  Many of the suggestions focused on doing healthy things together to celebrate relationships and support the cause to end violence against women.  If you are planning early for next year, check out 10 “Valentines Against Violence” as alternatives to the traditional “romantic” gifts.

Mallika Dutt

Mallika Dutt, Founder of Breakthrough.

Blog Article Selection #3: Inspirational Interview: Mallika Dutt of Breakthrough and Bell Bajao (ring the bell) campaign. 

Another Inspirational Interview featured Mallika Dutt, the founder of the global human rights organisation, Breakthrough and the Bell Bajao campaigns. Mallika has mastered the art of blending multimedia campaigns, cutting-edge pop culture, social media and authentic community engagement to develop innovative campaigns and tools for teaching democracy and justice, and bring awareness to end violence and discrimination against women.  The Pixel Project has continued to collaborate with Breakthrough through tweet-a-thons and other advocacy efforts to raise awareness of violence against women.

Blog Articles Selection #4: Stop Street Harassment Story Series – a cross post collaboration

As part of The Pixel Project’s partnership with Stop Street Harassment, we cross-post a Street Harassment story specially selected by Stop Street Harassment founder, Holly Kearl, on the second Tuesday of every month. Holly also contributes to our 16 for 16 days of Activism posts by selecting significant stories from their year of activism.

Blog Article Selection 5: Inspirational Interview with Evan Grae Davis – noted filmmaker

Evan Grae Davis is a filmmaker who has dedicated his career to advocating for social justice through his documentaries and educational videos.  We featured his first feature length film:  It’s a Girl, a documentary that combined stories that illustrated the scope of injustice and suffering women endure under gendercide, while, at the same time, sharing beautiful stories of people who rise above the patriarchal cultural influences and choose to value girls. He also contributed a short PSA to our “Who Is Your Male Role Model?” PSA campaign that runs from 25 November 2013 – 7 March 2014:

Blog Article Selection #6: Survivor Stories 

While not a regular feature of our blog, we do receive submissions from survivors on their stories of recovery and healing.  We share them on Thursdays to help promote the individual voice of survivorship, healing, and transformation that all survivors go through.

Anti-Street-Harassment-Week-2013-300x220Blog Article Selection #7: Anti-Street Harassment Week  

This year, the Pixel Project began a collaboration with Stop Street Harassment to contribute to and support the annual International Anti-Street Harassment Week held in April by featuring the best anti-street harassment stories throughout the week. We hope that this series gives you some great ideas for how to prevent, stop and intervene in street harassment in your communities.

 

Blog Article Selection #8: New Technology Partnerships with Smartphone Safety Apps 

This is the year that the Pixel Project began it’s first collaborations with technology partners.  In April, during Sexual Assault Awareness Month, we started our partnership with two Smartphone safety app creators – the award-winning Circle of 6 and the groundbreaking Sweden-based P.F.O.

Blog Article Selection #9: 30 for 30 Father’s Day Campaign. 2013 was our second year curating a blogging “marathon” of 30 fathers from around the world to share about the joys of being a dad and how dads can help prevent VAW in positive ways. We received responses from men all over the world, including India, the US, Nigeria, Kenya, the UK, Malaysia, Canada and Zimbabwe!

Blog Article Selection #10: Technology Partnership with Microsoft 

The Pixel Project continues with its focus to enter collaborations with Technology partners. Microsoft will be contributing their world-class technology expertise, tools and development support to The Pixel Project’s global campaigns and to create online apps and virtual tools that will help facilitate social media campaigns, virtual communities and online fundraising initiatives.  Microsoft employees also took an active role in helping raise awareness about VAW by participating in various Pixel Project activities including the Paint It Purple campaign for Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and the “30 For 30” Father’s Day blogging campaign celebrating fathers as male role models.

Lakshami Sundaram, Girls Not Brides

Lakshami Sundaram, Girls Not Brides

Blog Article Selection #11: Inspirational Interview – Lakshmi Sundaram of Girls Not Brides

Child and Forced Marriage has received a greater focus in the news this past year.  Marrying children and forcing young women into arranged marriages is still prevalent in many cultures. This year, we featured Lakshmi Sundaram, a Global Coordinator of Girls, Not Brides founded by The Elders, a group of independent global leaders who use their collective experience and influence for peace, justice, and human rights worldwide. Lakshmi works with the group to bring the issue of child marriage to global attention and to be more effective in addressing the problem.

Blog Article Selection #12: Inspirational Interview – Deeyah

Deeyah, is a multi-talented and critically acclaimed music producer, composer, Emmy and Peabody award-winning documentary film director and human rights activist. The Pixel Project highlighted her for her her outspoken support of women’s rights, freedom of expression and peace; including her documentary about Honour Killing, ‘Banaz: A Love Story’.

Blog Article Selection #13: Inspirational Interview – Chris Johnson – A Sports Celebrity focused on the power of bystanders to speak out against violence. 

Chris Johnson, a major player with the Baltimore Ravens, has come forth to utilize his celebrity status to step up and speak out to end violence against women and girls. He realised that with his celebrity status and role as a sports mentor, he can lend leadership to the cause to end violence against women. His goal is be a role model to men and boys to not abuse women and to not tolerate abuse and disrespectful comments toward women.

Copyrighted by Michelle Wong PhotoArtistryBlog Article Selection #14: Paint It Purple: People and Pets Say ‘No’ 2013

This was our second year for our Paint It Purple photo-blogging campaign in through our Facebook page in which we raise awareness of the fact that many women stay in abusive relationships for fear of abandoning a pet who might also be suffering at the hands of an abuser. This campaign invites people to submit photos of themselves and their pets to say ‘no’ to VAW.

Blog Article Selection #15: SPECIAL EDITION INSPIRATIONAL INTERVIEW: FGM in the UK – An Interview with Integrate Bristol 

The inspiration for producing the mini documentary for the Inspirational Interview series came from The Pixel Project’s long-time writer and interviewer, Angelique Mulholland. Ms. Mulholland has a particular interest in efforts to end FGM in the UK and has previously interviewed Muna Hassan from Integrate Bristol for The Pixel Project.  The documentary is aimed at raising awareness about what FGM is, how this form of VAW is being tackled in the UK and ideas for preventing, detecting and stopping FGM in the country.

Blog Article Selection #16: The Pixel Project’s VAW e-News Digest

Our e-News Digest has been a long-standing element of our blog to report on the latest and most relevant news related to violence against women.  Our researchers scan news from all over the world to highlight new programmes implemented, the efforts of activists and their unique response to end violence against women and girls in their communities. By reporting on the latest news in one place, we aim to keep everyone updated about progress being made in the global movement to stop violence against women.

16 Commitments You Can Make to End Violence Against Women

For the 15th day of the 16 Days of Activism, we are pleased to share a special blog list of 16 commitments from men to become upstanders taking action to stop Violence Against Women from our partner, Breakthrough/Bell Bajao. These commitments were collected via their “Ring The Bell” campaign which kicked off on International Women’s Day 2013.

If you are a man who believes that violence against women and girls has no place in your community, your culture, or the world, please consider joining the “Ring The Bell” campaign and making your pledge to stop the violence.

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Bell-Bajao_ring the bell

At Breakthrough we’ve spent over ten years working on issues of violence against women. One of the most frequent questions we find ourselves answering is “I really want to help – what can I do to end violence against women?”

On the 8th of March this year, we launched Ring The Bell – a campaign where we asked you to make a tangible promise to ACT to end violence against women. For 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Based Violence, we’ve picked 16 of the simplest, and most tangible promises we received. Without further ado, Here are 16 easy ways you can make a difference.

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Commitment #1: Promote another campaign

Zina Tompkins I promise to #RingTheBell by using this campaign as inspiration in my church network to change gender inequality in my community and then globally.

 

Commitment #2: Start your own campaign

Iren Shin I promise to #RingTheBell by organizing my “Know Your Rights” campaign for Rutgers students and N.B. community members.

 

Commitment #3: Host an Event 

Al Black I promise to host a special Poetry/Music event to, “End Violence Against Women” with all male performers

 

Commitment #4: Challenge Your Surroundings

William Ligon-Bruno I promise to challenge friends and peers who disrespect women or girls and be a presence and a force in ending violence against them.

 

Commitment #5: Challenge Disrespect on the Internet 

Adam Souza I promise to challenging friends or internet commentators who disrespect women or girls.

 

Commitment #6: Demonstrate Respect

Richard Sjolin Jr I promise to treat EVERYONE with equal respect, no matter their gender, identity, or beliefs.

 

Commitment #7: Engage in Respectful Relationships with Women and Girls

Dipankar Gupta I hereby promise that I will not look at women inappropriate fashion and I will make sure that my friends also do the same. I promise that if I have feelings towards a woman,I will accept rejection in a mature fashion. I promise that I will show chivalry with no ulterior motive. I promise that I will help women (or any person for that matter) without any motive. I promise that I will not discriminate against women in any fashion. I promise that I will seek permission from a woman for anything. And I promise to protect every woman I love.

 

Commitment #8: Talk about it

Molly Williams I promise to ring the bell by having conversations with men in my life about violence prevention and elimination.

 

Commitment #9: Raise Daughters to Only Accept Respect

Kelly Christensen I promise to fight violence in my community and to raise my daughter to never ever accept anything less than respect from others.

 

Commitment #10: Raise Sons to Respect Women and Girls  

Bill Cole I promise to teach my son every day to know that women are in every way his equal.

 

Commitment #11: Raise awareness

Anabel Ronconi I promise to raise awareness about violence against women and in general,teach/show/lead nonviolence by example,help others to stand up for themselves

 

Commitment #12: Challenge Misogynistic Patterns of Thought  

Edward Zeauskas I promise to Ring the Bell by changing the patterns of thought, and normative roles portrayed by men and women.

 

Commitment #13: Demand Gender Sensitive Reporting 

Gias Uddin I promise to ring the bell by:encouraging media people to publish gender sensitive report

 

Commitment #14: Be a Role Model

Mitch Pryor I promise to challenge friends, colleagues, and coworkers who disrespect women or girls. I promise to be a good role model for my children.

 

Commitment #15: Respect My Partner and Model good Respectful Relationships

Lynn Harris I promise to ring the bell by treating my daughter and son equally and making sure they see that my husband and I treat each other with deep respect.

 

Commitment #16: Be A Bystander Who Intervenes 

Francisco Cividanes I’m in. I promise to stand up to the bullies not only with my words but through action as well.

Think you can do more? Sir Richard Branson, Sir Patrick Stewart, Michael Bolton and others have made their own commitments to end violence against women. What’s yours?

16 Ways You Can Support a Survivor of Violence Against Women

Friends SupportViolence Against Women (VAW) almost always takes the form of interpersonal violence, such as sexual assault/abuse and domestic physical abuse, which continues to have great stigma and denial in our society.  This denial of the reality of abuse and violence that pervades our communities results in ignorance of how to support a survivor.  We have so many ways to support people with medical problems, people who are in accidents, and people with mental health and now substance abuse problems, yet we continue to disregard survivors of violence and their needs toward support and healing.

Supporting a survivor of violence requires intentional thought and behaviour toward recognising what the survivor needs at any given moment during their recovery.  And the response to survivors is often very different than responses we may give to other events or issues in a person’s life.

To help you get started, we have compiled 16 ways to help support a survivor.

Introduction by Carol Olson, List compiled by Jennifer Gallienne and Jodi Layne, Edited by Carol Olson and Jerica Nonell

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How you can support a survivor #1:  Listen. One of the primary things a survivor of violence needs is for you to just sit and listen sincerely. Listen without judging and listen without fixating over what you are going to say next. Listen without freaking out over the accounting of the events of violence and abuse.  Just listen to what they have to say and allow them to be truly heard. Most people who did not report their assaults decided not to because they “thought it was not important enough” or that “no one would want to hear about it.”  Listen and let your friend know that both they and what they went through are important.

How you can support a survivor #2: Believe. Another primary thing a survivor needs is to be believed.  Do not question their version of events or if what happened to them was a “legitimate” sexual assault. Tell them directly: “I believe you.” A lot of people never report their assault because they are afraid that no one will believe them. Many survivors will have to spend their whole lives trying to convince authorities that what happened to them was real: from the police (should your friend choose to report the incident), to the court (if the case ever even gets there), and to the media (and the way it handles rape and rape victims).  They will have their account of the assault repeatedly challenged and de-legitimized throughout their life, so please offer unconditional support.

How you can support a survivor #3: Ask how you can help. Sometimes we may feel like we know what to do in this situation or may want to immediately seek help for the victim. We must remember that this is not about us and it is more useful to ask “Is there anything you need from me right now?” instead of taking control of the situation. It is important to remember to go at the victim’s pace and what they are comfortable in doing.

How you can support a survivor #4: No coulda, shoulda, woulda. The fact is that sexual assault happens because people do it, not because of the length of a dress, the time of day they were out, or how much they were drinking. Do not offer your friend suggestions on how they could have prevented being assaulted – the chances are that they have already replayed their assault in their head and wondered what they could have done differently. The reality is that the person who assaulted them should never have done it in the first place.  It is never the victim’s fault that someone assaulted them.

How you can support a survivor #5: Respect Boundaries. If they ask you not to say anything and to just listen: just listen. If they ask for a hug or other reassuring touch: offer it if you feel comfortable and do not touch them in any way unless asked or permitted. Do not try and help or offer suggestions if they do not want any. React in the way they ask you to. Do not tell others about the assault if they have confided in you. Do not report their assault to law enforcement or officials without their consent. Remember that victims of violence have had their boundaries violently abused by the offender and will need people to respect them.

Holding HandHow you can support a survivor #6: Empower!
Put them in control of their own healing while being supportive. Never put pressure on your friend to pursue these options or react in a certain way. Give them the tools to decide how to move forward and don’t judge their decisions. Being a survivor of sexual violence means they are usually dealing with a loss of power, so do all that you can to help them restore their autonomy.

How you can support a survivor #7: Provide resources.
If you know someone that has been a victim of sexual assault give them resources. Let them know that there is professional help available. If they are not ready to go to a local center, they can use a hotline, such as the National Assault Hotline 1.800.656.HOPE and the National Sexual Assault Online Hotline.

How you can support a survivor #8: Accompany the Survivor to Get Help. If they decide to move forward with seeking help and healing, offer to drive them and/or accompany them (with their permission) to any or all of the agencies that will provide them with help, such as the hospital for a medical and/or forensic exam, to the sexual assault center for legal advocacy and support, and/or to the counselor for therapy.  You may not be able to sit in their counseling session but ask the advocate/counselor if you could be present with them through the initial steps.  Some counselors will work with family, partners, and friends to help educate them and engage them in supporting the survivor.

How you can support a survivor #9: Combat victim blaming and rape culture. Ever heard someone make a rape joke? Every heard someone blame a victim of rape because of what they were wearing or where they were? Ever heard someone use the word rape to describe beating a video game? Ever heard someone say she really wanted it or state that no means they are just playing hard to get? Challenge and confront these when they happen!  If it is your friend or relative saying these things, do not worry about hurting their feelings; let them know how this hurts survivors. Look for these teachable moments and educate them on why what they are saying is hurtful and perpetuating violence against women.

How your can support a survivor #10: Confront Harmful Language
Sexual assault has nothing to do with what the victim was wearing and harmful language used to describe women objectify them. Take the time to educate your community, family, and friends about how harmful this language is. The next time you hear someone say that the victim should have been dressed differently, confront that directly.

How to support a survivor #11: Debunk the myth of alcohol/medication or other substances. Many people have heard victim blaming language when it comes to a victim drinking alcohol, taking sleeping pills, or using other substances before their assault.  Just because a person had something to drink or took medication does not mean the person asked for the assault to happen and nor is to blame for it.  Let them know that just because they had alcohol or other substances does not mean they deserved the assault to happen.

sexual assault prev tipsHow to support a survivor #12: Hold Abusers Accountable for their Actions. Do not let abusers make excuses, such as blaming the victim for alcohol, drugs, behaviour, or clothing. Our culture and media spends a lot of time blaming the victim but never blames the person who committed the crime. Shift the blame back on to the abuser, where it belongs, and away from the victim.

How to support a survivor #13: Volunteer! Many domestic violence/sexual assault centres have wonderful volunteer opportunities and programmes available. Many of these agencies rely on dedicated volunteers to respond to sexual assault calls. These agencies do a wonderful job at training interested volunteers as well as offering them support along the way. Go online and search for these centres in your community to find the nearest volunteer opportunity.

How to support a survivor #14: Attend a Community Event. One of the ways you can support rape survivors and show your support is attend a community event that is bringing awareness to sexual assault and offering support. There are many events like Take Back the Night that happen on college campuses around the world and various events that happen during April for Sexual Assault Awareness Month. This is a good way to show your support for the community of survivors living in your city and is a good way to get education on the issue.

How to support a survivor #15: Have Conversations with Men in Your Life. Because victim blaming will not prevent rape, what needs to change is the conversations that we are having with men about all of these issues. Educating on consent and sending messages to men to be accountable for their actions and behaviour is more effective because it shifts the focus onto them and clears away any misunderstandings that may not come out otherwise. Men need to realize the responsibility to prevent rape is on them and not the people getting raped. We need to have more conversations with men and boys about healthy relationships and consensual sex.

How to support a survivor #16: Take Care of Yourself. Sexual assault is more common and has more manifestations than we let ourselves believe or acknowledge within our society. If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, the disclosure of another friend may bring up uncomfortable feelings or reawaken trauma.  Make sure you get the support you need to be a good ally to your friend and to keep your own mental and emotional health in check.