Footage Foundation Launches 'What Would You Say To Her?' Campaign to Combat Gender-Based Violence

In response to the alarming increase in gender-based violence (GBV) in conflict zones, the Footage Foundation has launched a new digital advocacy campaign titled 'What Would You Say To Her?' The initiative coincides with the United Nations' annual '16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence' campaign and seeks to address the staggering 50 percent increase in gender violence reported by the UN in 2023 compared to the previous year.

The 'What Would You Say To Her?' (WWYSTH?) campaign invites individuals to post messages of unity, collaboration, and solidarity with those who have shared stories about displacement and gender-based violence. By encouraging participants to connect with women's stories of displacement, prejudice, and GBV in a safe and compassionate space, the campaign aims to humanize the experiences of those affected and foster a sense of global community.

Dr. Kristen Ali Eglinton, Executive Director and co-founder of Footage Foundation, emphasizes the importance of the campaign: "At Footage we believe that everyone deserves to feel seen, heard and worthy. We use narrative and expressive approaches to connect those affected by gender-based violence as agents of social change." The initiative is designed to promote multilateral, intersectional, and compassionate responses to the deeply affecting human stories that reflect the current realities of our time.

The campaign website features courageous narratives collected over the years by Footage, many from the Girl-talk-Girl platform, which is the world's largest digital storytelling initiative focused on gender-based violence. These stories come from individuals who have been forcibly displaced from countries such as Afghanistan and Ukraine, as well as survivors of violence from Russia, Kazakhstan, Syria, and Cameroon.

One such story shared in the campaign is from Rani, a Syrian who pleads for peace and humanity: "All we want is to live a safe life far away from war, shooting and bombing. We need to continue our studies and live our lives, like a real life, and a life like everybody else from Europe or America or anywhere in this world who has a natural life."

The significance of this campaign extends beyond raising awareness. It serves as a call to action for leaders and policymakers to adopt and implement laws and policies that urgently prevent and address gender-based violence. By participating in the campaign and sharing compassionate messages, individuals not only intensify their own compassion but also strengthen calls for policy change.

Footage Foundation's approach to addressing GBV through storytelling and digital advocacy represents an innovative method of tackling a global issue. The organization's feminist research interventions have shown that sharing stories in a supportive space nurtures self-compassion, diminishes shame, and fosters a sense of belonging among survivors.

The impact of this campaign could be far-reaching. By humanizing the experiences of GBV survivors and displaced individuals, it has the potential to shift public perception and generate greater empathy and support for those affected. Moreover, the data generated through platforms like Girl-talk-Girl can inform policies and advocacy efforts, potentially leading to more effective strategies for combating gender-based violence on a global scale.

As the world grapples with increasing instances of conflict and displacement, initiatives like 'What Would You Say To Her?' play a crucial role in maintaining focus on the human cost of these crises, particularly for women and gender-diverse communities. By fostering a global network of solidarity and compassion, the campaign not only supports survivors but also works towards preventing future instances of gender-based violence.