Abstract
Working with Networks for Change I was able to be immersed in numerous projects all focusing on amplifying women’s voices in the fight against gender-based violence (GBV). I had the privilege of working with women and girls from South Africa and Indigenous women and girls in Canada on arts-based initiatives such as cellphilms, written pieces, and artwork. One main project I worked on was the creation of the book, “Circle Back: Stories of Reflection, Connection, and Transformation”. This was the first book from the organization that compiled pieces from both South Africa and Canada and was able to focus on the impacts of COVID, GBV, the experience of being a woman, and numerous aspects of the participants’ lives. Paired with this, through the management of the digital divide, we created a podcast to allow for a more accessible platform for the girls’ pieces to be shared in English and their native languages. The girls were able to meet and share their work during a conference we called our “Imbizo”, deepening the connections they had already begun to foster. These women had several shared lived experiences and we were able to find connections and present profound findings through art and on platforms that made the information accessible to everyone, regardless of academic background. Networks for Change was able to have immediate benefits for the participants through an inclusive and safe environment for them to express their experiences and be empowered by other women.
