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

In response to the United Nations' report of a 50 percent increase in gender-based violence (GBV) from the previous year, the Footage Foundation has launched a new digital advocacy campaign titled 'What Would You Say To Her?' The initiative coincides with the UN's annual '16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence' campaign and seeks to address the growing crisis of GBV, especially in conflict-ridden areas.

The campaign invites individuals to post messages of unity, collaboration, and solidarity with those who have shared stories about displacement and gender-based violence. Dr. Kristen Ali Eglinton, Executive Director and co-founder of Footage Foundation, emphasizes the campaign's goal of creating a safe, compassionate space for connecting with women's stories of displacement, prejudice, and GBV.

Footage Foundation's work focuses on some of the most marginalized girls, women, and gender-diverse communities worldwide, including those who have fled persecution from dangerous hostile governments and conflict zones. The organization's feminist research interventions have shown that sharing stories in a supportive environment can nurture self-compassion, reduce shame, and foster a sense of belonging.

The 'What Would You Say To Her?' campaign website will feature narratives collected by Footage over the years, 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 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, expressing the desire to lead a normal life away from war and violence. Her narrative underscores the campaign's importance in highlighting the human impact of conflict and displacement.

The campaign's significance extends beyond raising awareness. It calls on leaders and policymakers to adopt and implement laws and policies to urgently prevent and address gender-based violence. Dr. Eglinton notes that participating in the campaign and sharing compassionate messages not only intensifies personal compassion but also strengthens calls for policy change.

This initiative comes at a critical time when the need for action against gender-based violence is more pressing than ever. By providing a platform for survivors to share their stories and inviting global participation, the campaign aims to create a ripple effect of awareness and action. It challenges the dehumanization of those in crisis and conflict, emphasizing the importance of treating displaced individuals with dignity and respect.

The 'What Would You Say To Her?' campaign represents a significant step in the fight against gender-based violence, offering a unique approach that combines storytelling, digital advocacy, and policy influence. As the campaign unfolds during the 16 Days of Activism, it has the potential to spark meaningful conversations, foster global solidarity, and contribute to the broader movement for gender equality and violence prevention.