(Mis)Representation of Gender-Based Violence in the Media

What is the 16 Days of Activism Campaign?

The 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence is a global campaign that was started in 1991.The campaign hopes to raise awareness about gender-based violence as a human rights issue at the local, national, regional and international level.

Last year, we participated in the campaign where we asked people to submit personal stories of sexual harassment to shift the focus from the survivor to the perpetrator. What resulted was, we collected 16 extremely personal and brilliant stories of street and sexual harassment. The campaign was a success and is also nominated for the WISCOMP Saahas Awards, the result of which is awaited (fingers crossed!)

Link: http://feminisminindia.com/section/society/16doa2014/

What are we doing?

This year too we’d be running a campaign during the 16 days and we have decided to run a campaign on Media Representation of Gender-Based Violence. Like earlier, we will be publishing 16 articles, one a day, on how a particular kind of media represents or misrepresents gender-based violence (GBV). When we say GBV, we don’t only mean violence against women, but violence against all marginalized genders.

Each day, we’d be focusing on different kinds of media for example print, electronic, digital, social, books, cinema, magazines, advertising, broadcast, radio, television, gaming, music, apps to name a few.

We’re very excited about the campaign and want YOU to be a part of it.

How can you contribute?

1. Submit an article on how mainstream media represents gender-based violence
2. Send posters, photo entries or artwork on the same
3. Participate in our two Twitter chats during the campaign (29th Nov and 6th Dec)

Use the hashtag #GBVinMedia and #16Days to share this campaign, your story and those of others on social media.For any queries, shoot us an email at info@feminisminindia.com

Once we receive all submissions, we’ll start posting from 25th November and will post one article each day.

Remember, the last date is 20th November.