Collective Action Magazine Edition 2. Dec 2022

#GBVWARRIORS THE #1000GBVPORTRAITS PHOTOGRAPHIC CAMPAIGN

The #1000gbvportraits campaign is a black-and-white photographic campaign highlighting the gender-based violence Warriors are facing on a daily basis in South Africa. They chose to call themselves Warriors as a symbol and recognition of all they have overcome; they are no longer victims, but active fighters against the GBVF pandemic. I started this campaign pre-Covid-19 in honour of my late sister who was a victim of GBVF. My desire for understanding and justice drove me down a path that helped me realise that there are many, many more versions of my sister. For those victims who have survived, every day they live with the pain or long-lasting and devastating effects of all they have endured. In just one still captured moment, they could say so much. I loved the portraits and how they made me feel. Although their journey is not yet over, these women are an embodiment of power, strength, and determination I could not fathom. Warriors indeed! The #1000gbvportraits campaign is voluntary, with each warrior telling their own story and journey. I create these portraits because they serve as an inspiration for others to speak, the perpetrator may be faceless and or nameless but the portraits serve as a reminder of their heartless and cowardly acts. Finally and more importantly these portraits are a part of the Warriors’ journeys. The vision of this campaign is ultimately to tell a story with 1000 portraits. Whilst on this journey, we invite many more Warriors to join the campaign. To join this campaign contact ASIC Media: on 021 945 8820 or contact Morné van Oordt: 076 205 6062/ 068 158 9794. morne@asicmedia.co.za or navira@asicmedia.co.za

“Sit with Warriors, the conversation is different”