• Started:2024/12/23 15:00 Ended:2024/12/23 17:00

Empowering Communities through Visual Storytelling: A Photovoice Exhibition on SRHR Issues

EVENT ORGANIZER:

SERAC Bangladesh under the Improving SRHR in Dhaka Project, recognizing the need for a participatory approach, adopted Photovoice as a tool to amplify unheard community voices. Photovoice is a method that empowers individuals—especially marginalized groups—to capture and share their lived experiences through photographs and stories. By doing so, it reveals hidden realities and fosters a deeper understanding of social issues from the community’s perspective. In this project, 25 youth volunteers from low-income areas of Dhaka were trained to use Photovoice to document SRHR issues within their communities. Through their lenses, they highlighted challenges related to menstrual hygiene, unsafe abortion, gender inequality, and other pressing concerns. These photographs and accompanying stories were compiled into photo frames, serving as both visual narratives and conversation starters.

The planned Community Photovoice Exhibition will showcase these photo stories to foster discussions around the root causes of SRHR issues and explore actionable solutions. By involving community members, stakeholders, and influencers, the exhibition aims to promote awareness, identify shared responsibilities, and encourage collaborative efforts to improve SRHR outcomes sustainably. The project team will facilitate the event in suitable spots in Dhaka North and South City Corporation areas.

Objective:

  1. Facilitate Community Dialogue: Encourage open discussions around SRHR issues highlighted through Photovoice stories.
  2. Identify Root Causes: Enable communities to analyze underlying factors contributing to these issues.
  3. Promote Collective Action: Inspire solutions at individual, community, and policy levels.
  4. Strengthen Youth Advocacy: Showcase the work of youth volunteers, empowering them as community change agents.

Expected Outcomes:

  • Increased awareness and understanding of SRHR challenges in the community.
  • Community-driven recommendations to address SRHR issues.
  • Strengthened collaboration among stakeholders for SRHR advocacy and action.

Methodology:
The exhibition will display framed Photovoice stories, with facilitators guiding participants through the gallery. Community members will provide feedback through facilitated discussions based on the following questions:

  • What do you see in here?
  • Do you think this issue happens in your society?
  • What are the key problems highlighted?
  • What are the root causes of these problems?
  • How can these issues be resolved/what can we do to resolve these issues?

The event will also feature speeches by community leaders, stakeholders, and Ipas Bangladesh representatives.

This community Photovoice exhibition serves as a platform for storytelling, consultation, and collaboration. By engaging diverse voices, the event aims to foster a sense of shared responsibility in addressing SRHR challenges and to inspire action at all levels of society.

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