How it Started - Our Journey
Our ethical storytelling project started in 2020 when the coronavirus pandemic started. A team of experts did research on how Covid-19 affected survivors who virtually trained survivors of human trafficking on photography, story telling and research.
This project was prompted by a realization that survivors' different experiences are misrepresented due to lack of inclusion, power dynamics and lack of trained survivor experts.
In an effort to change that unequal and exclusive storytelling structure, we are intentionally building a narrative here at Azadi because the past ethical storytelling projects have proved that survivors can be subjects, authors, and critics of their own stories after the successful physical and virtual exhibition we held on 30th of July in 2021 as a result of the ethical storytelling project conducted in 2020.
This exhibition is organised by Azadi, and supported by University of Birmingham Rights for Time Project
The Fellowship
This year, 26 Survivor Leaders from the art community and 1 fellows from Rice University have been learning about ethical storytelling, creating art, collage making, zines making and participatory photography. Each year an in-person ethical storytelling exhibition occurs on the world day against human trafficking. This art exhibition is the culmination of their work and showcases their different stories in a series of photographs, collage and zines. Their work is also showcased on the Azadi website as a virtual exhibition.
Meet the Art Community
The art community is much more than a collective of individuals dedicated to creating beauty and provoking thought. It exists as a vital thread within the larger tapestry of society, influencing and enriching the cultural, social, and even political landscapes. The art community has been a powerful voice for social change, using creativity to raise awareness, provoke thought, and inspire action. In recognition of World Day Against Trafficking in Persons 2024, our Art Community presents a powerful and thought-provoking exhibition, accompanied by a series of engaging activities that empower survivor children as the theme suggests “ leave no child behind ”
Meet the Trainer
Rehema
Rehema has a strong curiosity about societal values and the experiences of the community that surrounds her. For over 6 years now, she has expaneded her visual creativity as an artist while acquiring hands on experience working as a photographer with non-profit organizations in Kenya. As she stays present to her environment, she is hoping to join in, even more strongly as the time goes by, on the dialogue on humanity and the dignity of every individual. She lives for storytelling that will continue to lead us to a place of global inclusivity. Check out her website! www.syntaxart.co.ke