The 10th issue of We See magazine is a special edition produced as part of the Welens project, co-funded by the European Union. Framed around the metaphor of the “Tree of Gender-Based Violence,” this edition takes an unflinching look at the roots, branches, and surrounding climate that allow gender-based violence (GBV) to thrive.

This issue gathers the voices of contributors and organisations working across Europe and beyond to challenge GBV in all its forms—from structural inequality and online harassment to sexual trafficking and harmful media narratives.

 

What’s Inside?

The Editorial opens with the GBV Tree framework, a visual and conceptual tool that helps break down the complexity of violence:

  • Roots: Patriarchy, systemic inequality, and cultural norms

  • Branches: Physical, emotional, sexual, economic, and digital violence

  • Leaves: The long-term consequences

  • Climate: Political, legal, and societal forces that enable or challenge it

Featured Photographer: Elisa Mariotti
Mariotti’s long-term project Yes, We Do highlights women working in traditionally male-dominated professions in Italy—welders, miners, gondoliers, pilots—and makes a bold statement on breaking gender barriers in the workplace.

Intersectionality and Dependency
NoGap explores how substance dependency and mental health intersect with gender-based violence, and how structural stigma isolates survivors from support.

Visual Media & Gender
femLENS contributes an in-depth analysis of how photography and media representation shape societal attitudes toward women, objectification, and power. The article encourages media literacy and critical engagement with images, while showcasing past femLENS campaigns that reframe women’s narratives.

Cyber Violence
KEMEA introduces gamified educational methods to address online abuse and digital safety for women, demonstrating how innovation can be harnessed for prevention.

Art for Change
Beecom reflects on an artistic collaboration with illustrator Margarita Brum, whose delicate, layered images challenge how we visualise and discuss violence without reproducing harm.

Human Trafficking and Camming
Elan addresses newer, tech-enabled forms of exploitation such as forced camming, revealing legal gaps and the ongoing need for policy change.

Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE)
CESIE outlines how CSE is essential to dismantling gender norms and preventing violence, offering a roadmap for educators, caregivers, and youth workers.

Why This Issue Matters

This is not an easy issue—but it is a vital one. It brings together stories, strategies, and reflections from across Europe and further afield. Whether it’s discussing how media shapes consent, or how law fails to protect victims of online exploitation, each contribution adds a crucial layer to the broader conversation about how we dismantle systems of violence.

Read, Share, Distribute

The issue is available for free in digital format and in print on Blurb.com. We invite educators, activists, community groups, and individuals to read it, use it, and share it.

📩 Want to help distribute We See or use it in your classroom or community space?
Get in touch and let’s keep these conversations going.