By Aishling Heffernan An image can be synonymous with representation, and representation often leads to inclusion. It might be inclusion in dialogue, or simply resting in the thoughts of another. It may be representation via film or print. It may be representation experienced in real life, a poster made by a protestor that catches your…
By Elena Palaiorouta Photo by Simona Scaduto. Women celebrate International Women’s Day in Palermo, Sicily, 8 March, 2022. Several centuries ago, it was believed that women were inferior to men (anatomically and mentally) as sciences were stubbornly trying to create more and more examples of women’s inferiority. Although such theories have been debunked for some…
By Elena Palaiorouta Peacebuilding is the foundation for creating sustainable human security and fair development in countries emerging from conflict. It is a prolonged process as it should bring people to dialogue, mend relationships, and reinvent institutions. Most importantly, for peace to last, everyone affected by the conflict has to be involved in the process…
It’s that time of the year again – to reflect and to celebrate. The images presented below are from our series of workshops we ran with women working in the media in the Cameroon, with a group of women based across Ireland, and with three photographers from Indonesia, Mexico and Italy, who took part in…
By Sneha Singh What happens when a woman gets pregnant due to a sexual assault? Does she still experience emotional fulfilment if the pregnancy was forced? Since patriarchy wants women to want children, can a woman choose to go against the patriarchal system and choose not to become a mother? And if in case a…
Text by Elena Palaiorouta Gender-based violence (GBV) is a phenomenon deeply rooted in gender inequality and continues to be one of the most blatant human rights violations. It is a type of violence that is directly related to or justified by using the gender of the victim or survivor. Having said that, both women and…
By Mary Ellen Dowd “Representation in the fictional world signifies social existence. Absence means symbolic annihilation.” George Gerbner Representation is a key aspect of individual empowerment in a society that so highly values media as a forecaster of culture. It becomes increasingly more difficult for an individual or group of individuals to find value in…
By Mary Ellen Dowd The current pandemic has isolated nearly every person globally from interaction with family, friends and most notably, strangers. This limited interaction with the outside world has undoubtedly left time for self-reflection, and for some, self-scrutiny, say researchers. “Certainly during the initial spring lockdown period, our screen time increased, meaning that we…
By Sneha Singh Don’t go out in the sun or you’ll get tanned. Oh no, you are tanned. Try this whitening cream. If you don’t use these creams, bleaches, chemical peeling treatments and fairness injection, how are you going to compensate for this “unfortunate” complexion. And if you think just making your face white is…
By Rupali Ovhal The media representation of under-represented groups has long been a topic of debate. A non-dominant category, such as people of colour, people with disabilities, people from a lower socio-economic status, people who are gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender, people of a non-mainstream religion, and retirees are all considered to be under-represented groups….