The Challenge

Today’s cultural and media representation of women is not inclusive and diverse. Men and women are often portrayed in stereotypical ways, and traditional roles in society are emphasised. This misrepresentation and its implications need to change before political, economic, and social equality of the sexes is possible. Women in photography remain a minority even in western countries – in more traditional societies getting access to training and support is that much harder.

Solution

Training women in Gaza in documentary photography and visual storytelling by using mobile phone cameras and other cheap alternatives gives women practical skills that translate to a potential source of income. Moreover, it adds diversity of ideas and voices to the narrative of life in Gaza and the Palestinian society, the occupation, and the ongoing conflict inside and outside of the Palestinian occupied territories.

Cost

$9,550 includes training, field trips, three exhibitions and We See magazine publication.

Long-Term Impact

The project will train 20 women in documentary photography and will bolster and diversify narratives of what we know and how we see Gaza. By taking photos and engaging with their communities in new ways, women gain confidence and develop a deeper, more dynamic relationship with their society. Moreover, the participants will learn to use common, accessible technologies in new ways, promoting lifelong learning and technological literacy.

Opportunity

We have been selected by the GlobalGiving to participate in its Accelerator, a fundraising opportunity for nonprofits around the world.

In order to succeed, we must raise $5,000 from 40 donors between mid afternoon on Monday March 11th and March 29th. If we meet this threshold, we will be permanently featured on GlobalGiving’s website, where we have the potential to benefit from corporate relationships, connect with new donors, and access online fundraising tools. Additionally, we could earn bonus prizes from GlobalGiving for raising the most money.

Please help us reach the threshold of $5,000 from 40 donors! Be one of the first people to make a donation online at https://goto.gg/femLENS! We’re also going to need your help spreading the word, so please share this opportunity with your friends and family on Facebook, other social media channels, email etc!