Wolverhampton community campaigner Alphina Ndlovu has joined the growing ranks of arts group "1 in 3" to take a stand against gender based violence in the city.
The groundbreaking "1in3" project, an initiative aimed at combating gender-based violence through artistic expression, has launched a series of workshops designed to foster inclusivity and raise awareness.
Generously funded by ACE and with the invaluable support of Anne-Marie Langram, "1in3" seeks to shine a light on the pervasive issue of gender-based violence affecting not only women but also men and LGBTQ+ individuals. Gender-based violence remains a critical issue across all communities. Statistics reveal that one in three women will experience violence in their lifetime, and it's equally important to recognize that one in six men will face sexual violence.
Alphina Ndlovu says:
"Today I take a stand against gender-based violence in my lovely community of Wolverhampton I have been resident for over a decade. One in 3 is not a statistic, nor is it imaginary. One is three is me. Today, I stand in solidarity with my peers to raise an awareness and call an end to gender-based violence.
The one-in-three is me.
I am a mother.
I am a daughter.
I am a sister.
I am a friend.
I am an aunty.
I am a neighbour.
One-in-three workshop is raising this awareness, and my message is clear…
No to gender-based abuse in the churches, mosques and synagogues.
Not to gender-based abuse in our communities.
No to gender-based abuse in the court room.
No to gender-based abuse in the boardroom.
No to gender-based abuse in the bedroom.
No to gender-based abuse in the classrooms.
Gender-based abuse is toxic, its diabolical, it narcissistic!
It must go!
The impact is great. The damage is felt for generations. The scars are permanent. Gender-based violence has a ripple effect. It produces a toxic cycle. The cycle must be broken. The cycle must be broken now. We are breaking it. I am breaking. Let’s all break it. It takes a community to break it. Gender-based violence affects us all. It has to be broken. It has to stop and it begins with me, you, us and everyone."
"1in3" will host a series of artistic workshops led by professional artists, providing a safe and supportive environment for participants to explore and share their experiences of gender-based violence. These workshops will empower individuals to use art as a medium for healing and expression, ultimately creating a collection of powerful artworks that reflect the diverse experiences of those affected.
The culmination of these workshops will be a public exhibition held at the Mander Center in Wolverhampton from November 4th to 7th. This exhibition will serve as a platform to raise awareness, foster dialogue, and promote a deeper understanding of the impact of gender-based violence on individuals and communities.
I am
By Alphina Ndlovu
I am me
I am special
I am incredible
I am amazing
I am awesome
I am great
I am enough
I am me
I am the answer
I am complete
I am the narrative
I am telling the narrative
I am changing the narrative
I am changing the narrative now
Your participation and support are crucial in helping us shed light on these critical issues and drive societal change. For more information and to get involved, please visit itsourright.info or email: did253@gmail.com
