Professor
N Moodley-Diar
Tel: +27 12 382 6051
Email: MoodleyDiarN@tut.ac.za
ARTIVISM AS A TOOL TO COMBAT GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE
FOCUS
A niche area within gender-based violence is the intersection of art and activism, often referred to as "Artivism." This research area explores how various forms of art, such as visual arts, performance arts, literature, and multimedia, can be utilised as a powerful tool to address and respond to gender-based violence and femicide. Artivism in the context of gender-based violence aims to raise awareness, challenge societal norms, amplify marginalised voices, foster healing, and advocate for social change.
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The rationale and motivation for the study lie in addressing a pressing social issue, amplifying marginalised voices, promoting healing and empowerment, challenging societal norms, bridging academia and practice, and contributing to knowledge and scholarship. By exploring the transformative potential of artivism in the context of gender-based violence, the niche area aims to contribute to meaningful change and the well-being of individuals and communities affected by this issue in South Africa.
OBJECTIVES
The research objectives guide the study in examining the transformative potential of artivism in addressing gender-based violence, exploring its impact on societal norms, promoting healing and empowerment, considering intersectionality, evaluating effectiveness, fostering collaborations, and contributing to academic knowledge in the field.
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To examine the role of artivism as a transformative approach in addressing gender-based violence in South Africa.
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To explore how artivism initiatives challenge societal norms and attitudes that perpetuate gender-based violence.
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To investigate the impact of artivist interventions on raising awareness and promoting dialogue about gender-based violence in South African society.
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To analyse the ways in which artivism fosters healing and empowerment for survivors of gender-based violence.
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To examine the intersectionality of artivism in addressing gender-based violence, considering the unique experiences and challenges faced by diverse groups, including women of colour, LGBTQ+ individuals, and individuals with disabilities.
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To assess the effectiveness of art-based interventions in preventing gender-based violence and promoting social change.
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To collaborate with artists, activists, and community organisations to co-create contextually relevant and inclusive artivist interventions.
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To contribute to trauma-informed approaches to addressing gender-based violence through the exploration of artivism's role in supporting healing and recovery.
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To bridge the gap between academic research and practical applications by informing and enhancing artivist interventions on the ground.
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To generate knowledge and insights that contribute to the body of scholarship on gender-based violence and artivism, within a South African context.
PRODUCTS AND SERVICES
1. Development of A Collab Hub:
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A collaborative hub for researchers and artists to create innovative and impactful research and creative research outputs.
2. Site for Community Engagement:
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Engagement with communities to raise awareness and foster social change.
3. Postgraduate Studies in Progress:
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Genderlect: Application of Netspeak in Social Media Correspondence of GBV - Lebogang Setlhabane (Doctor of Language Practice)
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Co-designing Gender-based Violence-safe Spaces at a Higher Education Institution: a Socioecological Approach – Inge Newport (Doctor of Art and Design)
4. Establish Partnerships With:
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Institutions of Higher Education- UNISA, UWC
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Government
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Industry
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NGOs
The niche area SDG is as follows:
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SDG 5 (Gender Equality)