Reflecting on 2024: Progress, Success, and the Road Ahead
As we close the year, Project EQUAL looks back at six transformative months since the campaign launched in June 2024. It has been an extraordinary journey filled with achievements, engagement, and meaningful conversations, all aimed at tackling gender-based violence (GBV) and promoting gender equality.
Raising Awareness: Posts That Sparked Conversations
Over the past six months, we generated a wealth of impactful content that highlighted various aspects of GBV. Our posts provided guidance on how to identify GBV, what steps to take as a bystander, and how GBV can manifest in both visible and invisible forms—from physical harm to psychological, economic, and online violence. We delved into societal norms and biases, shedding light on GBV’s pervasive presence in workplaces, homes, and public spaces.
Furthermore, we equipped our audience with knowledge, actionable steps, and tools to challenge violence, stereotypes, and inequality.
The Open Call: Creativity in Action
One of the highlights of the year was the SPEAK Open Call, launched to unite artists and creators against GBV. This initiative, held during the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, invited submissions of original artworks that captured themes of equality, empowerment, and zero tolerance for violence. The overwhelming response from our audience surpassed our expectations:
- We received numerous original works from artists, storytellers, creators, and even companies!
- The open call sparked extensive engagement, attracting new followers and supporters to our platform.
- Influencers, artists, art schools, and NGOs—such as Women On Top—amplified our message by sharing the open call.
This initiative not only showcased the power of art to inspire change but also expanded our network and strengthened collaborations with like-minded organizations.
Spotlight on SPEAK!: Our Most Successful Endeavor
Amidst all our efforts, the animated short film SPEAK! has been our most outstanding success to date. Released on November 25th to mark the start of the 16 Days of Activism, SPEAK! addressed the silent chains of GBV through compelling visuals and storytelling. Its message resonated deeply, sparking conversations and receiving significant engagement:
- The film garnered over 8,800 views in just three weeks, becoming our most-viewed and shared post.
- Famous Greek artists and influencers, including Aristotelis Rigas, Zeta Douka, Lambros Fisfis, Elena Domazaki, and Yiorgos Hatzipavlou, as well as NGOs, shared the film.
- The audience’s engagement emphasized the importance of empathy, courage, and collective action.
The success of SPEAK! demonstrated the power of storytelling in breaking silence, challenging harmful norms, and inspiring individuals to take a stand against violence.
Community Engagement: The Tashkent Event
On December 3rd, Project EQUAL organized a successful event in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, bringing our mission closer to the very community it serves. The event provided a platform for open dialogue between local women, experts, and advocates. Through interactive discussions, impactful videos—including SPEAK!—and expert presentations, participants engaged deeply with the issue of GBV.
The event fostered interpersonal connections and underscored the importance of community-led efforts in combating violence and inequality. It was heartening to see active participation and interest, as well as growing recognition of the project’s goals.
Moving Forward: Why Our Work Matters
As we celebrate these milestones, we recognize that much work remains. The recent report “Femicides in 2023: Global Estimates of Intimate Partner/Family Member Femicides” by UN Women and UNODC reveals a sobering truth:
140 women and girls die every day at the hands of their partner or a close relative. That means one woman or girl is killed every 10 minutes—a devastating reminder of the urgency of our cause.
These numbers compel us to keep pushing for a more equal and just world, where women and girls are safe, empowered, and free from violence.
A Commitment to the Future
In the coming year, Project EQUAL will build on the successes of 2024. By amplifying voices, creating awareness, and encouraging action, we hope to make an even greater impact.
Together, we can challenge inequality, dismantle violence, and pave the way for a future where every individual, regardless of gender, thrives in safety, respect, and equality.
Thank you for standing with us on this journey. Let’s continue to foster collaboration, expand our networks, and work tirelessly to achieve a world free from gender-based violence.
Here’s to a stronger, safer, and more equal 2025!
