Local Women graduating from the inaugural BAME Dare to Lead Leadership course at account3 have created an animation to raise awareness of domestic abuse in their community.
SiS (Sistas in Strength), the animation produced in collaboration with Bristol-based animation firm, Studio Giggle, is an allegorical tale of a woman feeling trapped and alone in a world of psychological, physical, sexual, financial, and emotional abuse. The animation puts a fresh perspective on a challenging subject, whilst reinforcing the essential point that no one needs to feel or be alone – help is always available.
Launching on 16th February 2021, the video will be available across social media platforms. To further raise awareness, the campaign will run until International Women's Day.
Led by Account3, a community-based support organisation whose driver is to support women's economic independence and personal development, the 12 weeks BAME Leadership course spearheaded a group of women from the borough. As well as the Social Action Project, they completed a series of online classes on feminist leadership values, networking, negotiations, building personal confidence, as well as other leadership topics. The Social Action Project is a collaborative project that brings together and builds on their learning.
The decision was made to create an animation after a group session that saw women share their own personal experiences of domestic abuse and discussions on alarming reports of an increase in reporting of domestic abuse associated with the Covid-19 pandemic in Tower Hamlets.
This animation video was created to reach out, not only to BAME women, but to all women in solidarity, with the intention to share a message of Hope, Encouragement, Freedom, and Raised Awareness.
"It is so important that women have space to come together as knowledge holders and change-makers. We need local organisations such as Account 3 with a deep commitment to providing space that supports women's leadership, creativity, and resistance. I am incredibly proud of this amazing group of Tower Hamlets women. Thank you for choosing to develop this animation, which not only raises awareness of domestic violence but deliberately centres on Black/Global Majority women. In solidarity" Marai Larasi MBE, M.A, Advocate, Community Organiser.
To view the SiS animation on YouTube
If you or someone you know is suffering from domestic abuse, contact the 24/7 National Domestic Abuse Helpline 0808 2000 257.
