Calling All Creative Souls
It is complex and it is messy. The phrase “gender equity/inequity” can bring out so many different types of emotions. Advocating for gender equity is no doubt a challenging and at times an exhausting task.
Our recent International Women’s Day (IWD) survey showed that fear is one of the top emotions that can stop us from challenging gender inequity.
But fear is not the only emotion. We can also experience confusion, frustration or even the feeling of powerlessness. Based on our survey responses, we have created several scenarios that describe some of these emotions.
While it can be awkward, but sharing how we feel in this space is important so we can empower one another in our quest of achieving a gender equitable future.
If you are a creative soul (or if you want to be one), you are invited to interpret these messy, sticky emotions with us.
How to Get Involved?
Step 1
Have a read of the Terms and Conditions so you know what to do.
Step 2
Check out the 8 creative scenarios below and see which one that really resonates with you. You are welcome to submit up to 3 pieces of work. You can choose more than one creative scenario to work with or stick to the same creative scenario as long as each submitted piece corresponds to one scenario.
Step 3
Depending on the type of work produced, you may choose to share up to 3 images and/or a URL of your work with us via the submit form. Make sure to send your submissions by 23 May 2021.
Step 4
Before starting your submission, make sure to have a short bio, artist profile image and artist statement ready to upload with your work. If you have all the information ready to go, each submission should take less than 5 minutes.
Creative Scenarios
Scenario 1
Someone is making a sexist joke. I want to tell the person it is inappropriate, but I am unsure how others in the group actually think. Maybe I should just wait and see if someone else speaks up. I don’t want people to think I am taking things too seriously.
Scenario 2
It’s pointless to speak up really. I would not be heard anyway even though I know my right. This office simply does not offer any opportunities for me to advance due to gender inequality/bias. I feel powerless so I don’t bother.
Scenario 3
I don’t know if it is my place to stand up for someone else. I want to be sensitive and respectful. Perhaps I should provide my support privately. It is very hard to know what to do in this case. I am so confused.
Scenario 4
I hate this feeling. I really really want to speak up, but I don’t. I worry about the potential fallout. What if I upset someone? What if I lose my job? I can’t afford to lose my job. I hate this feeling.
Scenario 5
Truth be known, I don’t know how to call it out. People use “Dear Sir” when they send me a letter. How do I point this out to people that I am not a Sir? It seems so trivial.
Scenario 6
Oh no, I am not going to speak up, because I could become a target myself.
Scenario 7
I am not sure if I should speak up and challenge gender bias. I don’t want people to label me and think I am playing the “women card”.
Scenario 8
What am I thinking? Who am I to challenge? I am not an expert or someone with an authority.
The Nitty Gritty a.k.a. Terms & Conditions
Who can participate in this art project?
We are keeping this art project as inclusive as possible. We welcome participants of all backgrounds and locations to submit their work. If you, however, are under 18 years old. Please contact us so we can assist you to obtain parental consent.
What can I create?
Whether be it a digital drawing, sketch, poem, sculpture, song, story or video, however you express yourself creatively, we would love to see/hear it. Please make sure you submit your own creation, not someone else’s work.
How many entries can I submit?
Each participant can submit up to 3 entries.
How do I submit my work?
Submit your work via the “Submit work” button on this page by 23 May 2021.
What will you do with my work?
If accepted, we will include your work as part of our 2021 IWD campaign. We will share your work publicly. This may include, but not limited to, publishing your work on the Resilient Leadership Academy (RLA) website and via our digital channels such as LinkedIn and email.
Is there a cost involved in taking part in this project?
There is no entry fee involved in submitting your work.
Who owns the intellectual property of the work?
You are the creator so you own the intellectual property of your work.
Any other rules?
1. By submitting your work, you agree to give RLA and its sponsor Notonos the right to share your work publicly. This may include, but not limited to, online sharing, physical exhibition and printed format, if applicable.
2. RLA reserves the right to reject work that is deemed unacceptable. This may include, but not limited to, materials that are offensive or dangerous in nature.
3. It is the artist’s responsibility to ensure the submitted work has appropriate release/permission in the instance where a model and/or an iconic architecture/landscape/object, is featured in the work.
4. By submitting your work, you waive any and all claims of liability against RLA, its agents, employees, volunteers and sponsors and their respective employees, volunteers and agents, for any personal injury or loss which may occur from the conduct of, or participation in, the art project.
5. You give RLA your permission to contact you about this art project and any future projects.
I have more questions. How can I get in touch?
Of course, send us a note.
