Activism

Since September 2020 I have been a member of OBOS; an Intersectional Feminist campaign based in Sheffield. Founded by students and run by volunteers, OBOS aims to challenge the systemic culture of street harassment (public sexual harassment) through awareness, creativity and protest. 

Our 2 main objectives are for inclusive infrastructure across Sheffield to ensure female safety and actively tackling the systemic culture of misogyny which is the root cause of all such issues

The most significant project I lead with OBOS was a lighting installation in the Ponderosa park to raise awareness of the importance of women and marginalised genders feeling safe in green spaces, at any time of day. We received funding from The University of Sheffield and support from the City Council. The installation, which we designed and built ourselves, was a hollow wooden structure, laser cut with poems. These were submitted to us by women across Sheffield and based on their experiences of street harassment. It lit up from the inside at night, illuminating these words and providing some visibility in an otherwise dark and intimidating place. It also featured our collaborative experience map of locations in the city where victims have experienced harassment. 

However, our sculpture was unfortunately burnt down by arsonists a month after construction. This has only motivated us to further our cause; we soon started a crowdfunder to build it back bigger and stronger! I recently organised and facilitated a co-design workshop to find out what the women of Sheffield would want to see in this new installation. This was a really positive and inspiring event in which listened to and respected each other as equals. It perfectly sums up my inclusive approach to art and design as well as my consideration and care for others.