People affected by issues like gender-based violence, discrimination, health inequity, and lack of representation bring insights that cannot be replicated through theoretical discussion alone. The insights provided through artistic expression offers a compelling medium for these voices to be amplified, particularly in spaces that may otherwise be inaccessible. Briefly highlighting for countless individuals there are very few platforms that allow for stakeholder representation and engagement that captures or articulates their lived experiences. Often with these limitations in place, many face socio-cultural obstacles encompassing language, education, and resource availability that do not even allow them a seat at the table, let alone to engage with their struggles to effectively communicate them to those in power.
Art allows us to break this divide in systemic adversaries and provide accessible and inclusive tools for civic engagement. Especially for art, individuals with lived experiences engage with our art and research on a personal level. This fosters discussion and encourages sharing of their own experiences. Beneficiaries find safety and comfort in the art, knowing they are not alone. The art communicates their struggles, promotes further discussion and gives an accessible modality to participate globally. People who are not directly experiencing these struggles can still gain insight into the challenges faced by their loved ones or the communities they serve. This helps broaden their understanding and teaches them how to better support those who are struggling.
An example is “Break the Silence to End the Violence,” an exhibition addressing gender-based violence (GBV) — a major barrier to gender equality and human rights across Europe. Supported by The Starving Artist and the Young European Movement (YEM), it amplifies awareness and inspires change through visual storytelling, data, and personal experiences. This exhibition highlights the abuse that particularly women face, from physical and psychological violence to financial control and cyber abuse.
Lucy Mills’ textile work Ni Una Más / Not One More reflects the ongoing femicides in Juarez, Mexico, since the 1990s. Thousands of women have disappeared, been raped, and murdered, which has been largely ignored by authorities. Mothers honor these losses by marking them with black crosses and carrying pink crosses that say ‘not one more’ on International Women’s Day, in memory of their daughters. We often need to feel this pain to care, yet daily life rarely allows space for personal reflection and reform-driven connection.
As institutions like the United Nations increasingly integrate gender equality into their agendas, we must also consider how inclusive storytelling through art can add depth to these efforts. Engaging with creative forms provides policymakers with a more nuanced view, shedding light on the lived realities of gender inequality and enabling policies that are both informed and empathetic.
Despite progress, portrayals of gender in art and media often fall back on stereotypes, reinforcing narrow ideals and limiting our understanding of gender diversity. The portrayal of women in art has historically been fraught with limitations—defined by beauty standards, objectification, and restricted roles. Today, a push for diversity involves incorporating narratives that reflect intersectionality, showcasing experiences across different backgrounds, and including stories of those often overlooked. Art is more than just decoration on gallery walls; it is a powerful, yet often overlooked tool for creating change. It has the ability to form genuine connections to important issues and allows us to explore them from different perspectives.
Art simply makes us feel, being human is the one common aspect we all share and with art, it allows us a glimpse behind closed doors or restrictive views. The multilateral sphere has a powerful opportunity to embrace art as a vehicle for gender equality. By supporting initiatives that prioritize lived experiences, promoting diverse representations, and embracing holistic, person-centered approaches, institutions can advance gender equality in meaningful ways.
Art isn’t merely symbolic; every brushstroke, performance, and photograph tells a story. It connects the abstract to the personal, transforming statistics into authentic narratives that reveal the diverse and deeply nuanced experiences of women and girls worldwide.
This International Women’s Day (8 March) and beyond, let us continue to harness art’s potential as a universal language, to push for a world where gender equality is not an aspiration but a reality. While brief, I would sum up working in art-activism as: Art gives voice behind the numbers of those neglected globally. Maybe one day, people will listen to them.