UNMUTE to Ensure Justice, Protect Survivors, End Impunity
25 November – 10 December 2026 | Virtual Exhibition | Submission deadline: 3rd November 2026
About the Campaign
Speaking out about violence is a critical first step, but it must lead to meaningful action, protection, accountability, and justice. In 2025, FEMNET’s UNMUTED campaign amplified survivor voices through concept photography and feminist storytelling, creating space for stories that are too often silenced or ignored. In 2026, the campaign builds on this foundation by shifting the focus from voices to justice, examining what happens after violence is reported, whether survivors are believed and protected, and whether institutions are held accountable for their response.
As part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence, FEMNET invites partners to co-create a participatory virtual exhibition that explores what access to justice, survivor-centered protection and an end to impunity look like in practice across Africa. Through collective storytelling and creative expression, the exhibition will highlight realities, challenge institutional failures and amplify feminist perspectives on the pathways to justice. Launched during the 16 Days of Activism, the exhibition will remain accessible online beyond the campaign period as a continuing advocacy resource to inspire dialogue, strengthen accountability and advance efforts to end gender-based violence across the continent.
What We Are Inviting
One to three photographs, each with a short story or excerpt, showing your experiences, interventions, innovations or advocacy under one of three pillars:
- Technology for Survivor-Centered Justice: responsible technology and digital public infrastructure that strengthen information, reporting, referrals, survivor services, and access to justice.
- Transforming Institutions and Community Norms: work that tackles harmful stereotypes, institutional bias, patriarchal practices and discriminatory norms in justice systems, media and communities.
- Resourcing Feminist Solutions: women’s rights organizations and feminist movements providing survivor services, legal empowerment, community justice, justice-system monitoring and accountability advocacy.
We welcome stories of barriers and solutions, including the cost to survivors when justice is delayed, inaccessible, or denied.
Who Can Submit
FEMNET members, women’s rights organizations that respond to and address GBV, feminist and youth-led organizations, grassroots groups, regional partners across Africa, Community-based groups, and those working with indigenous groups and regions are especially encouraged.
Submission Guidelines
- Photograph: high-resolution (JPEG/PNG), with a caption, photographer credit, and the location and year taken.
- Story or excerpt: [100–150] Briefly describe the problem, what your organization did to address it, and the impact or difference made, including any remaining gaps or changes needed.
- Organization details: name, country, contact person and the pillar your submission
- Language: English, French, Arabic, or Portuguese.
Consent, Safety & Dignity
FEMNET is committed to preventing any form of harassment, including sexual harassment, exploitation, abuse, and lack of integrity. All organizations are expected to share this commitment through our code of Conduct and Safeguarding Policy as you submit your stories. We welcome organizations from diverse backgrounds, cultures, and experiences.
How to Submit
Email your photographs, stories, and signed consent form to srhr.evawg@femnet.or.ke with the subject line “16 Days 2026 Exhibition – [Organization Name]” by 3rd November 2026. Selected partners will be notified and will receive digital materials to amplify the campaign on their own platforms.
Questions? Contact: srhr.evawg@femnet.or.ke