MDX launches Hear My Voice campaign against ‘every day’ forms of misogyny and sexism

Initiative includes exhibition of students’ work and workshops with pupils to design an ‘anti-misogyny toolkit’ for secondary schools.

Middlesex University launches a week-long series of events today (16/5) with the London Borough of Barnet to change the culture around subtle and every day forms of misogyny and sexism.

The #HearMyVoice campaign involves an exhibition of work from film, animation and graphic design students, workshops with secondary schools and local community partners, and a panel discussion on supporting students into employment in the creative industries post #MeToo.

Professor Shân Wareing, Middlesex University’s Vice-Chancellor, will attend the final day of the campaign which will involve a panel, hosted by London Higher, a membership organisation for universities in the capital, and bringing together higher education institutions across London to discuss ways to tackle misogyny and support students going into the workplace.

Launched last year, #HearMyVoice aims to highlight and tackle misogyny, violence against women and girls, and domestic abuse. The latest campaign focuses on subtle and ‘low-level’ forms of misogyny and sexism which are often normalised and accepted.

Dr Helen Bendon, Interim Head of the Film School at Middlesex University who is co-lead of the campaign, said: “Last year’s campaign was a great success; this year we want to focus on what is often described as ‘casual’ or ‘low level’ misogyny from a number of perspectives.

“We particularly want to engage men and boys in the discussions and activities to raise awareness of ‘normalised’ misogyny and drive a change in culture, values and attitudes.”

She added that universities have a crucial role to play in shifting attitudes around misogynistic and sexist behaviour.

“Through initiatives like this, we embed the ethos and values of the campaign in our curriculum and teaching. Our students learn about misogyny and harassment, work on projects exploring those issues and contribute to creating a safe and inclusive environment,” she said.

Ben Serlin, Senior Safeguarding Project Manager at Middlesex University who co-leads the campaign, said the work with schools was especially important.

“Schools tell us that they are concerned about how some boys speak to female staff and fellow pupils and how this can be fuelled by online influencers,” he said.

“We are very interested in increasing awareness among younger age groups that what they might regard as ‘harmless banter’ amounts to misogynistic language and behaviour, and how we can change that culture. So, we are very excited to have 60 pupils come to campus to work on projects around this, and we are keen to support schools in Barnet with resources to tackle the problem.”

The series of events include:

• School Day: 60 pupils from Hendon School, The UCL Academy London in Swiss Cottage, and St Mary’s and St John’s CE School in Hendon will be involved in workshops that will help them understand and recognise misogynistic language and behaviours in their communities. The pupils will design their own campaigns and contribute to an anti-misogyny toolkit for schools.
• Community Partners Forum: Sessions hosted by London Borough of Barnet and bringing together specialist organisations to share information on tackling misogyny and violence against women and girls, and provide information on the services and support available in the borough.
• Walk in the Park: A performance by students studying BA in Theatre Arts will be followed by a walk from the University’s Hendon campus to Sunny Hill Park in Hendon to champion safer streets and greater protection for women walking at night.
• Women in Screen Production: a panel discussion involving leading representatives from the screen industries will focus on how to support and nurture new entrants into the screen and film industries post #MeToo. Speakers include Ita O’ Brien, an Intimacy Co-ordinator and Movement Director for film, television and theatre; Rowan Aust, Co-Director of RealTime Media; Babak Jani, Head of Skills for Film London; and Tania Reddin, a distinguished television and film editor.

Cllr Sara Conway, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Participation at London Borough of Barnet, said: “It’s great to see the #HearMyVoice partnership with Middlesex University grow into a week of events focused on combatting violence against women and girls (VAWG) through tackling everyday misogyny, including the co-production of ‘it’s not ok’ resources with local schools.

“This is part of Barnet Council’s wider community safety programme that helps tackle VAWG, including major investment in upgrading the borough’s CCTV system, piloting a Safe Havens network, the One Stop Shop for domestic abuse support, and a ground-breaking perpetrators programme designed to reduce reoffending.”

Dr Bendon said: “Middlesex University plays an important role in the community and as an education institution it is only right that we work with Barnet Council to have a positive influence in our local schools and the wider community, as well as supporting our own students.”

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