Each day, for 100 days, a new creative piece will be unveiled, each one a message, a mirror, and a movement.

This initiative is not just a showcase of artistic talent; it’s a declaration of intent. It’s a call to action. Through the lens of “Artivism”, the fusion of art and activism, TUT is creating a platform where survivors / victims are seen, stories are heard, and silence is shattered.

As Prof Nalini Moodley, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Arts & Design, eloquently states:

“Artistic mediums… provide a unique language for expressing the complex emotions and lived experiences of those affected by gendered acts of violence. These creative expressions serve as both a mirror reflecting societal issues and a catalyst for change.”

Art speaks where words fail.. In the context of GBVF, creative expression becomes a lifeline, an avenue for survivors / victims to reclaim their voices, and for communities to confront uncomfortable truths.

Each performance in this campaign is a deliberate act of resistance. Pieces like Echoes of Silence and Asixoxe educate, provoke, and mobilise people to interpret and respond to the very layered and intersectional nature of GBVF. They challenge toxic masculinity, expose systemic failures, and reimagine gender norms. The stage becomes a modality where harmful ideologies are dismantled and new narratives are born.

Importantly, TUT’s focus for their 100-Day Challenge  is not just about building awareness, it’s about healing. Artivism brings recognition to the pervasive issue of GBV. It can offer survivors more avenues and support to  process trauma and find solidarity. It validates their experiences and celebrates their strength. It reminds us that healing is not linear, but it is possible. 

TUT’s 100-day journey is also a testament to the power of interdisciplinary collaboration. By integrating insights from sociology, psychology, education, and design, the campaign reflects the complexity of GBVF and the multifaceted solutions required to address it. It’s a living example of how academia and creativity can converge to drive social change.

As each day unfolds, and each piece is shared, TUT invites us all to listen, reflect, and act. Because ending GBVF is not just the responsibility of survivors, it’s a collective mission. And through the arts, we find not only the courage to confront it, but the hope to overcome it.

Follow the journey and explore the expressions at TUT’s GBV Symposium showcase and on the website www.tutfadshowcase.ac.za/gbv-symposium.