About the Gender Apartheid Project
The Gender Apartheid Project is a three-year initiative focused on documenting and sharing the stories of women who have experienced systemic gender oppression and now live in Norway. Through the collection of oral histories, the publication of a book, and the production of a documentary film, the project aims to create a body of work that informs and engages the public, advocates for gender justice, and preserves these stories for future generations.
What is Gender Apartheid?
Gender apartheid refers to the systematic exclusion, discrimination, and suppression of individuals based on gender. It manifests in laws, cultural norms, and practices that restrict basic freedoms and human rights. This project seeks to bring attention to this issue by recording the lived experiences of those directly impacted, presenting their stories in ways that are accessible to a wide audience.
Our Vision
The Gender Apartheid Project has been designed to:
- Document and Preserve Stories: Ensure the voices of those affected by gender apartheid are recorded and archived.
- Create Meaningful Cultural Outputs: Use oral histories, literature, and film to explore the personal and collective impacts of gender oppression.
- Encourage Dialogue and Reflection: Foster a deeper understanding of these issues through cultural engagement.
- Leave a Lasting Resource: Produce materials that can serve as tools for education, advocacy, and research.
What We Are Producing
- Oral History Archive
- The project’s foundation lies in the collection of personal stories from individuals impacted by gender apartheid. These will be recorded as audio and video interviews and archived for future use in educational and advocacy settings.
- The Book
- Drawing from the oral histories, the book will combine personal testimonies with reflections from writers and thinkers. Published in both Norwegian and English, it will offer a platform for deeper engagement with the narratives.
- The Documentary Film
- The documentary will use the oral histories as its basis, combining interviews, archival material, and visual storytelling to create a film that can reach both Nordic and international audiences.
Timeline
2025: Year One – Oral History Collection
- Interviews with individuals impacted by gender apartheid will be conducted and archived.
- Ethical considerations will guide the process to ensure participants are represented accurately and sensitively.
2026: Year Two – Book Development
- Selected stories will be curated into a book alongside essays and reflections.
- The book will be edited and prepared for publication in Norwegian. An English version will produced if there is demand.
2027: Year Three – Documentary Film Production
- The documentary will be developed based on the oral histories.
- The production will focus on bringing these stories to life through visual and creative storytelling.
About the Project Curator: Fatemeh Ekhtesari
Fatemeh Ekhtesari is an Iranian poet, writer, and activist who has worked extensively on themes of gender, identity, and social justice. Her writing, which includes collections of poetry and essays, reflects a commitment to amplifying marginalised voices and challenging systemic injustice.
As curator of the Gender Apartheid Project, Fatemeh brings her expertise in storytelling and cultural engagement to all aspects of the work. Her responsibilities include:
- Leading the collection of oral histories, ensuring ethical and respectful representation of participants.
- Curating the book, working closely with contributors to shape the publication.
- Collaborating with filmmakers to guide the narrative and structure of the documentary.
- Acting as the public face of the project, engaging with organisations, institutions, and audiences.
Fatemeh’s role ensures that the project remains focused, thoughtful, and true to its purpose of preserving and amplifying the voices of those directly affected by gender apartheid.
Why This Project Matters
This project is focused on creating a space where the experiences of those affected by gender apartheid can be recorded and shared. The aim is not only to preserve these stories but also to present them in ways that promote understanding, dialogue, and action. By engaging with these narratives, we hope to contribute to ongoing efforts for gender justice while offering resources for educators, researchers, and advocates.
How You Can Get Involved
There are several ways to engage with the Gender Apartheid Project:
- Partner with Us: Collaborate on workshops, screenings, or events to share these stories with wider audiences.
- Use the Materials: The oral history archive, book, and film will be valuable resources for educational and advocacy efforts.
- Support the Work: Contributions of funding, expertise, or other resources are welcome to ensure the success and impact of the project.
- Share the Stories: Help amplify the voices of those featured in the project by sharing the outputs within your networks.
Join Us
The Gender Apartheid Project is a collective effort to document and share stories that might otherwise be lost. By doing so, we aim to foster reflection and inspire action. If you would like to learn more, collaborate, or support this work, please contact us.
Let us work together to ensure these voices are heard, remembered, and valued.
