I created Voices Against Silence in response to the increasing violence against women and femicide in Turkey and the lack of structured, age appropriate discussion around these issues within school environments. I noticed that while students were exposed to news and social media content there was limited space to critically process this information, develop empathy or understand the social effects that normalize gender-based violence.
This innovation was motivated by my belief that awareness must begin within peer communities. By creating an initiative I aimed to open a safe and informed space where students could engage with facts, lived experiencesand ethical perspectives, rather than passive headlines.
In practice, Voices Against Silence began as a student organized school presentation focused on violence against women and femicide. I designed and delivered the presentation using verified data, discussions and critical questions to encourage engagement rather than one way communication.
Following the presentation, the initiative developed into a project. Students shared reflections, proposed follow-up ideas and participated in discussions that extended beyond the initial session. This led to the creation of written advocacy pieces which were published in school magazines and newspapers which are still available and ongoing even after years.
The innovation spread organically through peer engagement. After the initial presentation students expressed interest in contributing their own perspectives and continuing the conversation through written work. This peer focus enabled the project to move from a single presentation to a wider audience through student publications.
Encourage students to express their reflections through writing such as opinion pieces or articles and collaborate with school magazines or newspapers to publish them. The innovation requires minimal resources but benefits from clear structur to peer support and a commitment to sustaining dialogue beyond a single event.
