This photography anthology/book is recognition, an intervention, and a call to action all in one.

It’s CREATING A SAFE SPACE AND STORYTELLING TO HEAL.

It’s individuals expressing their truths and reclaiming their narratives, transforming vulnerability into strength.

It’s raising awareness but also fostering a sense of community and solidarity among contributors and readers.

It’s inviting Bangaloreans to reflect on the societal changes needed to create safer public spaces for everyone.

ABOUT

Each photograph and story serves as a powerful testament to both the challenges faced and the resilience shown by those who have experienced harassment.

The Photography Anthology/book will harness the power of storytelling and photography to share the experiences of fifty individuals and communities who have experienced street harassment (SH) in Bengaluru.

The collection, categorized by identified themes, will capture diverse experiences across age, ability, caste, economic class, ethnic background, gender, and sexualities.

It contains:

  • An in-depth introduction to street harassment: what it is, its various types, the culture that enables it to thrive, examples, and existing laws addressing the issue.

  • Survey results on street harassment in Bangalore will be collected over two months (July and August).

  • Interviews with 50 individuals/communities that highlight collective pain experienced by anyone and everyone who has ever faced any form of SH, while nurturing a community that believes and supports those who have experienced SH.

  • The additional workbook will delve into the critical role of bystander intervention in combating street harassment through reflective exercises, actions, scenarios, and techniques individuals and communities can take to create safe spaces.

This anthology is not just a collection of 50 stories of street harassment; it's a call to understand the individuals behind the faces. It goes beyond the surface, exploring the lives, identities, and communities of those who have bravely shared their experiences.

Through this book we want to show that we are more than what happens to us, that we are not defined by experiences that are always the perpetrator’s fault, because we are never asking for it.

WHY?

The book is a testament to resilience, a celebration of strength, and a beacon of hope for change. Each story within these pages serves as a reminder that while harassment may have touched our lives, it does not hold the power to define us. Instead, it highlights our ability to rise above challenges and unite in the face of adversity.

By sharing these narratives, we aim to foster a sense of solidarity and understanding among readers. We hope to inspire others to stand up, speak out, and contribute to a community where everyone feels safe and valued. Our contributors will have bravely shared their experiences not just to highlight the issues, but to ignite conversations that lead to meaningful action.

ARE YOU ONE OF THE 50 FACES?

If you have a story to share and are willing to be one of the 50 Faces, we would be honored to hear from you and include your experience in this important conversation.

We are looking for individuals who would be comfortable participating in the 50 Faces project. In an interview with us, you’d share a bit about yourself, your story of street harassment, and also have your photo taken for the book.

The project aims to shed light on the diverse experiences of street harassment, to spark important conversations around the often ignored and dismissed issue of Street Harassment.

  • Age: Anyone who is 18+

  • Location: Based anywhere in Bengaluru

  • Availability: Participants should be able to commit to a one-hour interview session, in person.

    We will accommodate your schedule as best as we can to ensure a safe, comfortable, and empowering experience for you.

If you are interested, please reach out to us via:

  • Email: inacindia@outlook.com

  • Whatsapp: 9901911829

Each story is unique and powerful, contributing to a broader understanding of the issue and fostering empathy and change. Participants will not only help raise awareness but also inspire others to speak out and take action.

Meet the team

Aakanksha Manjunathaswamy (she/her)

I’m a Social Justice Activist, intersectional feminist, and storyteller with extensive grassroots advocacy and campaigning experience.

Drawing from my passion for education and community empowerment, I've dedicated my efforts to fostering inclusive environments, particularly in public spaces, and that is why I started It’s Not A Compliment India.

Suraj Nair (he/him)

I am a new age artist with extensive experience across diverse industries, including gaming, animation, graphic design, and fashion.

My work is driven by a deep passion for art and design, as well as a keen interest in the mechanics that bring visual narratives to life. I specialize in creating meticulously detailed designs that not only captivate but also invite critical engagement from viewers.

Mouli Mandal (she/they)

A visual designer with a literature background, with visions of making important and true information accessible to everyone through impactful designs in a world that wants to eat away your attention span.

I dabble in creative arts in as many ways as I can get my hands on, be it textile, music, paint or food. I am an ardent believer that no art exists in a vacuum and every skill helps with the next.