Eastwood: Voices of Strength spotlighted by Broxtowe Women’s Project exhibition at DH Lawrence Museum

Featuring written responses from survivors to Jayne Jackson’s photographic series, Asking For It – visit jaynejacksonphotography.co.uk/asking-for-it – the exhibition emphasises the importance of challenging silence and speaking up.

A virtual reality version of Jayne's Asking for It is available to view online at virtualexhibition.v21artspace.com/asking-for-it

Portraits of the participants, taken by Jayne at the creative writing sessions, also form part of the display.

These responses and Jayne’s work are paired with select pieces from local White Ribbon-backed project, Nottingham Speaks Up, which encourages us all, particularly men, to challenge sexist and harmful behaviour towards women and girls.

The exhibition is a compelling reminder that to create change, we must call out the smallest of everyday actions like sexist ‘jokes’, catcalling or staring that are so often met with silence.

Alice Bates, development officer at Broxtowe Women’s Project, said, “This exhibition reflects what happens when women are supported to share their stories in safe, creative spaces.

“Voices of Strength brings together individual experiences that, when shared collectively, become a powerful statement about survival, solidarity and change.

“We’re proud to see this work shared at the DH Lawrence Museum, where we hope it will reach new audiences, spark important conversations and encourage visitors leave with a deeper understanding of the strength it takes to speak up.”

Coun Teresa Cullen (Brox All), portfolio holder for health and leisure at Broxtowe Council, said, “Broxtowe Women’s Project and Jayne have done a brilliant job at portraying survivors’ stories in a creative and compelling way.

"Though presented wonderfully, the exhibition highlights that there is still work to do in removing violence against women and girls from society.

“We’re so proud to have such a great working relationship between the DH Lawrence Museum and our neighbours at Broxtowe Women’s Project, who carry out such important and incredible work right across the borough.

"We look forward to continuing this on future projects.”

Coun Gabrielle Bunn (Brox All), portfolio holder for community safety, added: “I'm proud that Broxtowe Council is providing a platform for this important exhibition, which foregrounds the voices and experiences of survivors of abuse that are often hidden behind closed doors.

"It highlights our commitment to making our communities a safe space for our women and girls, aligning with Broxtowe's other broader initiatives around domestic abuse and gender-based violence, such as our White Ribbon accreditation and work with organisations like Broxtowe Women’s Project.

"This exhibition is a stark reminder that we all have a crucial part to play in eradicating domestic abuse against women and girls by challenging inappropriate behaviour and supporting survivors.

"I encourage everyone to try and view Voices of Strength to grow their understanding of how difficult it is for survivors to speak up, and how powerful their words truly are.”

The exhibition is on until February 28 and is free to visit during the museum’s opening hours of 10am to 4pm, Thursday to Saturday.