This pilot project will engage 8 Vietnamese and womxn-identifying participants (aged 18-29), residing in Tkaronto (Toronto), over seven bi-weekly sessions in Photovoice storytelling to discuss cultural identities, gender, and leadership. Photovoice is described as “ethical photography for social change” (photovoice.org).

These sessions will take place beginning on October 5, 2021 and will end on March 5, 2022.

The project seeks to equip participants with technical skills in photography and storytelling. It will culminate in a co-created reflection product (e.g. zine, podcast, or blog) that will be shared publicly and will be accessible in English and Vietnamese. Some sessions will feature guest speakers, who are community artists and creative leaders. The project is open to a diverse group of Vietnamese young womxn who may be newcomers, second or mixed generation, and those who have a connection to the Vietnamese diaspora.

What will participants get from this program?
– Learn from and connect with fellow project leads, participants, and guest speakers
– Develop understanding of photography and image-making in relation to Photovoice
– Strengthen storytelling and communication skills
– Build empathetic, critical, and analytical thinking skills through group discussions
– Opportunities to collaborate and create a final group reflection piece
– Engage in conversations about culture, gender, community, and the Vietnamese diaspora in a safe space
– Upon completion of the program, participants will also receive a $350 honorarium (Canadian dollars) for their time and creative output.