Photo Exhibition​

The participants exhibit 50 photo stories at the Tsunami Museum in Banda Aceh, on 22 March 2022. The event attended by the representatives from the Banda Aceh City, Aceh Besar Regency, Members of the Regional Parliament, local NGOs, women activists and youth groups and followed up by meetings with the decision-makers after the event.

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One of them was meeting with the Regent on Aceh Besar, who was not able to come to the event, and received a positive response by obtaining a follow-up commitment to address clean

water problem in Deah Mamplam and Naga Umbang. The village governments also committed to support the women’s advocacy efforts related to access to clean water.

Knowledge transfer

• The participants gained knowledge and experience, especially on how to bring their voices into the decision-making process. The community has not been involved enough in decision making, and they learned that through a photo their message can be conveyed clearly, which can also be a source of information.

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• The participants’ ages ranged between 16 to 42 years old; both adult and young participants have their respective knowledge and skills sets. The older women imparted knowledge on the history and degradation of natural resources to the younger generation, while the young girls provided technical assistance to the older women on taking photographs and social media.

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• Sharing knowledge with 65 women from other communities that SP Aceh work with in Lambaro Seubun, Menasah Moncut and Laweung villages and shared the experiences from the Photovoices program. This activity brings new and positive aspects, as seen from several discussions where the participants would like to replicate the program in their areas.

Commitments by SP Aceh

They believe that their narratives now are much stronger with powerful images to back them up so they are strongly committed to continuing this activitiy, especially in encouraging women in other villages to document and tell stories of their village’s issues through photography, even with limited budget and cameras. They are also committed to continuing advocacy efforts using the photovoice method, even when addressing different issues.

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Photovoice is seen as complementary and attractive alternative approach for advocating. Some of the older participants are used to advocating for their rights to clean water, including demonstrating in front of the Regent’s office. Their experience with Photovoices show them that they now can speak about their issues in a much more informed and articulate manner, providing evidence through their photographs.

Water crisis issue

The degradation of clean water sources caused by the activities of a cement factory impacting the two villages was the main issue raised by the participants. The exploitation of karst areas for limestone, covering 150 hectares, and clay, covering 94 hectares, has significantly affected the region. A total of 1,350 tons of water per day is extracted to meet the factory's production needs, and the monopolization of water sources has made it difficult for villagers to access water. The women leaders from the two villages have made various efforts to reach out and have a dialogue with the Regency government.

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The participants also raised other issues, including tourism, health, education, tradition, and women’s activities.