Not My Choice
About forced marriage and abandonment
What if you have no say about your own life? Ten portraits about forced marriage and abandonment. Five people who have experienced this themselves. Five social workers who helped them find their voice back.
Not My Choice focuses on personal stories about forced marriage and abandonment, topics that are closer than you might think. Ten courageous stories. Stories of pain, loss and struggle, but also of strength, hope and connection.
Victims are forced to marry or are abandoned abroad against their will, often without a passport or access to help. These experiences affect people of all ages, backgrounds and gender identities.
Some people were on the other side: as a social worker, listening, helping, anxiously awaiting contact. Remember you are not alone, never!
Giving a voice
The exhibition gives a voice to what often remains hidden: to fear, powerlessness, but also to resilience. The faces remain anonymous, but the stories are real. It gives space to sadness, to strength, to doubt, to perseverance. Sharing stories leads to recognition, and change. It helps us to learn to listen, ask questions and ask more questions. So no one ever has to disappear into silence again.
Portraits
Rashmi
Tak wai
Lana
Collaboration
Not My Choice is a collaboration between the National Expert Center of Forced Marriage and Abandonment (LKHA) and the Open Mind Foundation, to mark the 10th anniversary of the LKHA. Since 2015, the LKHA has supported victims, relatives and professionals. The LKHA offers advice, help and training, and is committed to awareness and preventing forced marriage and abandonment.
The artistic concept, stories, photography and design were provided by Ernst Coppejans, styling by Richard Schreefel, production and presentation by the Open Mind Foundation.
Special thanks to everyone involved, especially the people portrayed who dared to speak out, and to Fier.
By sharing stories, we break the silence. So that no one ever has to be invisible again.
#NotMyChoice
Need help?
Every year, hundreds of people run the risk of having to get married or being left behind abroad. Are you or do you know someone who is dealing with this? Contact us (anonymously):
· 070 3454319
· LKHA@veiligthuishaaglanden.nl
· huwelijksdwangenachterlating.nl