“THEY KNOW EXACTLY HOW TO WORK WITH HOMELESS MEN, SO THEY JUST DO THE SAME THING WITH WOMEN.”
— Abby, junior peer expert in the project
The GENDERLENS Photovoice Projectis an initiative of Stichting HEAR ME and Buro KAN. The project focuses on the impact that prolonged homelessness and housing insecurity have on the mental and physical health of women.
Our goal is to generate practical insights and tools for support and care professionals while also contributing to the recovery and empowerment of participating women. We do this through photography.
The women in the project take photographs themselves, capturing what matters most to them. They also decide how their images and stories are used and shared.
WHY THIS PROJECT
Approximately one-third of people experiencing homelessness are women. Many of these women do not live on the streets or in shelters, but stay temporarily with family or friends, in cars, on campsites, or in other insecure and unsafe living situations.
The impact of homelessness is profound. Women report specific health issues that are often overlooked in support services, healthcare, and policy-making. Through this project, we aim to change that.
WHAT WE WILL DO
Photovoice Group & Workshops (August–September 2026)
In this project, 8 to 12 women will work together in a Photovoice group. Through photography, they will explore the impact of homelessness on women’s lives.
During five workshops, participants will discuss their photographs with one another. The sessions are facilitated by photographer Sara Donkers and at least one peer expert with lived experience.
Participants will identify the issues that deserve more attention and discuss how support and care services can be improved. This process is facilitated by researcher Carinda Jansen.
Parallel Participation Track
For some women, attending workshops may be difficult. We still want to hear their experiences.
Together with these women, we will arrange alternative ways to participate by submitting photographs and stories.
They can register through 'Aanmeldformulier Photovoiceproject'.
Presentation (9 October 2026)
The outcomes of the project will be presented on 9 October 2026, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
On this day, participants and project initiators will engage in dialogue with policymakers, municipal representatives, support and care professionals, researchers, and other relevant organisations.
The event takes place just before World Homeless Dayand will be held at Waalhalla, Nijmegen.
Who is this for?
Women (18+) from Nijmegen and the surrounding region who know what it is like to live for an extended period without a stable and safe place to call home.
Your experience should be relatively recent, so that you can contribute to discussions about improving support services today. You do not need any experience with photography. However, we do ask for commitment: participation in all five workshops and taking photographs between sessions.
Participants do not need to speak Dutch fluently to participate, although most participants are native Dutch speakers.
What do we offer?
“FOR ME, THIS IS A GOOD WAY TO WORK THROUGH MY EXPERIENCES, AN EXTRA STEP IN THE HEALING PROCESS. AND IF I CAN HELP CREATE CHANGE, THAT GIVES ME AN EVEN BETTER FEELING.”
— Vinanda, peer expert in the project
COLLABORATION
Photovoice Nijmegen 2026is a collaborative project involving Stichting HEAR ME, Buro KAN, (formerly) homeless women, and local support and care organisations.The project is made possible by the following organisations:
Main sponsor
GENDERLENS is co-funded by:
We receive support from:
Would you like to learn more about the project or contribute to the development of gender-responsive support and care for (formerly) homeless women?
Neem contact op via:
info@hear-me.nl, 0647396643 (Sara Donkers, Stichting HEAR-ME)
Carinda@burokan.nl , 0655814141 (Carinda Jansen, Buro KAN)
(c) Alle foto's op de site van buro KAN zijn gemaakt door en eigendom van Carinda Jansen
