GTG-31 | JZ's Story | NYC 2016

What is the main point of your story, what do you want people to take away, and why did you select it?

The main point is that we should always be careful where we are, just because as a female, we are more of a target to gender-based violence… I think that people should know that even though they are trying to be safe, sometimes that's just not enough. You may have to put restrictions that you can't go out late at night. It's unfair, but it is a little safer... This story just happened so publicly that you wouldn't think someone would do something like that. Like out in public, everyone could see it, but it didn't stop the guy from violating me.
 

Did you feel you contributed to other young women?

Yes, I did… I hope I didn't scare women into thinking that we can't be independent and be our own person. We can. We just have to be smart about it. Even as a male, I think we shouldn't walk out at night… We just have to be smart about it.

GTG-30 | MA1's Story | SPB 2016

Can you tell us the main point of your story?

The point of my story is the story itself. It is such a standard situation, and every young woman can face it.

Can you tell us what you would like other young people to take away from this story?

I want other young women to realize...some people just need to speak out, even if anonymously, to write something online or somehow else. Anyway, one should not keep it to herself. Otherwise, the person is left alone with this problem. It will not solve the problem, it just can get worse.

Do you feel you contributed something to other young women?

I think so… Anyone who sees it can understand that she can face such an experience. And there is compassion and empathy for those who are able to feel it. Here is the point.

GTG-29 | EF's Story | NYC 2016

What is the main point of your story?

The main point of my story was that men are not entitled to your body… Your body is yours.

Do you feel like you contributed something to other young women?

Yes, I feel like I contributed. Hopefully, it changes young girls mentally, about how she should value her self-esteem.

GTG-28 | I3's Story | SPB 2016

Can you tell us the main point of your story?

The main point of my story is the fact that violence is transmitted from one person to another… It can go from one generation to another. And it affects a person.

Can you tell us what you would like other young people to take away from this story?

First, that there is no point to blame or judge yourself. You as a personality and your character could be affected a long time before you were able to realize what people were doing, you could not protect yourself psychologically… There is a need to work through this situation, not to blame yourself for being who you are… Do not stick with guilt.

What was your experience making the story?

First, I shared my experience and there was a feeling of relief. I looked at the situation differently; there was another point of view. And I don’t have those negative feelings towards myself anymore.

Can you tell us why you said yes to take part in this project?

For me, it was a new experience, and I felt that there was a necessity to share.

What did you enjoy about this project?

It was interesting to learn that I am not alone in such a difficult situation. Of course, all the situations are different, some are more difficult, and some are less difficult. But still, there is a feeling of support. And also, I feel a deep respect toward the young women who shared their stories.

GTG-27 | ASI's Story | SPB 2016

Can you tell us what you would like other young people to take away from this story?

I want other people to understand...that service workers are not slaves and not escort creatures. You can’t just harass them or make sexual propositions.

Can you tell us why you said yes to take part in this project?

I believe that the more people will learn about such stories, the sooner they will understand that they are not alone.

What did you enjoy about this project?

I like that I can share my story comfortably with someone and no one will blame or say that it was my fault.

GTG-26 | JL's Story | NYC 2016

Could you tell us the main point of your story and what you would like people to take away?

The main point of my story was just to give a broad view as to the inequality, and just to enlighten people on how women are so sexualized and there is really no need for them to be.  

I'd like other women to kind of capitalize on my story, although it's not specific. There are really certain aspects I'm sure every woman encounters, and I think men also need to take away aspects of this story as well.

Do you feel you contributed something to other young women?

I believe so. I believe that all these stories will hopefully spread from one person to the next, and really awaken our generation in a way that maybe each person can find a specific story they relate to and how that inspired them and made them want to participate.

GTG-25 | VLAD's Story | SPB 2016

Can you tell us the main point of your story and what you would like people to take away?

The main point of my story is the fact that it happened, and it is possible to live with it. The most important thing is to tell this story.

I want other people to understand that it doesn’t matter how the story ended. You should live, you should open up, and then, there is a chance to change something in your life.  

What did you enjoy about this project?

There are all kinds of stories. There are similarities among them, but they all are different. And, people should know all these stories.

Do you feel you contributed something to other young women?

I would like this story to be contributing to other women… I want other people to understand that the most important thing is to tell your story… It makes you feel much better.

GTG-24 | TS's Story | NYC 2016

What was the main point of your story?

I feel like my main point maybe had more to do with the bystander effect than what had really occurred… We can witness really awful things happening around us, and sometimes we just freeze and don't do anything about it, and that's a really peculiar phenomenon, but also, can make anyone who's the victim of violence...feel really isolated...

In the greater picture of gender-based violence, I think that we're kind of taught to shrug things off a lot and say, ‘Oh, walk it off. It could've been a lot worse.’ It's just the narrative that we're all forced to internalize. And I think it's okay to kind of explore those and to expect a better world, and expect better interactions, and expect to have the right to your body not infringed upon.

Why did you participate in Girl-talk-Girl?

I consider myself an advocate, and I really like finding different ways of being an advocate in different mediums.

Do you feel you contributed something to other young women?

I hope so… Everything we do is political… Even just by being ourselves out in the world, we give permission to other people who look similar and feel similarly, or do similar things, to be themselves as well… So, I hope that my story goes out there, and if somebody has experienced something similar, that there's that piece that either makes it okay for them to raise their voice, or just helps them not feel so isolated. Like, ‘Well, I was a victim of the bystander effect, but I know it wasn't just me. It wasn't this personal thing where nobody wanted to help me. It's just happening.’ So, I hope so.

GTG-08 | T’s Story | SPB 2015

GTG asked: Could you talk a little about making your story?

[T thoughtfully described making the story in Russian and here is part of her description translated] Technically it was very easy it took me 15 minutes to create a story, [but] emotionally it was difficult because although this took place long time ago emotions are still there. It was difficult to record myself and then watch it. But I think it was .... I don’t want people to be in similar situation, but things like this happen and [they] should understand that it’s important to talk to someone as soon as possible. … The experience of violence is a burden. … I only told my story to my husband before. Even my mom and dad don’t know anything about this incident. It was difficult to keep it to myself and you can’t perceive yourself in a normal way. 

GTG asked: What would you like young women to take away?

I would like that people who are in a similar situation [to be able to] disengage themselves from their story and find the strength to discuss it with someone else, to not feel so lonely.