Understanding the Urgency of Online Gender-based Violence Issue Through Mulai dari Kamu Comic
In celebration of International Women's Day (IWD), the KBGO TaskForce has collaborated with illustrator Nadya Noor to launch the Comic Zine Mulai dari Kamu. This initiative started when the influx of complaints regarding Online Gender-based Violence throughout 2022. Reports have highlighted the non-consensual dissemination of intimate images (NCII) as the second most prevalent form of GBV. Addressing this issue, Nadya Noor has created warm and easily comprehensible illustrations, yet simultaneously has the power to "nudge" many towards a greater awareness of the importance of preventing Online Gender-based Violence. Like the title of the Comic Zine released on March 8th, small yet significant steps can be initiated from within ourselves.
The Comic Zine Mulai dari Kamu delves into a narrative about a case of intimate photo dissemination by a male perpetrator. The motive behind this action stems from a broken heart as the victim decided to end the relationship with the perpetrator. Unfortunately, this narrative is not merely fiction but based on real-life cases that frequently occur in the digital era, often uncovered through social media. The collaboration on this Comic Zine initially emerged from discussions between Nadya and Nela, one of the writers of the Comic Zine, regarding the Online Gender-based Violence complaints received by TaskForce. Driven by concerns over the surge in violence-related reports, the KBGO TaskForce, along with Nadya Noor, launched the hashtag #MulaidariKamu as part of a campaign aimed at preventing violence, including in the digital world. This campaign also serves as an effort to encourage the broader community to become observers and play a role in preventing Online Gender-based Violence, one of which is by reminding friends or acquaintances about the danger of violence in the digital world.
Nadya Noor embarked on the illustration design process for this Comic Zine with doubts regarding the narrative perspective. "The comic takes a male perspective, while my illustrations predominantly reflect a female viewpoint," says Nadya Noor. However, this hesitation was instantly gone when Nadya realized that the phenomenon of intimate photo dissemination often occurs within male friendships. "I've heard directly from both victims and perpetrators, and it still gives me chills to recall," Nadya shares. Based on these considerations and her personal experiences, Nadya felt she needed to illustrate tangible steps for preventing Online Gender-based Violence from a male perspective, making it easier to understand and implement in daily life. In this comic illustration, Nadya introduces a male character named Ale, the protagonist who boldly stands against Online Gender-based Violence committed by one of his friends.
In terms of artistic concept, Nadya designed visually pleasing illustrations, considering that the message conveyed by the comic narrative is already quite complex. The choice of colors in these illustrations was also based on the emotions the story wanted to convey, as Nadya explains, "Through a blend of somber and gripping colors, I tried to create compositions for each frame as simple as possible." Nadya emphasized details that resonate with readers, such as the use of WhatsApp message columns, which are part of people's daily lives. Another aspect considered by Nadya in creating these illustrations is the use of thick outline frames. "Oh, and I deliberately used thick outline styles, as if to emphasize that this issue is urgent," adds Nadya.
Since its release on social media platforms like Instagram and X, the Comic Zine Mulai dari Kamu has received positive responses from the general public. "Some feel that the #MulaidariKamu campaign needs to be intensified; many are still unaware that such actions constitute violence," says Nadya. Furthermore, Nadya reveals that violence in the digital realm is often seen as "casual banter among friends." With this perception, society may not consider Online Gender-based Violence as a crucial issue. The presence of the Comic Zine Mulai dari Kamu serves as an educational tool for the general public and a safe space for many to voice their experiences as survivors of violence in the digital world. Moreover, this comic serves as a reflection and evaluation of previously unnoticed acts of violence. "Many have spoken up about their experiences as victims or even as friends of Online Gender-based Violence perpetrators. I feel like hugging each one individually," Nadya expresses.
The Comic Zine Mulai dari Kamu is one tangible action that designers or illustrators can take to voice pressing issues around us, one of which is violence in the digital world. According to Nadya Noor, visual approaches, such as illustrations, remain the most effective way to communicate with the general public. "As an artist who works visually, it is an added value to speak louder—scream—about issues as crucial as sexual violence," Nadya asserts. Taking the Comic Zine Mulai dari Kamu as an example, visual art plays a crucial role in presenting information and portraying realities that serve as educational material for society, especially in the age of social media. Nadya also adds, "To reach and engage a larger audience, adaptation to trends is necessary to maintain high engagement value." Additionally, the representation of women artists in the art and design world also fosters the creation of works that address issues of all forms of violence, including sexual violence. "Women artists bring many messages for their gender; they do not walk alone," emphasizes Nadya, who believes that the more women involved in the art and design world, the louder the voices advocating for women's rights in a world dominated by masculinity. The presence of women in the art and design world must be supported by the efforts of all art and design workers to create a more inclusive safe space.
