Efforts to enhance understanding of gender issues among high school students continue to be promoted through various innovative approaches. One of them is the use of the photovoice method, a technique that combines photography and narrative to express students’ views and experiences related to gender issues.
This activity is part of a community service program implemented by lecturers from Fakultas Ilmu Budaya Universitas Jenderal Soedirman (FIB Unsoed), which is entering its second year of implementation. The service team consists of Ririn Kurnia Trisnawati, Mia Fitria Agustina, Dian Adiarti, and Eka Dyah Puspita Sari. This activity is also an implementation of Unsoed BLU funding for 2025 to support the implementation of the tri dharma of higher education, particularly in the aspect of community service.
Ririn Kurnia Trisnawati, Mia Fitria Agustina providing guidance to high school students participating in the training (photo: Photovoice Service Team)
By engaging high school students organized in school extracurricular activity units, this project aims to provide space for young people to discuss their experiences about gender through photography and personal stories. Students are encouraged to explore their views on gender roles in their surroundings, whether at home, school, or on social media.
The opening session of this activity began with material introducing gender issues in the surrounding environment and in film media, which was held on May 1, 2025. This session aimed to stimulate initial student awareness of how gender issues are present in daily life and how gender representation is shaped and maintained in the media. Subsequently, the photovoice workshop session was held on May 16, 2025. In this session, students received basic training on photography and the technique of speaking through images. They were invited to capture various situations in the campus environment as well as around the school that reflect various aspects of gender issues.
Students practicing photography in the FIB Unsoed environment (photo: Photovoice Service Team)
The students’ photographic works were then presented in an interactive discussion forum, where they shared perspectives and experiences openly. This forum became a reflective and educational space for students to formulate important messages about justice and gender equality.
“We believe that by allowing students to express their perspectives through images and stories, they can better understand and critique the gender norms around them,” said Ririn Kurnia Trisnawati, as head of the service team.
Through the photovoice approach, students not only serve as recipients of information, but also as agents of change in their community. This program is expected to continue to develop and have a positive impact on the understanding and awareness of gender in the educational environment.
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