The creative methodologies employed in Rebel By Default fostered an ethos of openness, respect and collaboration. 

“What stood out for me was the […] joy and connection between all of the women […] You could […] hear their laughter and […] joy in what they were sharing, and it was such a pleasure to hear their stories.”

Over a series of four workshops, the women mastered the creative skills necessary to craft tangible representations of their own journeys of living with HIV. 

Workshop sessions opened with gentle warm-up activities; opportunities for the women to explore their inner selves through broad questions and invitations to self-reflect. The women would be asked to describe themselves as a flower, an animal, or some such thing, requiring them to activate their imagination and creativity to explore and condense the many facets of themselves. They would then gather around the table to start the process of making; it was in this creative space, during periods of intense focus and dedication, that rich, open conversations were facilitated. These discussions were navigated by Positively UK facilitators and academic partners working on the project, with each session talking to a particular theme. 

The art form of embroidery was selected intentionally for its associations with femininity and ‘quiet’ work. In Rebel By Default, this narrative was challenged, turning something soft and slow into a radical tool of self-expression. Embroidery also offers space for mindfulness, healing and storytelling. Each stitch became an opportunity to slow down, reflect and connect to personal and collective resistance. It didn’t require expensive materials or expert skill, just willingness, care and time. In that sense, it was both accessible and symbolic: a rebellious act using thread and intention. This also eludes to the many archetypal myths connecting femininity, power. and thread. From the Greek Moiras who spin the fate of humans, to Ariadne who provides Thesus with a thread to escape the labyrinth and defeat the Minotaur. Thread is a powerful symbol of feminine power.

“The power of women[‘s] work, because women can do so much with their hands. So that is creativity – no matter [what] they go through, they will still produce life in their hands,”

“These are skills that my parents had, my grandparents had really strong, and to see that we could spend time to reclaim that is really … it’s enriching for any individual to spend time to upskill and, just express.”

The materials used for this project were also selected purposefully for their familiarity; embroidery threads, sheer organza, fat quarters, calico, ribbons, hoops, needles, fabric markers and glue were all used to create the Power Bags. By using materials which were familiar to the women, they felt empowered to be creative, rather than intimidated by an aspiration to achieve perfection. 

“You know, it’s just incredible what women can do and have done on a shoestring, or on the […] ribbon of a bag.”

Few women had practised embroidery in the past; this novelty fostered a process of learning, listening and collaboration, which underpins this work. Women often helped each other to thread needles, choose colours, or practice different stitches, contributing to a collaborative and nurturing dynamic. Helping each other became an act of care and community; a quiet rebellion, especially for those who had often felt isolated or unseen.

“I think the camaraderie [stood out to me], and they talked about being part of a bigger voice, and I think that’s something that I can see, […] it gives opportunity for people to open up and share their story.”

The first workshop laid the foundations for the project. The project and its rationale were introduced to the women; its aim to create knowledge and evidence around the experiences of women living with HIV. This would serve to inform dialogue with researchers, service providers, policy makers and others who can enact change and impact the experiences of women living with HIV.  

“…not only researchers need to listen louder, funders need to listen louder, and the people seetting the HIV policy and strategy, including globally, need to listen louder.”

During the second session, drag artist Daniel Mcilwraith/Daisy Puller encouraged the women to unleash their alter egos. The women were prompted to consider the attributes of their alter egos;  what they would say, how they would act, how they would aspire to change people’s attitudes or actions, and who their audience would be. Their alter egos were then brought to life through clothing and make-up. This session celebrated liberty; the women were able to explore what it means to be free, and to consider how the art form of drag can help individuals to break down their own or other people’s barriers. This moment of empowerment was captured through polaroid images, which were later placed into the women’s Power Bags. The women were invited to consider how these polaroid portraits differed from the self-portraits that they had embroidered onto their power bags, and in a wider sense, how external and internal restraints may prevent them from liberating certain aspects or qualities of themselves. 

“What stood out for me was […] the empowerment. And […] seeing people coming out of their shell and sharing […] whole-heartedly how they felt throughout […] the project, and what they wanted to see happening going forward, and being listened to, was just amazing.”

“[I] could feel [the] vibe[s] of powerful, amazing women there in that room. It just felt really good – I was, like, inspired by everyone.”

The third workshop centred around the theme of listening. The women discussed how deficits in communication are impairing the enactment of positive change for women living with HIV. They discussed strategies for breaking down these barriers in communication, and their hopes for what this would achieve.

“…diversity, complexity, the fact that women know what their priorities are, and need to be listened to, to set those priorities; they don’t need people telling them.”

In the final workshop, the women looked to the future, discussing practical steps towards change, and what this change would look like. Finally, they filled their Power Bags with items accumulated over the course of the four sessions; items that represent rebelliousness, powerfulness, listening and change. Through the sheer organza of the bags, we can glean insights into the lives and stories of these courageous women; we are invited to Listen Louder and champion for change.