Participatory Video in Practice
Participatory video is a form of community media that engages communities in the process of investigating and documenting their circumstances, devising solutions and advocating for change. The videos produced can be used to establish communications between citizens and decision-makers, opening up new spaces for dialogue and opportunities for increased social accountability.
Below is a small selection of many participatory video projects that I have facilitated over the last two decades of work, which has informed and inspired the three guidebooks I have written on the practice.
“Gareth’s dedication, commitment and above all his patience with the participants was amazing. Working with Gareth gave me the inspiration and courage to continue fighting for the rights of the marginalised in society.”
Corruption and human rights
Engaging citizens from across The Gambia to explore and document the corruption and human rights abuses of the Jammeh regime.
Indigenous territories
Training the Maasai community in northern Tanzania to document land-grabbing by foreign royals and corrupt politicians.
widowhood & land rights
Enabling women from rural Ghana to record their experiences of discrimination, abuse, landlessness and destitution as a result of widowhood.
HUNGER & MALNUTRITION
Participatory Photography and Video project in Senegal, working with a community facing extreme hunger and malnutrition.
TRANSITIONAL JUSTICE
Examining the truth, reconciliation and reparation process through the eyes of young activists in The Gambia, following decades of dictatorship.
PARTICIPATORY EVALUATION
Working with children in London and Manchester to evaluate a wellbeing, social and emotional skills programme for young people with complex needs.
children on the street
Working with children in India living on, or surviving off, the street to understand and document their lives, struggles and moments of happiness.
women’s rights
A capacity-building programme for Oxfam Canada’s partner organisations working on women's rights and gender equality across southern Africa.
climate change in south pacific
Documenting the impact of rapid climate change, on communities in Samoa, and monitoring the implementation of mitigation strategies.
aid dependence
A facilitator training programme – the first of its kind in Myanmar – for community workers from across the delta region.
conflict and corruption
Investigating three decades of bitter dispute between corrupt officials, wealthy elites and an impoverished island community in Kenya.
Mining & Climate
Tracking the impact of large-scale mining and climate change on indigenous communities in Itogon (Philippines), their environment and precious cultures.