An in-depth exploration of girls’ resistance worldwide, encapsulating the essence of their struggles, triumphs, and transformative journeys.

In 2023, we embarked on a journey to create ‘The Stories of Girls’ Resistance’. An illustrated book to document and amplify the unfiltered and inspiring stories of girls’ resistance worldwide.

This book is a remarkable work that exemplifies the redemptive power of stories, offering healing and transformation to those who engage with it. It boldly addresses critical issues such as state violence, war, migration, sexual and gendered violence, mental illness, capitalism, heteronormativity, forced marriages, and early pregnancy. Through these narratives, we witness the resilience of girls as they confront these harsh realities, reclaiming their bodies, their identities, and their joy with grace, humor, pain, softness, and undeniable strength. This literature provides a raw and authentic portrayal of violence, without glamorization or false hope.

“Stories of Girls’ Resistance” is a huge illustrated book with thousands of “slice of life” stories of girls’ resistance, carefully curated over the years from different regions around the world. The book was launched at the Women Deliver conference, the world’s biggest conference on gender equity, held in Kigali, Rwanda by Malala Yousafzai.

In this chapter, we captured the essence of girlhood as a relentless journey of resistance. Our illustrations reflect the everyday acts of defiance that girls engage in, from resisting early marriage to fighting for education. These illustrations are poetic renditions of resistance, focusing on the raw, unembellished reality. They do not glamourize resistance but instead highlight the stark, nuanced struggles that girls face daily.

Art direction and Layout Design

The layout for Chapter 1 was designed to evoke a sense of continuous movement and struggle. We used a dynamic grid system to guide the reader through the text and visuals seamlessly, emphasizing the ongoing, pervasive nature of resistance in girlhood. Bold colors and strong lines were employed to reflect the strength and resilience of the girls’ stories.

Tone, Look, and Feel

The tone of this chapter is both empowering and poignant, reflecting the harsh realities and indomitable spirit of the girls. The color palette includes earthy tones mixed with vibrant accents, symbolizing the blend of harsh realities and the vibrant hope that fuels their resistance. Typography was chosen to be bold yet approachable, ensuring readability while maintaining a sense of urgency.

This chapter features a series of comic-style illustrations to vividly depict the personal stories of resistance. These comics provide a stark, yet engaging representation of the threats and challenges that girls face daily. Each panel was meticulously crafted to highlight the nuances of their experiences, capturing moments of fear, defiance, and resilience. The illustrations do not shy away from the harsh realities but instead present them in a way that honors the girls’ strength and courage.

Art direction and Layout Design

The layout for this chapter was designed to accommodate the comic strips, ensuring that each story flows naturally and keeps the reader engaged. We used a combination of white space and structured panels to balance the heavy content with readability. The visual style is raw and unfiltered, matching the tone of the stories.

Tone, Look, and Feel

The tone here is raw and unvarnished, reflecting the grim realities that necessitate resistance. The color scheme is more subdued, with darker hues dominating the palette to underscore the serious nature of the content. Typography is straightforward and clean, allowing the powerful visuals and narratives to take center stage.

In this chapter, our illustrations depict the journey from violence to empowerment. The visuals include symbolic elements like broken chains and blooming flowers to represent liberation and growth. Each illustration portrays the transformation process, emphasizing the strength and resilience that girls exhibit as they move from victimhood to empowerment.

Art direction and Layout Design

The layout emphasizes the progression from darkness to light, with visuals and text arranged to guide the reader through a journey of transformation. We used gradient backgrounds and transitional elements to reflect the shift from violence to power. Each section is designed to build on the previous one, creating a cohesive narrative of empowerment.

Tone, Look, and Feel

The tone is transformative and hopeful, acknowledging the pain while celebrating the resilience and strength that emerge from it. The color palette transitions from dark to light, symbolizing the journey from oppression to liberation. Typography is both bold and elegant, supporting the narrative of transformation.

Chapter 4 focuses on the diverse strategies and tactics employed by girls in their resistance. Our illustrations highlight various forms of activism, from peaceful protests to digital campaigns. We used a mix of realistic and abstract styles to represent the multifaceted nature of these strategies, emphasizing creativity and adaptability.

Art direction and Layout Design

The layout is dynamic, with sections designed to mirror the fluid and adaptable nature of resistance tactics. We used layered elements and interactive visuals to engage the reader, making the strategies come alive on the page. The design encourages exploration and interaction, reflecting the innovative approaches of the resistors.

Tone, Look, and Feel

The tone is dynamic and proactive, celebrating the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the girls. The color palette is vibrant and energetic, reflecting the diversity and vitality of the resistance strategies. Typography is bold and modern, enhancing the overall sense of innovation and movement.

In this chapter, our illustrations portray the harsh and often contested realities of resistance. We used a realistic style to depict the struggles and conflicts that girls face, avoiding any romanticization of their experiences. The visuals include scenes of confrontation, solidarity, and perseverance, highlighting the complex nature of resistance.

Art direction and Layout Design

The layout is structured yet impactful, designed to convey the serious and multifaceted nature of the content. We used contrasting elements and strong visuals to emphasize the stark realities of resistance. Each page is crafted to provoke thought and reflection, challenging the reader to confront the complexities of resistance.

Tone, Look, and Feel

The tone is unflinching and honest, presenting resistance in all its complexity. The color palette includes stark contrasts and deep shades, underscoring the serious nature of the content. Typography is assertive and clear, ensuring that the message is both powerful and accessible.

The final chapter celebrates the impact of girls’ resistance on shaping history. Our illustrations depict historical moments and future visions, showcasing how girls have and continue to shape the world. We used a blend of historical and futuristic styles to represent the continuum of resistance.

Art direction and Layout Design

The layout for this chapter is expansive and celebratory, designed to highlight the breadth and depth of girls’ impact on history. We used a mix of full-page illustrations and detailed vignettes to create a rich tapestry of visual storytelling. The design aims to inspire and uplift, celebrating the achievements and future potential of girls.

Tone, Look and Feel

The tone is celebratory and visionary, honoring the past while looking forward to the future. The color palette is diverse and vibrant, reflecting the multiplicity of girls’ contributions to history. Typography is elegant and inspiring, enhancing the overall sense of celebration and potential.