Work by Middlesex University students Helena Lara and Jessica Lynch is on display at over 40 bus shelters around Barnet this week

Two young women standing either side of a bus stop featuring a poster — Helena (right) and Jessica (left) at a bus stop showing one of their posters.

An art campaign by Barnet students raising awareness of online misogyny has gone on display at the borough’s bus stops.

The three posters, created by Middlesex University students Helena Lara and Jessica Lynch, were selected in a competition run by the university and Barnet Council to mark the UN’s annual 16 Days of Activism against gender-based violence, which this year focuses on digital abuse.

Jessica developed the phrases for each poster and created illustrations by hand using chalk pastels, while Helena was responsible for the typography and composition.

A chalk-drawn monster looming over a computer screen appears in the first poster to highlight the hidden abusers behind digital violence, while the second poster promotes the council’s online domestic abuse support resources. The third poster encourages men and boys to be part of the solution with a call-to-action, directing viewers to the website.

“We liked the vivid colours and textures, and we wanted the imagery to be simple, relevant and engaging with messages that were encouraging and inclusive rather than accusatory or lecturing,” said Jessica.

Helena added: “I hope when people see our posters, they take a moment to think about this issue, any role they play, and the importance of continuing to demand change.”

The campaign is part of the university’s Hear My Voice project, which promotes student involvement in local social justice issues.

Dr Helen Bendon, associate professor and interim head of the university’s school of film, who leads the project, said: “We’re delighted to be working in partnership with the London Borough of Barnet on this agenda, as our joint approach involves and benefits people across our community.

“This was a great opportunity for our students to engage in global social justice campaigns through their creative disciplines. They also learned how to reach diverse audiences as part of the brief was a call to action for male allies to support this agenda.”

Sara Conway, Barnet Council’s cabinet member for community safety said: “We welcome and thank Middlesex University students for all their work in creating innovative campaigns, posters, and products to highlight key messages to tackle violence against women and girls.

“We very much value our ongoing partnership work with Middlesex University on this important issue.”

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