Create2030

Lisa Russell, Founder

As a SheDecides Global Champion, I am dedicated to using creative expression and storytelling to elevate the voices of young women and SRHR advocates, promoting reproductive rights—including safe abortion care—through the arts. Being an "artivist" champion means committing to an intersectional approach, dismantling systems of oppression like sexism, ageism, and racism that hinder women's and girls' voices in advocacy. Using my career in arts and storytelling, I aim to inspire a new generation of activists to drive social change and promote reproductive rights worldwide.

How we are working so SheDecides

I am committed to using creative expression to elevate young women's voices in advocating for sexual and reproductive health and rights. My work focuses on promoting safe abortion care and reproductive rights through storytelling and artistic performances. As a SheDecides champion, I strive to dismantle oppressive systems that restrict women's and girls' participation in advocacy. I leverage the power of the arts to inspire a new generation of activists dedicated to bodily autonomy and reproductive rights. Through my efforts, I aim to raise awareness about the barriers young people face in accessing reproductive health services.

Women Deliver Arts and Film Festival

As the curator of the Women Deliver Arts and Film Festival, I oversaw a diverse collection of 160 inspiring and informative pieces from students, independent filmmakers, UN/NGO agencies, and Oscar/Emmy-winning production companies that highlighted critical issues related to gender equality, maternal health, and sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR). Since 2010, my role has involved selecting and organising content that elevates the voices of women and girls, corresponding with global artists and storytellers and using the power of the arts to foster dialogue, inspire action, and promote social change on a global scale.

UN Civil Society Conference ImPACT Coalition on Arts and Culture

As Co-convener of the new UN Civil Society Arts and Culture ImPACT Coalition, I lead efforts to integrate arts and cultural expressions into UN processes while also advocating for artist representation. I am curating the upcoming hybrid "Arts for the Future" Festival, taking place in the lead up to and during the UN Summit of the Future which will feature films, art, and workshops focused on global health and sustainable development issues including bodily autonomy and reproductive rights. This festival aims to gather partners from diverse sectors to showcase creative content that elevates women's and girls' voices, promotes intersectional advocacy, and drives social change. Through this initiative, we aim to inspire and mobilise a new generation of activists and artists dedicated to a just and equitable future.

Arts Envoy Lab

The Arts Envoy Lab is an innovative online programme that empowers artists and activists by teaching creative activism principles and the use of AI tools. Focused on promoting global health and sustainable development issues, the Lab will provide activists with the skills to advocate for bodily autonomy, safe abortion, and reproductive rights through artistic expression. By fostering a global community of artivists, the Arts Envoy Lab leverages storytelling, visual arts, and performance to dismantle oppressive systems and elevate the voices of women and girls. This initiative supports the SheDecides movement by inspiring impactful advocacy and amplifying the message of reproductive justice worldwide.

About Create2030

Create2030 is a creative social enterprise that inspires, mentors and curates socially conscious artists in support of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Because we are artist-led, we believe in responsible engagement and meaningful artistic participation. We are dedicated to fostering sustainable livelihoods through events and activities that celebrate art creation and experiences. We are not just entertainers but are incredible creative thinkers and problem solvers so we advocate for a seat at the decision making tables at the United Nations and other policy and programme spaces.

WHENSHE DECIDES