Art created by two Middlesex University graphic design students are appearing at six bus shelters around Barnet this week in a poster campaign against everyday misogyny.

The university has worked with London Borough of Barnet to display the posters across the borough for two weeks to mark 16 Days of Activism, an annual international initiative against gender-based violence. They were designed by third-year BA Graphics Design students Claire Bath and Fuat Hassan and highlight examples of misogyny and sexism.

The bus stop campaign coincided with an event at the university of a panel discussion on the issue involving students and Hendon MP David Pinto-Duschinsky, and an exhibition of students’ work.

Titled ‘See The Unseen’, the artwork for the posters was inspired by the children’s puzzle book Where’s Wally, where children search for the hidden character. The poster illustrations show a number of scenarios which initially seem innocuous but on closer inspection show examples of misogyny, sexism and harassment, such as a man standing too close to or staring at a woman, making them feel uncomfortable or threatened.

Claire Bath said: “You have to look at our illustrations carefully to see situations that are not harmless but that can go unnoticed. We hope everyone who sees the poster will take something away, whether it be the courage to speak out and stand up against misogyny, or reflect on their own behaviour and attitudes.”

Fuat Hassan said: “It is an amazing opportunity to have our illustrations used in this way. We’re grateful for the support of staff at Middlesex as well as the council for helping us to deliver this project.

“The discussion with our local MP and all the panellists was very productive. As designers, it was wonderful to hear how people resonated with our work and were able to share their own experiences.”

The panel discussion was organised by Dr Helen Bendon, Middlesex University’s Interim Head of the School of Film, and Ben Serlin, Senior Safeguarding Project Manager, before an audience of members of the university, Students’ Union, and London Borough of Barnet. The exhibition shows student work from Hear My Voice, an ongoing collaboration between the university and the council to raise awareness of violence against women and girls, and domestic abuse. The Hear My Voice project features work from Animation, Film, and Graphic Design students, including the See The Unseen artwork, as well as collaborations with local schools, agencies and service providers from across the borough.

Mr Pinto-Duschinsky said: “Around 20% of police-recorded crime is violence against women. That’s the level we can see, but there’s another level of unseen but incredibly invasive issues of harassment and misogyny. It was great to see the amazing work of design students on countering everyday misogyny and participate in a panel discussion. Thank you to Middlesex University for welcoming me and keep up the great work.”

Professor Shân Wareing, Middlesex’s Vice-Chancellor, said: “Our vision is to be a civic university, an anchor institution in our local community and North Central London. Programmes like this anti-misogyny campaign are as much a part of the University’s civic role as building businesses or supporting public services.”

Cllr Sara Conway, Cabinet Member for Community Safety and Participation at London Borough of Barnet, said: “I’m really pleased to see artwork developed by Middlesex University students as part of our joint ‘Hear My Voice’ initiative displayed on local bus stops during the 16 Days of Activism to combat violence against women and girls.

“The Council helps tackle VAWG with major investment in upgrading and expanding the borough’s CCTV system, piloting a Safe Havens network, together with Barnet Homes’ One Stop Shop for comprehensive domestic abuse support.”

The University’s Hear My Voice campaign is part of Changing the Culture, a Middlesex University initiative committed to educating, empowering and inspiring student engagement in social justice and inclusion projects that are meaningful and transformative for both students and the local community.

Dr Bendon, who is academic lead for Changing the Culture, said: “Middlesex University is committed to working closely with our community partners across the borough and beyond on social justice initiatives and ways we can contribute to positive dialogue and action in our communities.

“See The Unseen is a rich range of campaign materials on everyday misogyny and sexism and its visual strength led it to be chosen for the bus stop campaign. We’re particularly delighted to be working with the London Borough of Barnet and our students are thrilled to see their contribution to the whole community approach on this important issue.”

Ben Serlin said: “What has been particularly rewarding about the panel discussion, exhibition and poster campaign is hearing how this work has shifted attitudes and opened minds, particularly from male students who have discussed seeing things in a whole new way while working on Hear My Voice.

“With the success of this project, we’re even more motivated and committed to work with our Barnet partners. We’re already working on the next briefs to roll out to our students, and we’re constantly building our network of local partners to make these collaborations stronger. If any organisation is interested in working with us, we would be delighted to hear from you.”