To better understand why sexual assault is so prevalent, I studied the rape kit and, subsequently, the rape culture that permeates our societies in various contexts and situations. I further explored the methods we use to support women who have been victims of the spectrum of abuse enabled by rape culture—gender-based violence being one of its most extreme and familiar forms.

I followed a typical design process, and what emerged was enlightening: healing from trauma is deeply personal and varies for everyone, but we hold power in deciding how we make our journeys. Another key insight was that, while therapy is a highly effective tool, it is not always accessible to everyone—depending on geography, belief systems, and economic status.

However, there are smaller, creative actions—especially those rooted in storytelling—that have been shown to positively influence our well-being.

I decided to create and design something that would directly address rape culture—by analyzing and actively engaging with geography, language, and societal roles, in order to subvert the very nature of these attributes. For example, the domestic space has long been considered secondary, often relegated to women’s duties. It is a space that can be as traumatic as it is nourishing. Healing Rites invites us to look at our surroundings mindfully—to reflect on them—and reminds us of the commonality of experience among women, while tying this to a creative process of inner and outer transformation.

Through the design process, Healing Rites emerged. I knew that, for it to be accessible, democratic, and holistic, it couldn’t be high-tech. Instead, it needed to remind women that we can exercise agency through frugal and simple creativity, storytelling, and sharing. It also ensured that women from around the world could participate. These rites were designed to be carried out in domestic spaces, using objects and “ingredients” most readily available—especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Healing Rites essentially became a guided manifesto for reclaiming our healing through creative rituals.

I wanted to harness the power of talismans, totems, and placebos—to enable women to confront trauma through acts that were both creatively engaging and rooted in trauma-informed, culturally relevant commentary. My research, along with guidance from my advisors, helped shape the rites to be both effective and ethical.

To that end, I drew upon my studies of the power of placebos, storytelling, colour, form, and motifs in literature—especially those that emotionally and mentally resonate with us—and used them to our advantage, creating physical artefacts of well-being and healing.