Your Safety & Control

Taking part in the Documenting Gender Apartheid – Voices Archive is your choice.
Your safety, dignity, and control matter more than collecting material.

This page explains, in plain language, how we protect you and how you stay in control at every stage.

You are always in control

You decide:

  • what you want to talk about,
  • which topics you answer,
  • how much you share,
  • whether you appear on camera or not.

You can stop recording at any time, skip any topic, and return later if you wish.

There is no obligation to explain yourself.

You do not have to show your identity

You are not required to use your real name.

  • A display name is used publicly
  • Your real name and contact details (if provided) are kept private
  • We collect the minimum information needed to run the archive safely

You choose how visible you are.

Visibility options you can choose

You can choose one or more of the following options:

  • Visible video
  • Blurred video
  • Audio-only
  • Disguised or altered voice

These choices are respected and enforced technically.

If we believe that your safety could be at risk, we may apply additional protection (such as blurring or limiting visibility), even if you have not requested it. This is part of our duty of care.

Everything is reviewed before publication

Nothing is published automatically.

Every submission is reviewed by the project editors before it appears publicly.
This review exists to:

  • reduce the risk of identification,
  • identify potential safety concerns,
  • make sure consent is clear and respected.

If we think something you have shared could put you at risk, we may contact you before publishing.

You can remove your content at any time

If you change your mind, you can remove your content from public view instantly.

  • No reason is required
  • Removal is immediate
  • Your profile and recordings disappear from the public website

You will receive a private link that allows you to do this yourself.

What happens after you withdraw

When you withdraw from public participation:

  • your content is no longer visible or used publicly,
  • it is kept privately and securely within the archive,
  • it is not shared, quoted, or reused.

Private retention exists so that:

  • you can return later if you wish,
  • we can act responsibly if safety concerns arise,
  • a historical record is preserved ethically.

Full details are explained here:
→ Withdrawal & Retention Policy

Your private information stays private

Any private information you share with us (such as contact details):

  • is never shown publicly,
  • is only accessible to authorised editors,
  • is used only for safety, verification, or responding to you.

We do not sell your data or use it for advertising.

You can read how we handle personal data here:
→ Privacy Policy

We will only contact you when it matters

We may contact you only if:

  • we believe something you shared could put you at risk,
  • we need to clarify or verify your submission,
  • you ask us to, or
  • you later want to reactivate your contribution.

We do not use your contact details for unrelated communication.

You can make changes

If you need to make a small change to your contribution, you can contact us.

We understand that circumstances change, and we will do our best to help.

You can ask questions at any time

If something feels unclear or uncomfortable, you are encouraged to ask.

You can:

  • contact the project directly,
  • ask about your options,
  • request confirmation of your content’s status.

Important documents

For more detailed information, you can read:

These documents work together to protect you and your contribution.

Our commitment

This archive exists because people choose to speak.
We take that responsibility seriously.

Your safety comes first.
Your voice remains yours.