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Case Study

🗳️ Case Study: Reclaiming the Right to Vote

Background
Twenty women took active roles in the project, many initially willing to speak publicly. However, following threats and intimidation, all withdrew from the Channel 4 documentary—highlighting the climate of fear surrounding political expression in some communities.

Individual Story
One woman, previously uninvolved in politics, shared that she had always voted as instructed—first by her husband, then by local religious and community influencers. After watching a TikTok video posted by S.A.S Rights CIC, she recognised the pressure she was under and reached out for support. https://www.tiktok.com/@she_dared_sas/video/7387724103706348832?lang=en-GB

She attended a drop-in session. There, she disclosed her fear of speaking out against antisemitic rhetoric and coercive voting practices. She described being told by a local Imam that voting for Labour or Conservative was sinful, and that she must vote for the Independent MP—whose views she found deeply troubling.

She also believed that polling booths were monitored, and votes could be traced, leaving her terrified of divine and community retribution. Through gentle reassurance and education, the project team explained that voting is private, confidential, and protected by law. She cried upon learning this truth.

On election day, she saw the team near her polling station and approached them, still afraid. After further support, she found the strength to cast her vote freely. She emerged saying, “I didn’t vote for who they wanted me to. I put the X where I wanted to.”

Impact
This story exemplifies the project’s mission: demystifying democratic processes, dismantling coercive control, explain and explore aspects of misogynoir, and restore agency to women who have long been silenced. Though she remains anonymous out of fear, her act of resistance is a beacon for others.

We continue to call out all forms of religio-cultural coercion.