Mission Statement :

Women Street Photo Belgium (WSP BE) is a collective of women street photographers. Our mission is to promote women photographers, foster artistic exchange, and engage with the photography community through various platforms, including social media, exhibitions, and events.  

By strengthening visibility through curated content and public showcases, WSP BE creates opportunities for artistic growth and greater involvement in street photography. We aim to create a diverse, inclusive, and safe space for members to share their work, learn, and grow. Respect, support, solidarity and collaboration are core values, ensuring a dynamic, inspiring and safe environment for all members.

Legal Status :

WSP BE is an informal collective with no legal personality, so it cannot sign contracts or handle finances as an organization. Each member is responsible for their own actions and agreements. During WSP events, each member is responsible for their own actions. The collective is not liable for any accidents or disputes. Members retain all rights to their work, but agree to grant WSP BE limited usage rights for collective-related purposes, subject to prior approval and proper credit.

Collective’s Rules :

1. The Collective’s name 

The Collective’s name is Women Street Photo Belgium.

2. The Collective’s purpose  

The purpose of Women Street Photo Belgium (WSP BE) is to create a supportive and inclusive platform for women street photographers where they can:

  • Promote their work: Through exhibitions, social media, and public showcases, WSP BE aims to give members a wider audience and recognition.
  • Foster collaboration: By encouraging members to share ideas and participate in collective projects, WSP BE creates opportunities for creative partnerships.
  • Engage with the community: Organizing events such as photo walks, workshops, and exhibitions.
  • Support artistic growth: Providing a space where women photographers can receive feedback, develop their skills, and experiment with new ideas and techniques.
  • Strengthen visibility: Increasing the visibility of women photographers in a traditionally male-dominated field by organizing high-quality exhibitions and using social media as a platform for showcasing members’ work.
  • Exploring and showcasing the history of women street photographers: Exploring, documenting, and celebrating the history of women street photographers internationally, both past and present, to ensure their contributions to the field are recognized and remembered.

3. Organizational Structure

a. Project Group (Core Members with Decision-Making Powers)

The Project Group has five members who manage and decide on the collective’s operations and events. 

Decisions are made by a majority vote, with at least three members present. The Project Group assigns roles (like Social Media Lead or Event Coordinator) based on current needs.The Project Group meets regularly to oversee activities, events, and member participation. 

The Project Group members serve for a renewable one-year term, from one AGM to the next. For the first year of operations 2025-2026, the five/six founding members of WSP BE will form the initial Project Group. If a Project Group member resigns, the group can appoint a temporary replacement from Active Members.

d. Active Members

  • Eligibility: Active membership is for women street photographers who actively participate and contribute to WSP BE’s activities. Members can be of any nationality, based in Belgium or with considerable relation to Belgium (and would be able to participate in at least some of WSP BE’s in person activities).
  • Responsibilities: Active members can vote at the AGM, suggest projects, and help organize events. They may also be part of task forces for specific projects like exhibitions or social media campaigns.
  • New Members: New members are invited or reviewed by the Project Group to ensure they are eligible and align with WSP BE’s mission.
  • Losing Active Member Status: If members don’t meet participation requirements, they lose their active status and become Community Participants.

e. Community Participants

  • Community Participants can join events and activities but do not have voting rights on Annual Meeting.

f. Annual General Meeting (Annual Report, Election of Project Group, Amendment of Rules)

  • Date. The Annual Meeting will be held on 8th or close to that date in March, in Brussels, to review the past year and plan future activities.

Communication. The date of the AGM shall be shared with Active Members via WhatsApp or email three weeks in advance.

  • Volunteering: Active Members can volunteer for Project Group roles by emailing (contact@womenstreetphoto.be) two weeks before the AGM.
  • Amendments: Proposals to change the Collective’s rules must be emailed to the Project Group two weeks before the AGM for review by members. 
  • Agenda. The AGM’s agenda will include an annual report, election of new Project Group members, rule changes (if applicable), reviewing the Collective member’s list and discussion of any other business. 
  • Vote and Quorum: Decisions & voting are made by majority vote. At least 30% of all active members must attend the AGM. If quorum isn’t reached after two attempts, the Project Group will make decisions on behalf of the collective.
  • Results and Disputes: The results of elections, rule changes, and the annual report will be shared within two weeks. Any disputes regarding elections will be reviewed by the outgoing Project Group within two weeks.

4. Membership Participation Expectations

  • Active Participation: Active members must take part in at least 1-2 activities per year (e.g., organizing events, contributing to exhibitions, curating, or engaging on social media).
  • Examples:
    • Event Organization: Helping plan or organize events like photo walks or exhibitions.
    • Curating: Choosing and organizing photos for exhibitions or social media.
    • Social Media: Contributing to social media content.
    • Support: Providing logistical or administrative help for the collective.
  • Inactivity: Members who don’t participate for one year will become Community Participants. They can still attend events but won’t have voting rights at AGM or be eligible for the Project Group.
  • Leaving the Collective: Members can leave at any time by informing the Project Group via email or written communication.

5. Code of Conduct of Members

WSP BE relies on mutual respect and ethical behavior from all members. To ensure a positive and collaborative environment, members must adhere to the following:

  • Ethical Standards. Members must respect others’ privacy, dignity, and rights, especially in street photography, and comply with all relevant laws, including rules on privacy (GDPR).
  • Use of Work. Members grant WSP BE permission to use their work for promotional purposes, subject to prior written approval with proper credit. 
  • Use of AI. As a main rule every photo to be published on the WSP BE platform must be photo based (not wholly AI generated). Any exceptions must be approved by the Project Group. 
  • Photography Ethics. Members should photograph responsibly, ensuring their work respects privacy and legal requirements.
  • Complaints and Disputes. Complaints should be submitted to the Project Group in writing. The Group will address them within two weeks, ensuring confidentiality throughout the process.
  • Social Media and Representation. When mentioning WSP BE on personal platforms Members should align with the collective’s values.
  • Attribution and Collaboration. Members must attribute work appropriately and resolve any disputes respectfully and transparently.
  • Consequences of Violations. Violations of this article may result in a review and possible removal from the collective.

6. Website, Instagram & Logo Usage

Platforms. WSP BE’s official platforms are its Instagram (@womenstreetphotobe) and website (www.womenstreetphoto.be).

Logo Use. The WSP BE logo may only be used for activities approved by the Project Group and is featured on Instagram, the website, and official emails. Alteration or unauthorized use is prohibited. 

Hashtags. On social media, WSP BE’s hashtag is: 1) #wsp_BE 2) #womenstreetphoto_BE 3) #wsp_belgium and 4)  #womenstreetphoto_belgium 

7. Organizational matters 

The Project Group is responsible for maintaining meeting minutes and relevant decisions in a secure and accessible format. Personal data of members, including contact details, shall be stored in compliance with GDPR regulations.