Let’s hold a mirror up to politicians

Oxfam

TL;DR
We helped Oxfam Belgium redefine activism with a bold, reflective campaign for climate justice.

In short

Climate change is here, and it’s not fair. Oxfam Belgium wanted to shift the conversation from passive awareness to active participation, targeting young world-conscious citizens. Together, we launched the “Reflect on your actions” campaign. A movement that used mirrors as a powerful metaphor to challenge politicians to confront their responsibilities.

By making systemic change the focal point, we inspired a generation of young activists to amplify their voices and demand fair solutions for people and the planet.

The Challenge

How do you communicate the nuanced concept of climate justice to a generation overwhelmed by information and disillusioned by inaction? Our goal was to strip away jargon and showcase climate injustice as not only an issue of the environment but one of fairness, responsibility, and human rights.

The Insight

Injustice isn’t about blaming individuals; it’s about demanding accountability from those in power. The mirror became a symbol of this challenge, reflecting the role of politicians in creating systemic solutions for climate injustice. This approach shifted the focus from personal responsibility to collective action, empowering citizens to confront policymakers directly.

The Outcome

The campaign not only defined climate justice but turned it into a movement. Mirrors became a powerful visual and symbolic tool, featured in protests, installations, and social media challenges. The narrative struck a chord with Belgium’s youth, spurring discussions, activism, and action.

In numbers

23k+
website visits
1 million+
online views
4
activations during major festivals
14k+
people signed our petition

In detail

The campaign took climate justice to the streets, festivals, and political stages, making it impossible to ignore. At its core were the mirrors: bold, reflective props that became symbols of accountability and justice. In public spaces, oversized mirrors bore slogans like “We demand fair climate solutions” and “Mirror mirror on the wall, is this the best solution of them all?” These striking visuals dominated OOH placements across urban hubs, sparking curiosity and conversations.

Festivals were a key platform for engagement. Visitors were invited to sign mirrors, which symbolized their call for systemic climate action. These signed mirrors were then carried during protests and displayed in high-profile locations, including outside parliament buildings and the offices of key politicians like Minister Zuhal Demir. The message was clear: the responsibility for climate action lies with those in power.

At the COP27 climate march, the imagery of mirrors held high by activists was striking, making headlines and amplifying the call for fair solutions. Articles like the one from HLN described how Oxfam Belgium used mirrors to challenge politicians to look themselves in the eye and acknowledge their role in the climate crisis.

Social media extended the reach of these physical activations, blending storytelling with influencer partnerships. TikTok creators and Instagram influencers brought the campaign to life through viral challenges, such as the #oxfammirrorchallenge trend. They encouraged users to engage, turning digital mirrors into a shared platform for activism.

The campaign wasn’t just about the visuals; it was about mobilizing a community. Young activists (The Climate Changers), influencers, and the man in the street joined together, inspired by the manifesto that summed up the campaign’s ethos:

Mirror, mirror on the wall—

Whose future will take the fall?

Our planet is burning, yet justice stalls.

The time to act is a call to all.

Support the cause, push the law.

Sign the petition, and fight with awe.

Look in the mirror and reflect—

It’s our people and planet we need to protect.

Social platforms like Instagram and TikTok became rallying points for the movement, with thousands engaging in challenges, signing petitions, and sharing content. Targeted ads and storytelling posts highlighted the human stories behind climate injustice, making an abstract concept feel deeply personal.

Want to start your own movement? Contact hello@supermachine.be

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