Framed in Focus: ADHD Women - Giving lived ADHD experience a voice

A groundbreaking exhibition launching in Valletta this month is set to challenge societal expectations of women navigating life with ADHD. Opening on 25 September at Studio C, Spazju Kreattiv, Framed in Focus: ADHD Women brings the internal landscapes of ten women into the public eye through a blend of raw photography, academic research, and public dialogue. 

The initiative is a collaborative research partnership between the University of Malta and ADHD Malta. It addresses a critical, historical gender imbalance in medical research, where the experiences of women with ADHD have long been overlooked. To capture their authentic, day-to-day realities, the women were given disposable cameras to take unedited photographs, documenting what it truly means to navigate a world that demands constant organization and composure. 

Built on a Legacy of Empowerment

At the heart of this project is a research methodology known as Photovoice. Originally developed in the early 1990s, this approach was first used to help women in China’s Yunnan province visually document their daily struggles with health and family. Photovoice puts cameras directly into the hands of marginalised communities, empowering them to tell their own stories through images. 

By using this method, the ten participants are no longer just passive subjects being studied by academics. Instead, they act as active co-researchers who are deeply involved in every stage of the project—from the initial planning and photography to the analysis and final public presentation. This innovative approach represents a powerful shift in how academic research operates, stepping off the university campus and into the community to make knowledge accessible to everyone. 

Aligning with Global Mental Health Movements

Running until 1 November, the exhibition’s timing coincides perfectly with October's International ADHD Awareness Month. The project also mirrors the World Health Organization’s 2026 World Mental Health Day theme, "Lived experiences heard: real voices, real change." This global campaign champions the idea that firsthand experience is its own form of expertise, advocating for neurodivergent individuals to have a direct say in the policies and decisions that govern their lives. 

Rather than offering a static gallery experience, Framed in Focus is designed to evolve. Visitors are invited to leave their own feedback, reflections, and questions in a dedicated gallery space, directly contributing to the ongoing development of the exhibition. 

Another lost day

A Dynamic Public and Educational Programme

The project features a diverse lineup of interactive events and workshops (open to anyone aged 14 and over, with limited spots available): 

• 7 October: A creative session focused on crafting personal stimming accessories. 
• 13 October: Bridging the Gap: Clinical Insights and Lived Experience of ADHD. This hybrid public discussion features adult ADHD specialist Dr Dora Wynchank alongside local psychiatrists and women with lived ADHD experience. The event will be livestreamed internationally by ADHD Europe. 
• 22 October: A dedicated workshop centred on creative expression. 
• 28 October: A "Human Library" event, offering the public a unique opportunity to engage in open dialogue with women who have lived ADHD experience. 

The project is also actively pushing for systemic change. Closed viewings have been organised specifically for policymakers, dignitaries, educators, and members of the press to bring these vital perspectives into decision-making spaces. Additionally, local schools are invited to attend morning sessions, turning the exhibition into an educational tool for students to explore neurodiversity, inclusion, and active citizenship. 

Framed in Focus: ADHD Women challenges the public to look past stereotypes and reconsider how Malta can foster a more inclusive environment for different minds. The exhibition runs from 25 September to 1 November 2026 at Studio C, Spazju Kreattiv, Valletta. The project is supported by APS Bank plc, whose sponsorship is helping make this wider programme of engagement possible.

For full information about the exhibition, events and registration, visit: Framed in Focus: ADHD Women — Spazju Kreattiv