Zaatari, Jordan/Geneva
06.12.2017.
‘Oasis of Peace’ in Zaatari hosts 16 Days of Activism events
At a time when the global community has mobilized for 16 days to hold activities against gender-based violence, men and women in the Zaatari refugee camp shared their experiences in the relative peace of the moment.
The Lutheran World Federation in Jordan organized two events to mark these 16 days and to encourage the community in the camp to speak out and build awareness about gender-based violence.
One event was organized for women only; it gave women the opportunity to share their experiences of early marriage and gender-based violence in a safe environment. The other event provided an opportunity for men, women, and young people to begin a dialogue with one another.
An event planned and led by women
The events were planned and organized by the women of the Zaatari camp. Houda, one of them, is an artist and activist who volunteers with the LWF. She developed brochures to inform the participants about the rights of women and girls.
Houda and her daughter Souhaima at the women’s 16 Days of Activism event at the “Oasis of Peace.” PHOTO: LWF, Jordan
“I teach art and theater at a local school and make crafts using recycled materials,” Houda explains, “I also speak to women’s groups about early marriage and violence.”
The women-only event gave them the opportunity to share their experiences of early marriage and gender-based violence in a safe environment. Sharing experiences can allow both the victims of violence and those who support them to work through the traumatic experience and become more resilient – personally and as a community.
“I married at the age of 15, and my husband beat me until I was forced to leave him. Now I have four children, and I will not let them marry until they are grown up. I did not know that girls have rights, but now I do,” one woman shared her story.
“My husband died eight years ago, my girls married and moved far away. I do not leave the house often, I am quite tired and ill, but I like to come to the LWF and connect with other women and feel like part of a community. I dream of being together with my daughters,” said Naima.
“Oasis of Peace” participant Naima at the event in the Zaatari refugee camp. Photo: LWF, Jordan
Together against violence
The second event gave men, women, and young people the opportunity to talk together about gender-based violence. The message of this global campaign was expressed in songs, dance, poetry, and theatrical performances condemning such violence.
Young people who participated in the LWF-led psychosocial program also took part in the performances.
“I want to be a lawyer, because I see many people who experience injustice,” said a 13-year-old girl from the youth program at the Oasis of Peace. “Our generation needs knowledge so that we can use it to rebuild society when we return to Syria.”
Rama took part in a performance staged at the “Oasis of Peace” event in the Zaatari refugee camp. Photo: LWF, Jordan
Rama says: “I am nine years old, and my whole family lives here, in the Zaatari camp. I like to play in the street with my friends and to learn English at school. I remember when I first learned to read, I was so proud of myself. When I grow up, I will be an English teacher. I took part in a performance that teaches people about violence against women and how it must be stopped.”
The “Oasis of Peace” is a safe place for young people aged 14 to 30. It teaches them how to reduce tension and negative coping strategies. In discussions and trainings led by the refugees themselves, participants also learn to find solutions to their own problems, acquiring skills in managing conflict situations and in communication, decision-making, mediation (resolving disputes), and negotiation, as well as in managing their own emotions.
Source: Lutheran World Federation