Marking International Women’s Day, the Cultural Center in Homs hosts an art event celebrating Syrian women

On the occasion of International Women’s Day and in celebration of the giving Syrian women who make inspiring success stories for generations, the Shibla Cultural Project held an art event at the Cultural Center in Homs in the presence of a number of leading ladies.

Roba Fadel, the sponsor of the event, said that the entire world celebrates women today, but the one who gave the added value to this day is the women of Syria who have been the source of hope in critical times and years of war and who have greatly contributed to victory through their dedication to the homeland issues and their steadfastness and patience.

Dr. Alaa Diab, President of the Shibla Cultural Association, said that today’s ceremony aims to shed light on the leading female figures in society and present the image of a strong and leading woman who was able to overcome obstacles, produce and make a societal impact, stressing that a society that is not led by men and women together will always stop in the middle of the road.”

“It may take time to change the laws, but learning concepts can take generations, so we gathered today to celebrate Giving and Sacrifice, to celebrate the Syrian woman as she is the one who gives, embraces, educates and grants. So, if you empower women, you empower the whole society,” she added.

Dr. Diab pointed out that the Shibla project is in the process of publishing a dictionary of female poets prepared by Dr. Hassan Qamhia, and it will be one of the steps of documenting Syrian feminist literature.

“The Association will also launch, in cooperation with the Arab Writers’ Union, the Shibla Prize for Feminist Literature, which is the first prize in Syria dedicated to this kind of literature.” Diab said.

 Head of the Women Empowerment Department at Shibla Association Reem Idris, who congratulated the Syrian women on their Day, said ” holding this event aims to honor the strong Syrian woman, who, I believe is not only half of the society, but the whole society. She is the cornerstone of the home that produces educated individuals who will build the future of their homeland”.

Regarding the Association’s activities, Reem said, ” Shibla is a cultural association aiming at promoting the Syrian identity and citizenship.  It studies Syrian history and art and revives it in new ways. It has a special interest in literature and strives to present Syrian culture in the right way.”

Dr. Maya Jannad, a board member of the association, says, “our goal in Shibla is not awareness-raising. Women do not need awareness; rather, they need development and support. Syrian women are able to reach very high positions. The issue of women in general is not a special issue at all, it is a social issue closely related to social progress, as it is influenced by society and affects it.

“This event is an opportunity to express our pride in the Syrian women who have persevered and innovated in all areas of life and have played the main role in the battle of patience, challenge and victory,” said Mrs. Sawsan Al-Fahli, ballet and expressive dance tutor. “I am telling every Syrian woman, every Syrian female, that life befits you “, she concluded.

Umaima Ibrahim, head of the Homs branch of the Arab Writers Union, said that the literary movement in Homs is abundant with many female writers who leave an imprint on feminist literature, stressing that women’s giving is not limited to pregnancy and childbearing, but is growing to include all the fields of life.

“Syrian ladies are sisters of glory, goddesses of fertility, beauty and life. They are the descendants of civilization, the bearers of the torches of glory, dignity and sacrifice, and thanks to their patience and the giving of the martyrs, we achieved a victory,” Ibrahim added.

The Event featured traditional musical performances presented by the Shibla choir led by Maestro Mohammed Eid, a special song for women’s Day, a ballet by dancer Nisreen Mohammed, a solo performance by the soloist Mais Al-Sati and a sculpture titled “The Dreaming Woman” presented by artist Rana Mahmoud.

Interviewed by Amal Farhat