Oxfam Organization in Syria holds a Bazaar in Damascus marking the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign

Every year, the world marks the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign which begins on the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women on 25 November and runs through International Human Rights Day on 10 December to raise awareness and inspire action to combat gender-based violence.

Marking this occasion Oxfam organization holds “Hikayatina 2”  (our Story)  Bazaar on December 3-5 , with the participation of 75 women from Damascus and its countryside at the Golden Mazzeh Hotel in Damascus.

The three-day event aims at empowering women and supporting small projects through providing them an opportunity to display and market their handmade products.

The bazaar displays distinguished handmade products and traditional crafts such as wool, embroidery, making sweets, products from natural herbs, wood carving, Etamine handbags straw works decorative pieces for homes, especially on the occasion of Christmas.

Ten art works of photography and drawing displayed at the bazaar, that fit the theme of combating violence against women ,will be selected for showcasing at  the art exhibition which is due to be held  on the sidelines of the bazaar.

The Syriatimes e-newspaper visited the bazaar to highlight the participants’ skills and creativity and their key role in preserving and reviving traditional crafts.

“Heritage is a message and a responsibility. It expresses the homeland and its intimate relationship with the past. Our heritage is the present and it is the  future.” The craftswoman  Faizaa Faisal from Sweidah governorate told Syria Times.

” My goal is to preserve, spread and develop the natural straw craft that I inherited from my mother and teach it to future generations. Natural straw is the first craft of Syrian women” she expressed.

Her exhibits included straw works such as baskets, trays , vases, and decorative straw pieces using  natural colors such as  hibiscus ( karkadeh)  and beetroot.

“Many of my straw works that express heritage were sent to several Arab and foreign countries, including the Netherlands, France, Iraq, Jordan and Dubai. Love of the homeland expresses our love for our heritage. Our keenness on preserving and reviving traditional professions and our belonging to them expresses our appreciation for our deep-rooted heritage.” the craftswoman faissal concluded.

Mrs. Heba  Al-Nusair considered the bazaar an important opportunity to introduce, spread and market the participants’ products, in addition to exchanging ideas and experiences.

Her participation included natural products extracted from medicinal oils for the skin, hair, and some diseases such as rheumatism and joint pain, manufactured by a chemist.

She pointed out that her products bear the name “Gifts of Nature” because nature is rich and gives us many beneficial gifts without side effects.

“Syrian women have a distinguished role in society in general and in their homes in particular. They are known for their strong will and ability to develop themselves, even with simple ideas” Al-Nusair expressed.

On the occasion of Christmas, the participant Elaine Salhani,   considered the bazaar a unique opportunity to express the creative and distinguished talents of Syrian women and their role in reviving ancient handicrafts while mixing them with new decorations.

“Through my exhibits made from recycled fabric and wood, I tried to express the symbols of Christmas such as a tree, star, deer, Santa Claus, and other things. I made  these works with love and passion to embody Christmas message which is a symbol of love and peace.”

The distinguished participation in the bazaar was for the Syrian Wiam Association for Blind Women.

Trainer Nahida Jabawi said that the association aims to support distinguished blind women scientifically, culturally, and socially, and to provide suitable job opportunities for them blind after following professional courses in several fields.

The blind women’s exhibits included wool knitting,  crochet accessories, purses, and sweets.

She indicated that the proceeds from the exhibits go to participants of  the blind women,  stressing  that the exhibition is an important opportunity to strengthen their psychological and socially presence.

Interviewed by : Rawaa Ghanam

Photos by : Rawaa Ghanam