The power of feeling the concept of sisterhood deeply and holding each other’s hands tightly is indescribably beautiful and special. Fifteen women from thirteen nationalities, who came together for a youth project in Bulgaria, made me feel the universal dimension of sisterhood. As I always say; we are stronger together!
I have been so excited to write an article on universal sisterhood. I wanted to start as soon as possible and put into words everything that went through me; but I was worried that I would hurry and make sentences that would not be effective enough. But instead of filtering my experience for the sake of organization; I want to allow my intense emotions to flow freely, and let them scatter into natural harmony so that you can empathize with my raw life.
In June 2021; a large group of eager youth took part in an international project that took place in Bulgaria. It was an exchange project under the Erasmus Plus; located at a mountain hotel for nine days in Petrohan.
The purpose was to improve the relationships among young people; and share diverse values through intercultural dialogues. Not only were all the participants from different countries; but they carried their multifaceted backgrounds and cultures into our new community; which revealed a plethora of interesting realities. Undoubtedly, every project has its own energy; but ours was a remarkable experience far beyond this generalization.
Sparks of Feminism in the Project 💥
In the first few days of the projects, which were filled with busy schedules and events, certain concepts were bound to arise: Friendship, solidarity, trust… Here, feminism has surrounded us from the first day.
Before coming here, we shared posts introducing ourselves on Facebook. I was happy to see that I was not the only participant interested in the topic of feminism. After seeing some, I definitely planned to talk to them in depth; but everything turned out to go much faster, more intense, and more realistic than I expected.
I approached Marisol who looked tired; and I wanted to ask her how she was doing. She said she was in menstrual pain and needed to rest. Ah, who would understand that better than me! My short question eventually lead to a longer conversation; one that inevitably invited people in the surrounding area to also join. We all wanted to make sure that she had access to supplies like painkillers and anything else she needed. The topic somehow came to the menstrual cup; and those who have used it it shared their positive experiences. We talked about the importance of menstrual cups, as opposed to sanitary pads, in regards to both our health and the environment.
It occurred to me that in feminist theory; we have always emphasized the importance of women’s shared experience for women’s liberation. Then I remembered Simone de Beauvoir. Her experience as a female writer and philosopher in a male-dominated field have proven to be remarkable for raising awareness and finding a common ground. I was feeling that right now.
Akelarre Bar: Welcome to Hell! 😈
The mini bar in the hotel we stayed at was introduced by the organizers on the first evening. Yulia (Bulgaria), Maria (Spain) and Ivon (Colombia) were in charge of this mini bar. All of a sudden, I found them drawing something on colored paper. They told us about the concept they wanted to create in their bar; which was the “witch concept”. What was it, who was the witch? That was a stigmatized word that affected women throughout history, namely the Middle Ages, which subjected them to torture and death after being targeted with various accusations, like undermining authority of religious and political structures.
This is where the name of the bar came from. The bar team was inspired by the Spanish movie “Akelarre” (Coven of Sisters), which tells the story of the 17th century witch hunt for young Basque women.
All of a sudden, we started drawing papers together. This was our bar, the witches’ bar! Ivon gave us little papers and said, “Write whatever you want!”. Well yes, I wrote quickly what I think when people say women:
“We are witches, we are the grandchildren of those witches they couldn’t burn. We are reborn from the ashes and get our rights taken from us. And we make up half the world’s population.”
The room livened up with growing laughter and loud conversations; which ended with us all embracing each other tightly in hugs.
Moreover, the water in the witch’s cauldron began to boil.
A Glass of Feminism Between Sessions♀️
Experiencing, living, sometimes being left behind in a way… Sometimes trying harder not to be left behind… Most of the time, struggling not to leave anyone behind… Sisterhood… Acting together… Liaising…
Although I don’t like numbers very much, I find them useful here to emphasize diversity. Fifteen women from thirteen different nationalities… All beautiful and unique in their own way… Have been active in describing women’s solidarity from the very first days of the journey. For these women who come from different geographies, cultures, languages, and religions, there is a common problem: patriarchy! This problem, which has spread like a virus over the years, has put great and unbearable pressure on each of us from South America to Asia, from Europe to Africa. We have been feeling this pressure in similar ways in all areas of life. Enough, we’re tired of this!
Even after the sessions, which revolved around issues like discrimination and xenophobia; we found ourselves bringing these same topics to our coffee breaks. During our meals, gender equality became an invited guest, who pulled a chair and took their place at the table.
We Dig Ashes, Sparks Shine!🔥
Now that we got to know each other better; we freed ourselves into an open space and shared our deeper experiences as well.
Roqia, born and raised in Iraq and currently studying law in Germany, shared a video of herself with us. Years ago, she appeared in the news as the first woman to sell books in a book market in Baghdad, the capital of Iraq. How beautiful and how brave! How proud we are! Marisol, an Argentinian and Italian-based feminist activist, has a master’s degree in Heterodox Economic Policies with a concentration in feminist economics and wellbeing. Soukaina, a similar feminist activist, has been on a women’s rights advocate program in Lebanon for years and is currently volunteering on a project in Bulgaria.
While each of us left some traces in the places we’ve lived; some of us carried the wounds inflicted by others.
Saffiyah, a German born woman with family from Bosnia & Herzegovina and Russia, was once attacked in here in. While she was shopping at a supermarket with her friend; a man grabbed her headscarf and tried to pull it off. Even though they immediately called the police; the reaction of the responding officers was an example of blatant discrimination. “Fortunately you’re in Germany. You couldn’t claim this right if you were in your own country.” he said to the young woman who was just attacked. How could such a visionless law enforcement officer tell this to a woman who was, in fact, in her home country? Unfortunately, this story of discrimination against women because of their race, religious affiliations, and dress affects far too many.
Ivon, a Colombian traveler currently living in Bulgaria, also touches on the discrimination she suffered because of her Latin identity. Once, during an argument with the border police at the Peruvian border (where they allowed all the Europeans to pass easily); Ivon was talking loudly and the police turned to Ivon’s boyfriend and said, “Take care of your woman!”. Come on mannn!
There are many more issues that each of these marvelous women have experienced. Deti and Iryna from Bulgaria, Karen and Mena from Egypt… Raneen from Iraq, Sofie from Poland, Maria from Spain, Margarita from Italy… Finally, me; Selin from Turkey… Writing her master’s thesis in Women’s Studies. And busy giving lectures on “Feminist Movements in Turkey” at Berlin Humboldt University with friends. In addition to this, devoting free time to working with the youth about gender equality.
Magic Sphere Shine: We Are Stronger Together! 🔮
With the last sessions coming to an end; we approached the last day of the event. We were so connected to each other; that we found ourselves in so many meaningful conversations. It is impossible to leave without immortalizing this universal sisterhood solidarity. We asked each of our friends individually for their consent to have a few photos taken together. Photos that show exactly what we’ve been through here; that preserves the memory of our unbreakable bond, our sisterhood and solidarity… It would be nice to use some social media tags as well.
After all; we are in an environment of fifteen women, from thirteen nationalities, and eight different languages. Each of us have special and meaningful slogans; that have cultural significance in their own language. For instance; “Istanbul Convention Saves Lives” is one of our most up-to-date and relevant slogans in Turkey.
Whoever is available at that moment begins to draw certain symbols. And write slogans in their own languages. The sense of sisterhood was all around us. Someone took a large piece of paper from the table, began to write “Sisterhood” in all eight languages spoken in the room.
Sisterhood- Kız kardeşlik – Hermandad – Sorellanza – Siostrzeństwo – Schwesterschaft – Cестринство – الأختية
We were ready for the photo- but one person is missing. But we were on this path together and could not leave a single person behind. We hurried her over and once the group was unified; the shutter snapped and captured the moment of sheer perfection. We look at the camera; which was a mirror of us as we were, as we lived, as we felt. On the one hand; we were angry with the patriarchal system and what it constantly imposes on us. On the other hand, we felt hope, which was nurtured by our sense of togetherness. We were happy and incrediblyproud.
After the shots were taken, we hugged each other and shouted “We are Stronger Together!” We embraced the sisters standing next to us because we are stronger together. No one can be left behind.
Flying Broom 🧹
The witches put on their pointed hats, got on their broomsticks and headed home.
Less than a week after the end of the project, Anmar and Soukina visited Berlin. While we spent two full days together, and had the opportunity to talk about the project. Anmar asked me how I felt about the project and activities. I said that I found it meaningful, intense, effective, and enjoyable. In addition to intercultural dialogue; I talked about how discrimination and gender issues have a big impact on people of all kinds. “Actually, it was thanks to you that the issue of gender inequality came to the forefront so much. You inspired that.” he said. It made me incredibly happy to hear such a remark. Our goal is to make our voices heard. Which we try to raise in every aspect of life, and to accompany that voice. We succeed in mainstreaming our cause as young women from all over the world; who form sisterhood bonds.
#heforshe – Gender Equality♀️♂️
Above all, I would like to underline the following dilemma in our process. For many of our male friends; it is not easy to overcome concepts, situations, habits. Or try to understand gender norms and feminism.
I will speak frankly- we often come across incredibly illogical, shallow, and ignorant comments and questions. However, throughout this event, many of our male friends joined our cause in great solidarity. There were points that some did not understand; yet they were eager to learn and felt safe openly asking questions, which we happily answered.
For instance, Talal, a Lebanese activist, made me so proud; that I feel obligated to share his words. “I am always your supporter, by following you one step behind. This is your case and it is our duty to support you at all times. Before we all can walk side by side, you will open the way ahead, and at the point where you want us by your side, [we] will be there.” he said. Hearing feminist support from a man who was aware of the patriarchical system that has inhibited progress in equality gave me lots of hope for us to walk on the global roads together equally, freely and fairly.
Viva sisterhood! 💪
In conclusion, there are many situations where us women are the solutions for each other; as warriars against the dangerous mentalities of the patriarchy. Concepts such as sisterhood and women’s solidarity connect us at these points. This is the phenomenon; that gives us the strength to stand up strongly against male domination.
All in all; cheers to the sisters all over the world! ho remind me once again of this wonderful and incredibly powerful feeling!
Viva universal sisterhood, viva women’s solidarity!
