“Here in Wadi Khaled, we have our customs and traditions. We live in a conservative community where women face a lot of challenges. People don’t like it when women go out.

Yet, I took the decision to participate in the Diwan project. I saw on social media how everyone in the project was enjoying the gatherings and meetings. It looked like so much fun!

Even though my parents were supportive, my other relatives made tough comments. They judged me. They said things like, ‘Kif ammano alayki’ (‘How did they [your parents] trust you?’ in Arabic). But despite everything, I did it.

Later on, I took a big step... I slept away from home! I slept away from my parents’ house, three times, to attend three training sessions. For most people in Wadi Khaled, sleeping out is taboo. It’s considered a moral flaw, a shame. For me and the other girls, this was a first. We made a huge change. It gave me a lot of strength.”

After this project, us girls can express ourselves. We can debate with men, with the municipal council members, and even with the leaders of our towns. We discovered that some behaviors that were unacceptable are now possible.

It’s the women and the girls that made them possible. We became stronger and confident. Now I feel untied and unchained. I am free, supported by my family and empowered by Search and the knowledge I have. Girls are changing, which means men are as well. They are listening to us, and even do what we say… if we convince them!

I want to say to all women and girls in Wadi Khaled—you have to be bold. Build the will and strength to make change. [...] Don’t lock yourselves at home, convince yourselves that you have to see what is going on outside of your homes and families, and [...] you will find your path.”