The Dr. Haidar Abdul Shafi Center for Culture and Development held an interactive discussion session with a group of its youth volunteers, aimed at exploring upcoming activity plans and initiatives, and enhancing their engagement in shaping proposals for field-based projects.

The session featured an inspiring address by Mr. Mohsen Abu Ramadan, Director of the Center, who emphasized the vital role of youth in community work, describing them as the renewable energy capable of driving change and creating lasting impact.

He praised the initiatives undertaken by youth during the period of the genocidal war, particularly in areas of relief, service provision, promotion of civil peace, and fostering internal dialogue by strengthening the values of solidarity and social cohesion.

He also referred to the “16 Days of Activism against Gender-Based Violence” campaign, highlighting the suffering endured by women during the aggression, and their creative and resilient role in protecting the family through managing economic, social, and psychological responsibilities in innovative ways.

As part of the session, a short participatory video produced by the Center’s volunteers was screened, in cooperation with the Middle East Nonviolence and Democracy (MEND) organization, aimed at raising awareness of women’s rights, particularly concerning patriarchal cultural norms, and the importance of overcoming them through knowledge and culture.

Mr. Abu Ramadan emphasized the importance of revisiting the Declaration of Independence, UN Security Council Resolution 1325, and relevant national and international frameworks to promote citizenship values based on equality and non-discrimination.

The film shed light on the dangers of discriminatory practices against women and stressed the importance of providing equal opportunities for both males and females to contribute to development, community building, and participation.

Young lawyer Wafaa Jadallah delivered a speech highlighting the importance of raising youth awareness of women’s rights and the need to combat all forms of gender-based violence.

Participants shared a set of proposals to promote women’s rights, including producing participatory films and conducting workshops aimed at eliminating stereotypical perceptions of women and moving toward a society free of gender-based violence and exclusion.

The session was facilitated by Ms. Ghidaa Al-Shawa from the Center