A Heart inside my Heart

A Heart inside my Heart: “We Are Her” (27 October – 2nd November 2024)

I am on the way back from Bodrum to Sofia, leaving behind a chapter of my life that carried a lot of joy. I am leaving with hope and unconditional love. This experience was a blessing and a true reminder of how capable we are as humans of showing solidarity and affection. People from Albania, Lebanon, Egypt, Greece, Turkiye, Armenia, and Italy —more than 20 persons, including activists, youth workers, and project coordinators— came together with deep curiosity and genuine connection to each other’s culture and personality.

The training was organized by Selin and Berat at Bodrum Youth Centre. They brought light to the project areas, which covered topics such as feminism, gender roles, social integration, social media campaigns, and broader social campaigning. We explored how stereotypes and social norms influence our reactions to different genders based on status and roles. I realized that feminism is often misunderstood, highlighting the necessity of explaining its concrete concepts and waves to young people. This understanding is essential for reflecting on and promoting gender equality. Selin and Berat were empathetic and supportive, always attentive to our needs. Their presence was truly aiming to serve and grow our potential as ambassadors for the project.

Despite our differences in areas of work, age, and experience, we shared intellectual conversations, endless laughter, and examples of feminism in action. The friendships we built came so naturally, as if it is meant to be. We moved together as one unit, waiting for each other before training sessions or group plans. A highlight was witnessing men openly express their emotions and appreciation, while women consistently supported one another. We stood together in solidarity, caring for each other if someone felt unwell, lacked confidence, needed support, or encountered uncomfortable situations—like walking alone at night or facing a sexist comment.

We were crazy witches, dancing under the stars and showing up like a moon to each other. These women have left a heart inside my heart. 

I shared intimate conversations with friends I felt especially close to, feeling embraced and valued. This experience has given me another wake-up call, a reminder that, despite the suffering, helplessness, vulnerability, fear, and grief within and around us, life always finds a way to offer goodness, love, and a fresh breath to start again. Life holds my hand, guiding me to believe there are safe spaces where I can exist without pain. Even though parting with these precious people brings sadness, I prefer this love-filled pain to never having met them.

One of the most touching moments was during our cultural presentation about Lebanon. We were Lebanese participants from Belgium, France, and Bulgaria, as those residing in Lebanon were unable to join us due to the recent war. Our cultural night brought together all the countries represented in the project. I suggested a video showcasing Lebanon’s landscapes and landmarks. We were more than 20 people, smashed all together, hugging each other to allow one other to see a video on a laptop screen. While watching, a young Lebanese friend said, “Oh my God, how beautiful.” His innocent voice, filled with hope regardless of our country’s situation, broke me. It shattered my heart into pieces, especially as he is seven years younger, belonging to the generation we hoped would experience a brighter Lebanon. We had no choice but to cry and embrace each other. People from other countries were touched, understanding our deep love for our land, traditions, and culture. Many of them cried with us.

After the training, I stayed a night in Istanbul at a startup hostel, popular among digital nomads. The hostel owner was welcoming, and the impact of the training became clear when we discussed feminism. He had misconceptions, such as believing feminists hate men. This conversation showed me how necessary it is to spread awareness beyond our safe and loving training community.

As I returned home, my heart remained full. We stayed connected as participants and ambassadors of “We Are Her.” 

This journey doesn’t end here; brighter stories are on the way!