Kabkouba wa Hikaya is a feminist grassroots initiative founded in 2019 in Lebanon. We are a group of Syrian, Palestinian and Lebanese women working to preserve cultural memory, promote social and environmental justice, and empower women economically. Our approach is rooted in feminist principles and intersectionality.We believe that culture is not merely a collection of stories; it is an ever-evolving tapestry woven from the diverse experiences of women in our communities. By preserving our cultural heritage, we honor the women who came before us and create a legacy for future generations. Our storytelling workshops provide a platform for women to share their narratives, reclaim their voices, and foster a sense of belonging. , In addition to cultural preservation, we are committed to championing social and environmental justice. We recognize that the struggles for gender equality, ecological balance, and community resilience are interconnected. Through advocacy and community organizing, we work to raise awareness about the pressing environmental issues that disproportionately affect marginalized communities and promote sustainable practices that benefit all.
To create a world where women's voices and heritage are at the forefront of global peace, justice, and sustainability efforts.
Through our feminist lens, we strive to empower women by preserving cultural heritage, promoting social and environmental justice, and fostering economic independence. By creating safe spaces for storytelling, skill-building, and collaboration, we aim to elevate marginalized voices, strengthen community resilience, and contribute to global efforts for peace, equality, and sustainable development.
We employ a feminist participatory and inclusive approach in designing and implementing our activities. This includes:
- Community engagement: Conducting surveys and interviews with local women to understand their needs and priorities
- Internal participation: Involving our team in program design through work sessions and discussions
- Stakeholder collaboration: Cooperating with governments, NGOs, and municipalities in program design
In 2023, we empowered 40 women through handicraft skills training and provided economic opportunities for Syrian, Palestinian and Lebanese refugee women. We also employed some of them as product workers in our weaving workshop producing unique dolls.
"Colors of Peace: Feminist Narratives and Heritage from
the Memory of Peace"
This initiative aims to enhance peacebuilding processes during and after periods of
tension by using women's craft heritage to promote mutual understanding and peaceful
communication among Syrian and Palestinian refugees and Lebanese host communities.
We are an emerging initiative committed to developing a feminist governance structure with the support of feminist consultants to enhance principles of transparency and governance.