The evening hosted by Samah Bsoul began with a speech by a manager of I'lam, educator Areen Sweitat, who said that she doesn't consider Women's Day as a festive one, but rather an opportunity to 

champion strength and solidarity among all women, Palestinian and Arab. Sweitat pointed out that there is currently a need for solidarity with the rest of the world's women, but we must not see it as a day of lamentation, rather a day to support women and be proud of their achievements.

 

During her speech, Sweitat linked the evening's events and the media campaign projects, noting that women were central as the subject of the project and the creators of the project. This began to actually be implemented in I'lam's projects in early February 2013, when it opened courses attended by dozens of activists on how to create and run media campaigns. I'lam also announced a special contest titled “Design Against Violence” in which dozens of graphic designers competed, in addition to supporting the production of a film opposing violence against women in all its forms.

 

Areen Sweitat's speech was followed by a presentation of the all the submissions to the “Design Against Violence” contest, and the announcement of the best design. The winner was Muhammad Iktilat, a young man from Daburiya, who received the $550 reward.

 

The contest was judged by a panel of five: Rafa Anabtawi, Rola Jamalia, Razi Najar, Dhafer Sharabtiji, and Monir Qazmooz.

 

After that the film “Labor Pains/Throes” was screened. The film examines the socialization of coercive masculinity in patriarchal Arab society, and specifically the Palestinian community. Following the screening was a tribute to the film crew and director Waseem Khair.

 

 

Khair thanked I'lam for its support, stressing the need to support the production of projects for youth, especially in light of the scarcity of funding sources for the Palestinian community of Israel.

 

On the relevance of the film, Khair explained that, “We can't talk today about the liberation of peoples without addressing the emancipation of women. Arab women still suffer widely from all forms of violence, oppression, and discrimination. Therefore, any attempt at liberation won't work without freeing women from all of these repressive practices.”

 

Khair stressed that the film, despite it being a novice effort, will soon take part in one of the most important international film festivals. He affirmed that the film's message will carry it forward to participate in several more international film festivals.

 

To see the posters of the “Design Against Violence” contest, click here.