This project will support the women of the Hope Workshop, a cooperative craft group led by Iraqi and Syrian refugee women, to produce 20 embroidered squares to be assembled into an advocacy quilt for exhibition and for sale. This project provides women with a therapeutic and artistic outlet to reduce stress and trauma, a method of income generation, and a pathway to share their stories with a global audience.
Jordan is home to hundreds of thousands of Iraqi and Syrian refugees who are not legally permitted to work. Women in this community are seeking to establish livelihoods, mitigate the effects of PTSD, and develop leadership skills to help better advocate in their communities. This project addresses these three issues, and is a part of CRP's larger efforts dedicated to empowering women and girls through women's self-care, wellness, and leadership sessions.
Through advocacy quilting, the women of the Hope Workshop will develop a marketable skill, generate income, and utilize art therapy to strengthen community ties locally. The exhibition and ultimate sale of the advocacy quilt will raise awareness of refugee issues and highlight the unique challenges faced by Iraqi and Syrian refugees living in Amman. It will also serve as a means of income generation.
This quilt will be the first of many produced through AP's partnership with CRP. By establishing a recurring quilt production program, the women will not only generate income, but will have a concrete project every year through which they can incorporate new members, share their stories, strengthen community bonds, and develop leadership skills.
