“International Women’s Day”

A Tribute to the Syrian Social Activist Ms. Razan Zeitouneh

Arab Women’s Association – Austria

in cooperation with Afro-Asian Institute – Vienna Türkenstrasse 3, 1090 Vienna

Groβe Saal, 6 p.m.

Programme 18:15 – 18:45 Exhibitions opening

EXHIBITIONS (Exhibitors in alphabetical order) 1) Syrian women’s Refugee Exhibition “Syria in the Eyes of

Women” Exhibition directed by the artist Hazar Bakbachi-Henriot (Syria/France)

2) KOINOBORI Fish Exhibition by the artist Hisa Enomoto (Japan) KOINOBORI (Japanese Children's Day custom) the KOINOBORI (fish) is a symbol of a strong and loving life

3) Slide photos exhibition “Constant Death” by the artist Marwa Sarah (Syria)

4) Photos Exhibition “Outside Home … Inside Wound” by the artist Linda Zahra (Syria)

18:45 – 19:05 Screening Short Film “Little Sun” for the film director Mr. Alfouz Tanjour (Syria)

19:10 – 20:45 PLATFORM

Participants (in alphabetical order): - Ms. Nadia Ailabouni (Austria) - Ms. Rim Allaf (Syria) - Ms. Samira Al Masalmeh (Syria) - Ms. Imane El Harfi (Morocco) - Ms. Hejer El Kabir (Tunesia) - Ms. Sanaa Hawijah (Syria) - Ms. Amal Kasry (Egypt) - Ms. Marie Thérèse Kiriaky (Syria/Austria) - Ms. Dina Latek (Egypt/Austria)

20:45 – 21:15 Open Discussion

21:15 – 22:00 MUSIC

Orwa Saleh and “RUH” Ensemble (Syria/Austria/Turkey)

“Balsam Project”

On the occasion of the International Women’s Day

Women’s Initiative for Peace in Syria and the Arab World

It is no longer possible to keep silent about the combatants’ continuation of sending our children like firewood into an absurd war, which seems to be endless and without any clear horizon. This war is destroying our country and all our children’s capabilities, leaving them without any hope for the future. We are Women from the diverse spectra of the harmonious rainbow of our beloved countries. We call you to immediately seize this senseless fighting that is stealing the lives of our children. We call you to STOP and let your conscience scrutinize this dire situation. We, Women, say to you in frank and explicit words: STOP right now and immediately, this inferno that is demolishing all our aspirations for a prosperous future of our children based on foundations of co-existence that was established over centuries. We are Women, who, lost and lose our children daily in this absurd war and, believe that we, before any other, have the right to demand for this abominable bloodbath to STOP – for we are the ones who generate life, and we give birth to children not to make them fuel for war between siblings. Our hope is to see them creating, producing and achieving a prosperous future for themselves and their homeland, and raising their country’s name in glory by virtue of their contribution to human civilization. We, Women, categorically reject turning our beloved country into killing arenas. And, since we are the most affected by this war, we see that it is out obligation to order all sides (governments and

oppositions) alike to stop this horrible and shameful segmentation, which they exert on the country and its nation’s body. We, Women, declare our unequivocal and absolute rejection of any external interference on the sacred soil of Syria and of other Arab countries, no matter who this intruder is, and with which clashing side it aligns itself. He or she would be delusional, the one who believes that the solution of arms, whichever victory was declared by means of, can bring peace, coexistence and integrity to all the Syrians and Arabs. We also certainly believe that resuming this bloody track would mean one and only thing, namely our mass defeat and common standing before the dead corps of both our homeland and our children. Our call is directed toward all belligerents.

STOP the fighting between siblings,

lay down weapons, and launch a dialogue of

braves.

www.arab-austrian-women.org

PLATFORM Participants (in alphabetical order):

Ms. Nadia Ailabouni (Austria) Nadia Ailabouni is an Austrian citizen, of Palestinian/Syrian origin. She has been living in Austria since 1994. She has a degree in Philosophy and Social Studies from Damascus University. She was a political activist and

now she is working voluntary with different associations for integration and also to help the refugees. Nadia is also a writer in many Arabic magazines, has published the book “Maqam Arabi” and is preparing her second book. Ms. Rim Allaf (Syria) Rim Allaf is a Syrian researcher and writer. An Associate Fellow at London’s Chatham House think tank (Royal Institute of International Affairs) from 2004 to 2012, she has published numerous analyses and opeds on Syria and the region, and advises governmental and corporate clients on geopolitical, socioeconomic and cultural issues. With a strong marketing communication background, in particular on questions of positioning, nation branding and media, she has conducted projects for multinational firms in the Middle East and in Europe, specializing in qualitative research in the FMCG and global media sectors. She is on the Board of Directors of The Day After, a Syrian-led civil society organization working to support a

democratic transition in Syria. She is also on the Board of Directors of the Syrian Economic Forum, a think tank working on building a strong economy to support a free, pluralistic and independent state. She is currently advising the presidency of the National Coalition of Syrian Revolution and Opposition Forces. Born in Damascus, she has been brought up and educated in Europe and the US, with a Bachelor’s in Management and a Master’s in Marketing. She is trilingual in Arabic, English, French, and also speaks Spanish and German. Ms. Samira Al Masalmeh (Syria) Samira Al Masalmeh from Syria graduated from Damascus University and had a certificate of advanced studies in Arabic Literature. She worked as News editor and Chief Editor in the Syrian media before she left Syria because of her political views. She published her first book “Humiliation’s Tunnel” recently and is now writing a new book.

Ms. Hejer El Kebir (Tunesia) Hejer El Kabir has a Master Degree in International Business and is working in a bank in Vienna. Hejer is originally from Tunisia and is interested in social

work.

Ms. Sanaa Hawijah (Syria) Sanaa Hawijah is a Syrian political activist and former political prisoner. She spent four and half years in prison accused that she was a member of the worker’s communist party. She studied sociology at the Damascus University and worked in the media domain. She has been living in Vienna for about one year.

Ms. Amal Kasry (Egypt) Amal Kasry studied physics at the University of Cairo. After receiving a Master's Degree from Ain Shams University, she received a scholarship for PhD students of the Max Planck Society in Germany. In 2006 she was awarded a PhD in Materials Science from the

Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research (MPIP) and Johannes Gutenberg University. After her graduation she worked in different countries; Germany, USA, UK, Singapore and finally Austria. During these years, she focused her research on biotechnology with new materials. She published a book, several book chapters, as well as several articles in scientific journals, along with recordings of seven patents. She has been invited to many international scientific conferences to give lectures. She is a reviewer for few scientific publishers. In addition to scientific research, Amal is very interested in the impact of science and technology on society and its development, and is currently trying to get a degree in this field. After more than 12-years abroad, Amal returned to Egypt and worked as an assistant professor in the Egyptian universities.

Ms. Marie Thérèse Kiriaky (Syria/Austria) Marie Thérèse Kiriaky is Austrian, originally coming from Syria. She graduated from Damascus University, where she was awarded a degree in French Literature. She is a social and cultural activist for women and children, and together with other friends many associations (Arab

Women’s Association, United Nations Arab Staff Association, Union Oriental Christian) and she is member of many other associations. She published her first book “Grey Zone” and the second book “Escaping Forward” is under printing. Marie Thérèse establish and directed the project “Balsam” in 2011 to help the Syrian refugee in Turkey and in Vienna.

Ms. Dina Latek (Egypt/Austria) Dina Latek graduated from Vienna University and had her Masters in Arabic and Islamic Studies. She worked as a social worker, researcher, freelance interpreter and trainer in various institutions. She had many publications (Women in Afghanistan, Women in the Police and various studies in linguistics, social policy and development policy). Dina Latek is working now a member of the Austrian National Committee UN Women, and as project Manager in the Federal Ministry of Foreign and International Affairs in Vienna.

TRANSLATOR

Ms. Nadia Ehrhardt (Palestine/Austria) Nadia Ehrhardt-Wakim, Palestinian born in Beirut, Lebanon. Worked for UNRWA for more than 14 years, lived in Jordan, Germany and Austria, interested in Social work.

Open Discussion

EXHIBITIONS (Exhibitors in alphabetical order)

Syrian women’s Refugee Exhibition “Syria in the eyes of women” Exhibition directed by the artist Hazar

Bakbachi-Henriot (Syria/France)

Hazar Bakbachi-Henriot, a Syrian artist living in France, travelled to Antakya in Turkey

and conducted a workshop with Syrian women from three refugee camps and the surrounding area. Bakbachi-Henriot told La Nouvelle Republic: “It was a way for them to participate in the revolution and for the world to know that they exist and they are not to be seen as helpless victims”

KOINOBORI Fish Exhibition for the artist Hisa Enomoto (Japan) KOINOBORI (Japanese Children's Day custom) the KOINOBORI (fish) is a symbol of strong and loving life

Hisa Enomoto a Japanese artist (painter), she studied at the Fine Arts Academy in Vienna and had her diploma. Hisa is the founder and head of the Association “Kokemoos”. She had with other artists many exhibitions. Through the Association “Kokemoos” she directed many workshops for the Japanese, Austrian and Syrian refugee children.

Slide photos exhibition “Constant death” for the artist Marwa Sarah (Syria)

It is a slide photos about the people who died in Syria during the war, civilians (women, children , teenagers). and it showed each on of them as they telling their stories, their lives and the way they die with...it will be a photo and a short story about each one of them...

Marwa Sarah is a young artist born in Homs, Syria 12. June 1988. Finished her Bachelor

study in Fine Arts, from University of Damascus, Syria, year 2012. She moved to Vienna in February 2013, to begin a master study in the Angewandte University. She had the chance to get a studio in the WUK. She participated in several exhibitions in Syria And Austria. Photos Exhibition “Outside Home … Inside Wound” for the artist Linda Zahra (Syria)

Linda Zahra is a photographer and film producer from Syria. She studied Make-up Design at the Academy of Fine Arts in the Republic of Moldova. Since graduating, she

has worked on numerous projects as a make-up designer, photographer and producer. Her make-up design credits include Mohammed Malas’s (Maharem, Maharem), and Alfouz Tanjour’s short (A Little Sun). Her credits as a photographer include (Damascus City Symphony), Alfoz Tanjour’s (Faraway, So Close from Borderline) 2014. She was a producer on (Black Stone), (Cola Bridge).

FILM Screening of the short film “Littel Sun”, for the film director Mr. Alfouz Tanjour (Syria)

Synopsis of the film: Osama said: Thus Luna and I used to go out. We’ve seen the whole world. She loved it most when we roamed around Damascus districts and used to count each street and every quarter. She used to tell me that it’s only in Damascus where you can smell bread and jasmines in early mornings especially if it had rained the previous night. Sometimes she spent the outing telling me stories about wonder cities full of children each one of them is holding a chalk to draw what they long for on the wall thinking that their drawings will immediately come true.

Alfouz Tanjour was born in Salameih, Syria in 1975, and studied Filmmaking at the Academy of Fine Arts in the Republic of Moldova. He has made several projects as director, director of photography, editor or

executive producer, including more than fifteen documentaries for the Al Jazeera Documentary Channel (Damascus City Symphony) (Beyond the City’s Walls) (Faraway, so Close from Borderline) . Tanjour’s short ‘A Little Sun’ (2007) won the Tanit de Bronze at the Carthage Film Festival. His documentary version of ‘Wooden Rifle’ (2013) took the Public Liberties & Human Rights Award at the Aljazeera International Documentary Film Festival and the Gold Panda for Best Asian Production at the International Gold Panda Documentary Festival 2014. ‘Wooden Rifle’ is his first narrative feature.

MUSIC Orwa Saleh and “RUH” Ensemble (Syria/Austria/Turkey)

Orwa Saleh A Syrian Oud player and composer , born in Damascus and based in Austria , he started his music education at the age of 9, studied at the Syrian youth music school, the Lebanese national conservatory

and the Syrian higher institute of music. Influenced by Jazz music and the classical oriental music . Orwa started to write his own music for his projects and participated as well in many Syrian and multinational bands and projects: Syrian Jazz Big Band, the national Syrian orchestra, notta band, max brand ensemble, Bab sharqi, Tuxedo , chameleon orchestra , mélange African and others , performing in Syria, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, Sudan, China, Germany and Austria . Worked as a composer in the promotion studio of the Syrian national broadcast committee in 2010 and composed soundtracks for theater and documentary movies. Uygar Cagli is one of Istanbul‘s fine musicians, composers and a graduate from the Jazz and Pop conservatories in Graz and Linz. He started the Ruh band. Ruh band is a Turkish-Arabic word for soul . It will give the audience a chance to have a unique listening experience which will take them into a journey into the soul of the oriental world in a contemporary approach.

Gerhard Reiter Gerhard Reiter is a well-known Austrian percussion player and teacher at the Bruckner University in Linz

Marco PALEWICZ Marco Palewicz studied music in Linz at the Bruckner University for Jazz and Popular Music. He completed his study with distinction for instrumental and vocal pedagogy for piano and keyboards. He is very active in the field of electronic music, but also has acoustic projects like "Marco XY", up to various audio productions and photo shoots. Currently known formations are the Chameleon Orchestra (Christian Wirth), Saint Lu in Berlin, The Temporary Jazz Orchestra (Thomas Mandel), and the ongoing work as a sound designer at theaters. Since 2006 he teaches jazz piano at the music school in Linz. Buffet and Bazaar Speaking Languages: Arabic/English and German FREE ENTRANCE (DONATIONS ACCEPTED)

“International Women’s Day” Participants in this event - (in alphabetical order) -

PLATFORM AILABOUNI, Nadia (Ms.) ALLAF, Rime (Ms.) AL MASALMEH, Samira (Ms.) EL KEBIR, Hejer (Ms.) HAWIJAH, Sanaa (Ms.) KASRY, Amal (Ms.) LATEK, Dina (Ms.) EXHIBITION BAKBACHI-HENRIOT, Hazar (Ms.) ENOMOTO, Hisa (Ms.) SARAH, Marwa (Ms.) ZAHRA, Linda (Ms.) FILM TANJOUR, Alfouz (Mr.) MUSICIANS CAGLI, Uygar (Mr.) PALEWICZ, Marco (Mr.) REITER, Gerhard(Mr.) SALEH, Orwa (Mr.) ORGANIZER ERHARDT, Nadia (Ms.) HALABI, Akram (Mr.) IDOMIR, Maria (Ms.) KIRIAKY, Marie Therese (Ms.) MASSARA, Helene (Ms.) And other friends.