LEBANON – On International Women’s Day, many stories emerge about the resilience of women and their ability to continue despite difficult circumstances. Among these voices, Zeina Daccache shares her humanitarian experience with women in Lebanon during wartime.
Daccache is one of the most prominent activists in drama therapy in Lebanon and the Arab world. She is an actress, theater director, and drama therapist who has devoted much of her work to using theater as a tool for expression and psychological support for marginalized groups.
Daccache founded the Catharsis Lebanese Center for Drama Therapy and has worked on theater and social projects with prison inmates, women, and refugees, providing safe spaces for self-expression and healing.
Her work has received several international awards in recognition of her use of art for social justice and psychological support.
In a special interview with Enmaeya, Daccache recalled her work in 2006, stating: "After the July 2006 war, I went to the south and worked with women for almost six months. Most of them had lost their homes, children, and relatives".
She explained that what struck her most during that time was the women’s ability to endure the hardest conditions: "What I noticed most is the great strength of women to cope during wars, which often surpasses the ability of any other family member".
She added that despite their huge losses, these women managed to continue living and give hope to those around them.
Daccache also emphasized that the women needed a safe space to express their feelings:
"Their experience gave me great hope through their ability to continue living. They also desperately needed a safe space to express themselves, support each other, and imagine a future".
When we asked Daccache what message she would give to women, she replied with a mix of humor and realism: "Actually, I also need someone to give me a message today".
She explained that her experience today is different from 2006: "In 2006, I wasn’t a mother. Today, I am. Women often put their children before themselves, postponing their own concerns to care for their children, and this is very exhausting".
Daccache believes that women need to find personal space amid daily pressures:
"It’s important for women to find time for themselves. Anything that helps in these circumstances can be useful, like prayer, talking to a neighbor, or engaging in an activity that brings positive energy. Some women dedicate all their energy to playing with their children, and this also helps them keep going".
She concluded: "Women endure a lot during wartime, and this is a reality".
Daccache also highlighted that support among women is essential for psychological recovery, noting that therapy is not limited to theater or art but includes human solidarity:
"Therapy is not just about theater and art. When women meet, talk, and comfort each other, this itself is a kind of healing".
On International Women’s Day, Zeina Daccache’s words reflect a realistic image of women’s strength in facing wars and crises and emphasize the importance of safe spaces and mutual support for women to continue life despite pain.
