“Breaking the chains of shame by amplifying my voice”

“I am Tayma. I am very ambitious. I excelled in my studies back in Syria. but the outbreak of war forced me to leave my home. Seeking safety within Syria proved futile as conditions deteriorated, leading my family to flee to Lebanon. The journey was harrowing, etched in my memory by the chilling sight of lifeless bodies and the constant stream of bullets overhead.

Life in Lebanon posed its own challenges. Despite my efforts, I found it impossible to continue my education and, at just 16 I got married as my family had no money to provide for me. The birth of my daughter brought joy, yet a sense of emptiness lingered, compounded by the mental drain of a monotonous life. However, a turning point came when I engaged in a documentary filmmaking workshop with Makani, focusing on my experience of early marriage. This brought me a newfound confidence, breaking the chains of shame by amplifying my voice. I enjoyed it and learned a lot. I was so happy on the days I went to the sessions, feeling confident and bold enough to speak without feeling ashamed.

After the course ended, I thought I would return to my monotonous, boring life, especially after becoming attached to that wonderful place called Makani and the women there. It was hard to go back to my old life. But then I started a printing course, which was very enjoyable and even more beneficial. We learned a wonderful craft, gaining experience and learning about handcrafts and our beautiful history.

During this time, my daughter Mila fell ill with an eye condition and needed a corneal transplant. The world seemed dark to me, and I felt like I was coming to an end. But then I received a phone call that changed my life. I was chosen to be part of the Makani team. Who else but Makani could help me stand on my feet again and come back stronger than before? With their help, I was able to get the surgery done for her. I am very lucky to have them by my side. 

When I go to the center and meet with the women, we joke, laugh, sing, dance, and cry together. We share everything, and the amount of happiness and love among us is rare to find anywhere else. The feeling that I am a person who can give, not just take, is priceless.

Makani, in every sense of the word, is the heartbeat that makes you feel complete. It is the hope I was searching for.”

Watch Tayma’s beautiful film below.