A special event marking International Women’s Day at Palestine House brought together those from diverse backgrounds to share their stories.
The event at the Holborn venue was hosted by Culture Mocktail, a brand which seeks to create meaningful experiences to help people with multiple identities, and saw women come together to discuss their stories through the lens of their own cultural backgrounds.
Culture Mocktail co-founder Aisha Aldris wanted to use this year’s occasion as an opportunity to celebrate women.
She said: “I feel like there is no better chance to bring women together and talk about culture and how it influences us in different ways.
“And, to think about different topics and the different elements of what it means to be a woman.”
In a warm, intimate setting, women shared personal reflections on topics such as sisterhood, periods, body image, motherhood and the impact that the patriarchy has on the everyday lived realities of women.
Equally significant was the venue itself.
Located in the heart of London, Palestine House serves as a space dedicated to celebrating Palestinian culture and heritage.
Spanning five floors with each designed to reflect different aspects of Palestine, it welcomes people from all backgrounds.
Aldris, who hosts monthly events there, said: “I think Palestine House was something London needed.
“It has become a huge cultural hub for Arabs and non-Arabs alike – anyone who wants to support humanity to come, feel like they are at home and connect with each other.”
As a cultural hub, Palestine House hosts several events including film screenings, talks, concerts, workshops and exhibitions.
Journalist Yara Eid said “It’s very important for us Palestinians to be given the space to express ourselves and a place to talk about us.
“A lot of the Palestinian struggle is actually a fight for the narrative and not erasing our history and preserving our culture, our food and our identity.”
Picture credit: Culture Mocktail
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