Embracing the Journey: A Celebration of Strength and Joy at Yildiz Palace

Yesterday marked a special day that will forever remain etched in my heart, as we embarked on our first on ground event in istanbul of the "Bara7 Aman" initiative (mean a wide safe space)for women and girls from North Africa in Turkey.The anticipation in the air was palpable as we prepared to explore the historical grandeur of Yildiz Palace, a symbol of resilience, strength, and joy. I had planned an event that was responded by 76 women and girls from North Africa in Turkey. Out of the 76, 54 women and girls confirmed their agreement to be present at the specified place and time for the event. The excitement was building as we set the time for 11 am, but as the day began, so did a surge of uncertainty.

At 7 am, my phone started buzzing with calls and messages—women and girls apologizing for not being able to attend for various reasons. Some cited the weather, others felt unwell, a few couldn’t wake up early, and others found the distance too long. As the apologies came in, I felt a wave of frustration and loneliness wash over me. It felt as if my dream, the vision of a safe and wide community where women support each other, was slipping through my fingers.

I really wanted to meet these women and girls, to connect with them, and to make this gathering the nucleus of the community I dream of—a safe and wide space where we uplift and support one another. Despite my initial disappointment, I made up my mind to move forward. I decided to go to the gathering place no matter what.

As I made my mind and started to move, I received a call from a lady asking, “Where are you? I can’t go alone.” I agreed to meet her and take her with me. Then, I texted another woman who asked, “How do I get to the gathering place?” So I called her and explained the directions. Soon after, another girl messaged me saying she had a problem and might not be able to attend. I stayed with her step by step until we solved her issue, and she could join us.

Little by little, the group began to form. By the time we reached Yildiz Palace, 14 women and girls had gathered with me through my way. Our numbers continued to grow until we reached 25. Despite the earlier fears and uncertainties, I found myself surrounded by these incredible women and girls who had braved the challenges to be part of something special.

The day unfolded not exactly as planned, but in a way that was even more meaningful. The weather may have forced us to adapt and adjust our program, but within that flexibility, we discovered a new kind of freedom. The laughter, the joy, the sheer energy that filled the palace grounds was palpable. Each activity, though different from what I initially envisioned, was met with enthusiasm and creativity. We explored the beautiful gardens of Yildiz Palace, marveled at its intricate architecture, and in the midst of it all, we found ourselves speaking with joy, undeterred by the challenges of the day.

The women and girls who participated demonstrated a profound inner strength, an ocean of resilience that no storm could quench. Their smiles, their laughter, their willingness to embrace the unexpected filled me with a deep sense of pride and joy. They taught me that even when plans don’t go as expected, there is beauty in the chaos, joy in the unknown, and strength in flexibility.

As the day came to a close, I was overwhelmed with gratitude—gratitude for the challenges that revealed our true strength, for the storm that taught us to find joy in the rain, and for the women and girls whose energy and spirit transformed a day of uncertainty into a celebration of life. The event may not have unfolded exactly as planned, but it was perfect in its own way—a testament to the power of community, of support, and of the incredible resilience that lies within each of us.

Looking ahead, I am filled with excitement and anticipation for future events. This first step of the "Bara7 Aman" initiative has shown me that no matter the obstacles, no matter the challenges, we can overcome anything when we come together with hope, strength, and joy. The energy and positivity that flowed through Yildiz Palace yesterday have reignited my passion and enthusiasm for what’s to come. I know that whatever the future holds, we will face it with the same spirit of flexibility, creativity, and unbreakable joy that made our first event a day to remember.

Let us continue to nurture this energy, to create spaces where women and girls can thrive, and to embrace every challenge as an opportunity to discover new strengths and joys. Yesterday was just the beginning, and I cannot wait to see what incredible moments lie ahead.