NORTHERN NIGERIA
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“ We came here with heavy hearts and we are leaving filled with joy”
Hannah spent a week in northern Nigeria as part of a trauma healing programme facilitated by Open Doors, working with nine women who had experienced sexual violence at the hands of these extremist groups. The project empowered the women to use art to share their stories and process their trauma.
By the end of the project each of the women had painted a powerful self-portrait. Many of the women chose to paint themselves with glistening tears of gold, sewing vibrant African fabric onto the canvas for the finishing touch.
One of the participants named Ladi spoke of the impact the project had, saying: “Before, I could not hold a pen or do anything. Now, through this art project, I have learnt how to draw. I drew myself and when I looked at it this morning, I saw how beautiful I am.”
Below you can watch Aisha’s story, who took part in the project:
