Youth and Education Project: “Share your Solidarity!”

Learning, Remembering, and Taking Action Together: “Share your Solidarity!”

The project “Share your Solidarity!” enabled young people aged 12 to 24 to engage with the history of the “comfort women” and to draw strength and inspiration for their own acts of solidarity.

What was the project about?

The project provided a safe space for young people from Berlin to come together, discover commonalities, and appreciate differences. Creative activities such as crocheting and cooking together fostered openness and a sense of community. At the same time, participants deeply engaged with the history of the “comfort women” through museum tours, film screenings, and visits to the Statue of Peace. They developed a deeper understanding of remembrance culture, global injustices, and resistance. Their insights into solidarity and empowerment were expressed through a joint artistic work, which was presented at a celebratory closing event that also served as a year-end celebration. This event created a warm atmosphere for participants, their families, activists, and organizations to celebrate connection and togetherness.

Key themes of the “Share your Solidarity!” project:

History of the “comfort women” and resistance
Sexualized violence, sexism, war, colonialism, and racism
Solidarity, community, and empowerment
Creative and artistic actions as a means of expressing solidarity and community

Activities

A total of six workshops were held to promote solidarity and empowerment through creative and community-based activities. Each workshop offered participants different ways to explore these topics—through museum visits, art, intergenerational exchange, or cooking together. At the beginning of each workshop, short summaries of the previous sessions were presented to build on the knowledge and experiences gained. These recaps helped participants quickly reconnect with the topics. Each workshop ended with a reflection and feedback session, where participants shared their thoughts, feelings, and impressions. These sessions were especially important to make individual learning processes visible and to allow participants to share their ideas and wishes.

Workshop 1: Introduction and Reflection (30.08.2024)

The participants visited the Statue of Peace and received a museum tour on the topic of sexualized violence in wartime. They reflected on the meaning of the statue and the culture of remembrance. Cooking together strengthened the group’s sense of connection and created space for open conversations.

Workshop 2: Deepening and Creative Expression (12.10.2024)

The engagement with the history of the “comfort women” was deepened through another museum tour. The participants took part in shaping the design of the upcoming workshops. Through creative writing exercises, they explored the meaning of solidarity and decided to crochet a cloak for the Statue of Peace Ari as a communal act of care.

Workshop 3: Handwork as Resistance (09.11.2024)

This workshop focused on handcraft as a feminist practice of resistance. The group discussed the political significance of handwork and began crocheting the cloak for Ari. This activity sparked deep conversations on resistance and empowerment. The workshop ended with a shared meal.

Workshop 4: Film, Art, and Activism (23.11.2024)

Through the films „Letter to My Mother“ und „Her Story“ the participants explored remembrance culture and the representation of the “comfort women.” In the following discussion, they reflected on sexualized violence, resistance, and the role of art in the fight against injustice. The day concluded with a communal cooking session.

Workshop 5: Intergenerational Exchange (07.12.2024)

A special highlight was the exchange with activists from the “Comfort Women” working group from Japan and Korea. They shared their commitment, solidarity, and joint struggle for justice. The families of participants were also invited, creating a valuable intergenerational dialogue. While crocheting together, inspiring conversations about solidarity and resistance emerged.

Workshop 6: Conclusion and Ceremonial Handover (21.12.2024)

The final workshop focused on reflection and closure. The crocheted cloak was completed and ceremoniously placed on the Statue of Peace Ari. Participants looked back on their shared journey and shared their experiences with friends, family, and the team. The year-end celebration with cookie baking and a shared meal provided a wonderful conclusion, strengthening bonds beyond the project itself.