The Language of Wounds – Art and Literature in the Fight against Violence

The Language of Wounds – Art and Literature in the Fight against Violence

15 February 2025 | 1:00 PM | YouTube

This event was a deeply emotional and empowering discussion centered on women’s resilience, healing through art, and the ongoing fight against systemic violence. Organized by Set Them Free, a platform that unites women from diverse backgrounds—artists, activists, and survivors—to raise awareness about gender-based violence, social oppression, and political repression, especially in contexts of social upheaval and authoritarian regimes.

The session opened with an introduction to the organization’s work, emphasizing their focus on raising awareness about the systematic violations of women’s rights across multiple countries. Their projects include advocacy campaigns, development initiatives for women and girls subjected to violence and forced migration, and efforts to highlight and resist social and political persecution.

The first speaker, Hilal Nesin, a writer and artist, shared her personal journey of transforming trauma into artistic expression. She explained that her initial work was rooted in literature, which helped her process her feelings about living amid chaos reminiscent of war zones or oppressive regimes, comparing her experience to the chaos of Hitler’s era. Hilal emphasized that art and literature are the most effective ways to communicate emotion because they involve not only words but also musical notes, characters, and physical gestures that evoke empathy and understanding. She underlined that art is a powerful healing tool, especially for women who have been silenced or traumatized. She shared her plans to adapt her work into a stage play, which will depict stories of women’s resilience and suffering, emphasizing that her creative process involves deeply internalizing the stories by engaging directly with women, listening to their pain, laughter, and tears.

Selma, an activist, described her journey with music and theater as tools for healing. She recounted how her involvement in a choir and theater was not initially aimed at therapy but became vital for her emotional recovery. She explained that singing and acting in a supportive environment allowed her to confront her pain, express her feelings, and find strength. Selma highlighted that art is accessible—requiring only courage rather than expensive resources—and encouraged women to participate in community-based art activities like amateur theater, choir groups, or concerts. Her message was that art and collective expression serve as powerful means for women to heal their wounds and reclaim their voices.

The discussion then shifted to the stories of women who have endured various forms of violence—domestic, political, social—and how art helps them process and overcome trauma. Aslihan Kas shared her experiences working with women who have faced systemic violence, including those imprisoned, victims of domestic abuse, or survivors of social oppression. She narrated stories of women who lost their families, were subjected to physical violence, or endured psychological trauma. Aslihan emphasized that many women carry deep scars—emotional, physical, and social—that require collective healing. She stressed the importance of creating safe spaces where women can share their stories, express their feelings freely, and build solidarity.

Throughout the session, the women discussed the significance of storytelling, art, and humor as resistance tools. Selma talked about how humor, especially dark humor, is essential for coping with trauma and making sense of painful realities. She emphasized that art not only heals but also challenges societal taboos and normalizes conversations about violence, pain, and resilience. Hilal added that art and storytelling are acts of resistance—they give voice to the silenced and help break the cycle of oppression.

A key theme was the pervasive violence women face from state institutions and society. Participants shared their observations about how systemic violence manifests in physical abuse, social stigmatization, and silencing. Hilal pointed out that cultural and religious expectations often force women to suppress their pain, making it difficult for them to speak out. She underscored the importance of collective storytelling and art as means to empower women, restore their voices, and facilitate healing.

The emotional stories shared included women recounting their experiences of violence, social marginalization, and trauma. Some women described their journeys of survival, emphasizing that art, community, and mutual support are crucial for healing. They expressed hope that collective efforts to tell their stories can help challenge societal norms and inspire change.

The participants also discussed the importance of self-care and mental health. Selma shared her own experience of the emotional toll of working with traumatized women, noting that her own mental health improved through her artistic engagement. She emphasized the importance of creating safe spaces where women can openly share their experiences without fear of judgment or retaliation.

In closing, the women reaffirmed that resilience, solidarity, and creativity are vital for overcoming oppression. They called on women everywhere to support each other, share their stories, and use art as a form of resistance and healing. They emphasized that their collective strength lies in honesty, mutual support, and the courage to speak out. The event ended with an inspiring message: that healing is a collective journey, one that requires patience, empathy, and community. The women urged everyone to continue advocating for women’s rights, to listen deeply to women’s stories, and to support artistic and cultural initiatives that empower women and challenge systemic violence.

PANELISTS:

Melike Guray, CBT Therapist, Set Them Free Board Member 

Aslıhan Kas, Board Member, Advocates of Silenced Turkey – Social Genocide Exhibition Coordinator

Hilal Nesin, Author 

Selma Hacibeyoglu, Activist