Embroidered "Giving Does Not Wither" Home Door Art by Refugee Women | Joy is Resistance

Joy is Resistance: Giving Does Not Wither

Vision:
This original, hand-embroidered piece shows an arched lavender door at the top of worn stone steps. A bright orange tree bends over the doorway. Its branches fill with hundreds of deep red French knot blossoms. A small garden of teal, gold, and burgundy grows beside the steps. Stitched in Arabic beside the door are the words "Giving Does not Wither" The piece is signed by the artist, Khadija.

Meaning:
To keep making beautiful things after losing a home is a quiet act of defiance. It says: you cannot take this from me. For the women of Shatila, joy is resistance. The door stands for home. It stands for safety, warmth, and the hope of return. The tree in full bloom says that life keeps growing, even far from where it began.

In the Artists' Words:
"All the pieces express belonging to home, the search for inner peace, and the hope for peace in the homeland. The women chose these images because they reflect their own feelings and experiences. For them, home means comfort, safety, and tenderness. And the homeland holds a special place in their hearts, no matter how many years they have lived as refugees, far from it. These works are not just pictures. They carry the feelings, memories, and wishes each woman holds. Through them, she expresses her longing for peace and stability, in her home and in her country."

Purpose:
This work creates meaningful employment for women affected by conflict and a steady source of income. Proceeds go directly to the artist and fund education for girls at the Alsama Project.

Artist's Process:
Each artist chose and printed an image that meant "joy" to her. She then embroidered it by hand, adding her own story and hopes to every stitch. For Khadija, joy is home: an open door, a tree in bloom, and a garden that keeps growing.

Impact:
Every purchase helps a displaced woman rebuild her life with dignity. It also keeps girls in school. This piece is more than art. It is a small act of solidarity.

Details:

• Original hand-embroidered artwork, framed (30 x 40 cm with mat)
• Signed by the artist, Khadija
• Made by refugee women, mothers of Alsama Project students, in Shatila refugee camp, Lebanon
• Each piece tells a personal story of resilience and hope
• 100% of proceeds support the artist and girls' education at Alsama