Embroidered "Every Step is a Beginning" Women and Stairs Art by Refugee Women | Joy is Resistance

Joy is Resistance: Every Step Is a Beginning

Vision:
This original, hand-embroidered piece shows a woman in a deep blue coat, sheltered under a blue umbrella. She climbs a set of stone steps. Flowers grow all along her path: orange blooms, red buds, white daisies, and green leaves. A small lantern hangs nearby, and a bright red window waits at the top. Beside her are the words "Every step is a beginning." The piece is signed by the artist.

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 woman carries her umbrella, ready for whatever weather comes. But she keeps climbing. Flowers bloom around her, and a light guides the way. Each small step forward is a fresh start. Joy is found in moving forward, one step at a time.

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 this artist, joy is hope for what comes next, found in every step forward.

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
• 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