How did Leen manage to break her barrier of fear?

Hello

 I am Leen Majed Al-Zenati, 21 years old. I finished my bachelor majoring in law, English language program from Al-Azhar university of Gaza. I participated in many community initiatives and volunteer work because I want to be part of the change in the reality of societal components in Palestinian society.

Last March, I had the opportunity to join the youth community of the Social Developmental Forum, which seeks to graduate leaders of change for society who have an effective impact on various issues, especially by providing interventions, community initiatives and digital and non-digital advocacy pressure campaigns. which seeks to improve the response of the local community to advocate for the issues of persons with disabilities through lobbying and advocacy campaigns, the program was my first opportunity to increase my knowledge about the importance of my societal role as a young woman, and how to use this role to create change, and I lived – for the first time – a holistic experience in which I was able to engage with persons with disabilities and learn more about their rights and work on them side by side with them – to enable them to practice it to the fullest.

As a continuation of the project’s activities, “Keef Shaifha? 2” tour, which aims to identify emergency mechanisms related to the evacuation and safe accommodation of persons with disabilities in the period of aggression and emergency events, as one of the main interventions to develop youth skills in listening, accountability and dialogue, and creating a link between young people and decision makers. 

The experience was unique to me, as it made a difference in the nature of my personality, as I was chosen to be a facilitator for dialogue with officials and decision-makers in the hearing that was held with the Palestinian Red Crescent Society, despite my participation in many community work, but I did not have the opportunity before to debate with those at the center of the decision and to sit with them at one dialogue table and be able to discuss them with confidence and an empowered voice.

This opportunity, through which I was allowed to play the role of a facilitator of dialogue in the hearing, made me discover the nature of the abilities that I enjoy, and I also broke the barrier of fear inside me, especially since I am a shy and quiet person. Indeed, this experience has enhanced my confidence in myself and my ability to manage dialogue and a strong presence, and I feel a desire to play this role again and be one of those who contribute to holding decision makers accountable for their role in integrating persons with disabilities and many issues, because social accountability is one of the pillars of a good society, and our responsibility lies in to change our societies for the better.

Finally, I believe that a person will not realize what he/she has until he/she has the opportunity and takes advantage of it, and this is what happened to me in “Keef Shaifha? 2” tour I will always strive to be an active part of my community and achieve even a small part of the societal change that I would love to see one day.

All thanks to the staff of the Social Developmental Forum, and Wasla Program staff, who gave me the opportunity and directed me to invest my abilities in the best possible way, and this is what we have always pledged to play in advancing young people towards societal change.