When we think of Syria nowadays, we think of cities turning to rubble, shattered homes, crying children and washed away refugees.
But underneath all that destruction and pain is a side of Syria the media doesn't show, the stories of communities that are choosing hope and striving to make a difference instead of falling into despair.
In an effort to bring some of those stories to light, the I AM SHE non-profit initiative, a network of more than 25 peace circles led by Syrian women, will produce a series of five videos that document the stories of these women and their peace-building efforts.
The peace-building movement has been working since 2013 on empowering and inspiring Syrian women to allow them to become active members in their communities, working to achieve peace and spread hope in their circles.
But with its new project, I AM SHE is aiming for a bigger cause, it's not only aiming to inspire more women to join and build peace circles in Syria, but to tell their stories to the world so it can see Syria from a different angle and hopefully it too, can be inspired.
"The videos will also inform the world about the amazing work of Syrian women, and inspire them to see Syrian women as leaders and as a crucial part of the solution for a peaceful future in Syria," according to the project's Zoomaal crowdfunding page.
The inspirational videos will highlight the issues these women face to carry out their peace-building efforts, as well as honor their achievements.
These achievements include that of one peace circle that managed to achieve a 20-day ceasefire in the countryside near Damascus through a pressure campaign.
They also include those of peace circles in Lattakia and Hassakeh that organized cultural events to build bridges of understanding between members of different ethic groups and religions, and those of peace circles in Dariya and the Haram refugee camp that gave children lessons on conflict resolution and nonviolent solutions.
The untold stories of these unheard women are many, which can be discouraging, that is why I AM SHE wants to share their stories, to "empower them and inspire the world."
