AFGHANISTAN: RAWA held a week-long series of freedom actions in their homes, and centers – despite the risks and challenges they continue to face today. They symbolically utilized hands, mirrors and shadows as they clandestinely rose. The unique approach allowed them to express themselves in a covert manner, infusing their resistance with a distinctive and creative flair.
PHILIPPINES: Over 170 risings took place – with local governments participating and schools and colleges all across the country. The highlight is always the 4,000-strong Youth Rising by St. Scholastica’ s College Manila which is annually covered by local and international media. Many colleges have been inspired by them – so this year there were thousands of students dancing in nearly 60 schools. Social media is full of OBR Philippines college rising dance videos.
The main“ Rising Freedom: Be The New World Festival” was a day of community, celebration, resistance, healing, connection and honoring. It was a journey of body, heart and spirit. An odyssey of music, movement, theatre, ceremony, ritual, art, poetry, drumming and dance. And a re-imagining of love, life and liberation.
CROATIA: Created the first of its kind women’ s film festival – an event that focused on women refugees and migrations, and theatre performances on violence towards young women. Croatia will hold a three day Rising Freedom Festival in a large park in September.
SERBIA: Activities included V’ s visit to Nis and the planting of trees, performances of“ The Vagina Monologues”, and the meaningful participation of Roma women in the risings.