The Intisar Foundation organized an exhibition themed "Women in Times of War in Palestine” at the Contemporary Art Platform (CAP), under the patronage of Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdullah Al-Yahya and attendance of Deputy Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, featuring more than 100 artists from 20 countries.
The opening of the exhibition event featured a discussion panel of distinguished speakers, including Sheikha Intisar Salem Al-Sabah, founder of the Intisar Foundation; Sheikha Jawaher Ibrahim Al-Duaij Al-Sabah, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Human Rights; Dr. Faisal Al-Hajri, a urology specialist; Dr. Hussain Al-Mutairi, an orthopedic consultant and former chairman of the health committee in the National Assembly; and Maha Al-Barjas, Secretary-General of the Kuwait Red Crescent Society. Notable attendees included Deputy Foreign Minister Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, various ambassadors and other esteemed guests.
Sheikha Intisar emphasized the importance of mental health and sustainable peace, as well as Kuwait’s leadership in human rights, peace and women’s issues. She recalled the collaboration with Kuwait Red Crescent Society in 2017 aimed at raising awareness about the suffering of Arab women and children affected by war, which inspired the event at CAP. The exhibition showcased artists conveying powerful messages through art.
Sheikha Intisar highlighted the lack of attention given to women’s mental health, noting that they are often the most affected by trauma in conflict situations. "Women frequently prioritize their families’ needs over their own, making them more vulnerable to psychological issues resulting from war,” she stated.
This recognition of women’s unique struggles led to the establishment of the Intisar Foundation, which incorporates drama therapy as a key component of its mental health initiatives. This approach blends psychology with theatrical techniques, allowing women to express themselves and connect with their emotions in a supportive environment. Sheikha Intisar noted how drama therapy has proven effective for trauma recovery, fostering a sense of community among participants and facilitating healing through shared experiences.
Sheikha Jawaher elaborated on the need for protective mechanisms for women in wartime, emphasizing that their narratives often reveal distinct and profound suffering. Women face challenges such as displacement, loss, and caregiving responsibilities amidst conflict. "The worst situation of all is when a woman needs to give birth during war,” Sheikha Jawaher highlighted.
The discussions concluded with a call to action for implementing existing agreements aimed at women’s protection and rights, such as the Women, Peace and Security resolution. Participants stressed the importance of translating these agreements into tangible support and advocacy efforts to make a meaningful difference in the lives of women affected by war.