Amina Hamshari

The Impact of Dramatherapy on Palestinian Evacuees in Doha

Amina Hamshari

UNESCO Regional Office in Doha for the GCC States and Yemen

a.hamshari@unesco.org

In September 2024, UNESCO's Art-Lab Workshop in Doha provided a transformative experience for 50 Palestinian evacuees from Gaza, focusing on mental health and psychosocial support through dramatherapy. This initiative, held at Hamad Bin Khalifah University, was part of UNESCO's broader Action Plan for the Gaza Strip/Palestine, emphasizing the importance of arts in promoting human rights and dignity. The workshop, conducted by the renowned ASHTAR Theatre, utilized the Theatre of the Oppressed methodology developed by Augusto Boal. This approach, involving theatrical games and techniques, aimed to dismantle oppression and support personal empowerment. Participants, who had experienced significant trauma and loss, engaged in exercises that involved body, movement, and voice expressions, culminating in public performances of sketches addressing social issues such as gender discrimination, disability rights, and domestic responsibilities. The impact of the workshop was profound. Participants reported increased self-confidence, emotional expression, and public speaking skills. The training fostered a sense of solidarity and responsibility within the group, helping to break down feelings of isolation and reluctance. The evaluation conducted post-workshop revealed that 100% of participants felt equipped to reuse the techniques learned, highlighting the practical value of the training. Additionally, 91% of participants gained self-confidence, and 92% recognized the importance of arts practice for relief and wellbeing. The workshop's success underscores the potential of dramatherapy as a tool for mental health and psychosocial support in emergency situations. It also highlights the need for systematic deployment of art-therapy tools in similar contexts. The positive reception and willingness of participants to engage further with ASHTAR Theatre's activities suggest a strong foundation for future initiatives. This presentation will explore the methodologies used, the outcomes achieved, and the broader implications for integrating arts-based approaches in humanitarian and mental health interventions. It will also discuss recommendations for expanding such programs and the importance of international collaboration in promoting the transformative power of the arts in supporting vulnerable communities.

BIOGRAPHY

Amina Hamshari is the Regional Advisor for Social and Human Sciences at the UNESCO Regional Office in Doha for GCC States and Yemen. She holds a postgraduate diploma in Social Sciences (Contemporary History) from the University of Paris X-Nanterre, France. Amina's career spans significant roles in Palestine, where she coordinated curriculum development and emergency projects for UNDP-PAPP and the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process. At UNESCO Headquarters, she specialized in intercultural dialogue programs, and later served as Regional Advisor for SHS in Southern Africa. Amina is renowned for her work in promoting social justice and reconciliation through the reappropriation of space and narratives. She has been instrumental in implementing the UNESCO recommendation on the ethics of artificial intelligence in Southern Africa.  As the initiator of the "Art-Lab for Human Rights and Dialogue" at UNESCO, Amina has leveraged the arts to support vulnerable communities and promote human dignity. Her innovative approach has led to the successful implementation of pilots worldwide, addressing exclusion and fostering social cohesion. Additionally, Amina is now working on  the development of emergency preparedness and mitigation plans for sports ecosystems within UNESCO’s Fit for Life Flagship, ensuring resilience and sustainability in the face of crises.