When crises strike, they often expose and deepen the vulnerabilities of structurally excluded communities. The Zayzafoun Network in Lebanon understood this instinctively and sprang into action when the Migrant Community Centre (MCC) in Beirut, a crucial space for migrant workers to connect, build skills, and share resources, was forced to shut down in 2022. This closure, set against the backdrop of an ongoing economic crisis, had stripped migrant women of a vital safe space.
The ongoing political instability and economic collapse in Lebanon have severely impacted the lives of its residents, particularly migrant women workers, compounding the emotional, physical, and financial burdens on these women. Struggling to navigate an increasingly volatile environment, many reported heightened stress levels and a diminished ability to focus. Amid these challenges, they felt an urgent need for connection and a sense of belonging, which they found through engaging in creative media.
Spurred by these challenges, the Zayzafoun Network saw an opportunity to activate community solidarity. In March 2023, with an Opportunity grant from the Urgent Action Fund for Feminist Activism (UAF-FA) facilitated through CMI!, they launched the “Rhythm Intervention” project. This initiative aimed to provide migrant women and children an alternative space to connect and express themselves through music.
With the grant, the Zayzafoun Network bought 22 percussive instruments and partnered with MCC activists, artists, and a local music shop to provide rhythm classes to 50 participants—25 migrant women workers from diverse backgrounds and 25 migrant children aged 8-17. The music lessons offered a much-needed outlet and a means to reconnect with their and others’ cultural rhythmic heritage. “This strategy proved to be very successful because now more migrant workers are demanding more activities as emotional release and community gathering as a form of solidarity in the face of a collapsing system,” one organiser said.
Two groups from the project planned to showcase drum circle performances, while five adolescent girls formed a singing group to perform their own traditional songs at community events. The reopened MCC, now in a new location, integrated all 22 percussive instruments into its offerings, enriching its role as a creative space for gathering and cultural activity.
Through music, participants found community and belonging, which helped them make connections that alleviated some of their challenges. The project not only provided psychosocial support but also ignited creative expressions that built solidarity among the participants. It also showed that art can be a vital component of feminist activism.
This is one of the seven stories we have published as CMI! Stories of Change 2023 under the #FundWhatWorks campaign. The stories portray how activists and organisations worldwide are working to advance human rights and gender justice.
