The discussions took place at the headquarters of the Punjab Women Protection Authority and concerned the possibility of implementing a joint international art therapy project aimed at women who have experienced domestic violence and trauma.
During the meeting, Dr Maria Eleonora Hebisz presented her original project concept entitled Barwy odzyskanego głosu [Colours of a Reclaimed Voice], whose aim is to support women in regaining a sense of security, agency and self-worth through art therapy activities based on drawing and painting. The project envisages the use of artistic creation as a tool supporting the process of trauma recovery, the restoration of inner balance, and the strengthening of the participants’ sense of subjectivity.
The proposed concept is based on the assumption that the recovery process in art therapy progresses from the expression of difficult, often non-verbal experiences towards gradually regaining a sense of control over one’s own story and emotions. Through working with colour, texture and symbols, participants are able to assign new meanings to their experiences, creating images associated with safety, strength and hope. Creative activities support emotional regulation, reduce tension and help rebuild a sense of agency.
The reference to local cultural traditions of north-eastern Punjab – ornaments, colour schemes and the symbolism of everyday life – which helps to strengthen the participants’ sense of identity and cultural rootedness, is also an important element of the project. The project involves creating a safe and supportive group environment in which individual experiences can be incorporated into a shared narrative based on solidarity, trust and the process of reclaiming one’s voice.
The meeting constituted an important step towards developing international cooperation between the academic community and public institutions working to protect women’s rights and support individuals who have experienced violence. The initiative combines humanistic, social and intercultural perspectives, emphasising the importance of art and creative activities as tools supporting psychological and social recovery.
