Workshop aims to help women address trauma from Cyprus’ 1974 war

Nicosia, Cyprus. Trauma passed from generation to generation could lead to renewed violence, denial and separation between Cyprus’ two communities unless its transmission is stopped, Life Again trainer Angeliki Hadjiloizou said on Sunday. The upcoming programme aims to help women affected by war trauma recognise the importance of forgiveness in breaking their ties to the pain of the past.

Programme begins on October 12

Life Again, part of the Life Against War Violence foundation, begins on October 12. Hadjiloizou will run the programme with Mary Kanari.

It is aimed at first-, second- and third-generation women who have experienced trauma associated with the 1974 war.

The programme consists of 10 weekly meetings in a setting intended to help participants trust one another, the space and the programme, enabling them to share their experiences and let go of what weighs on them.

Recognising strength and supporting families

“The goal is not to dig into the past because that brings more pain. The goal is to recognise that to be here today, it means that we had too much strength and we have come this far. And it is this power that we want to recognise and develop,” Hadjiloizou said.

She said women have “enormous power” to influence their immediate families. The programme aims to help them use that influence positively, with hope for the future and for life, confidence in who they are and the ability to continue their lives.

Free participation for Greek Cypriot women

This will be the third time the programme has run. The first edition, funded by Unficyp, was bicommunal. This edition, like the previous one, will be for Greek Cypriots only.

Participation is free. For more information, visit https://www.youtube.com/@ZoevsWarViolence or contact 70004800 or [email protected].