The Freedom Project
Balquees Othman, a multidisciplinary artist born in Jerusalem in 1994, has dedicated her work to addressing social issues, particularly the status of women and the rights of Palestinians under Israeli occupation. Since earning her BA in Contemporary Art from Dar al-Kalima University in Bethlehem in 2018, Othman has used various mediums—ink drawing, oil painting, photography, video, and installation art—to creatively express her insights.
In March 2021, she launched an inspiring initiative called the Freedom Project, aimed at empowering women from Jerusalem and its suburbs. This program, which is still ongoing, focuses on teaching women how to ride bicycles, allowing them not only to acquire a new skill but also to build self-confidence, forge social connections, and improve their physical and mental health.
During a recent presentation, Othman expressed her gratitude to the influential artist Samia Halaby and Dar al-Kalima University for their support of her project. "Cycling is a familiar sport in many parts of the world," she noted, "but in occupied Palestine, it is not very common for women to engage in it due to societal norms and inherited misconceptions."
Othman emphasized the unique joy and freedom that comes with cycling: feeling the fresh air against the skin, enjoying the beauty of the landscape, and connecting with the environment. “Imagine yourself riding a bicycle, the wind in your hair, exploring new places that were previously out of reach because of public transportation limitations,” she shared.
The Freedom Project has gained significant traction since its inception. Over the course of the grant periods in 2020 and 2021, Othman successfully trained approximately 50 women aged 18 to 65. In the following cycle from 2021 to 2022, the project expanded, allowing her to train an additional 19 participants.
The dual focus of the project involves both teaching women how to ride bicycles and organizing cycling tours. Many of the women participating in the project had never ridden a bicycle before or had traumatic experiences in childhood that deterred them from cycling again. Through Othman's guidance, they not only learn to conquer their fears but also create new friendships and experiences.
The cycling tours have attracted around 90 participants, exploring various areas of Jerusalem, its suburbs, and some regions of the West Bank. Othman aspires to broaden the scope of the Freedom Project, aiming to expand its reach both throughout Palestine and internationally.
Through her dedication to this cause, Balquees Othman is not only changing perceptions around women's cycling in her community but also empowering women to reclaim their freedom and agency in a society that often restricts them. The Freedom Project stands as a testament to the resilience of spirit and the transformative power of community engagement.
