From Lebanon to the World: Documenting Feminist Histories Through Graphic Storytelling
Bernadette Daou - December 2024
Where to Marie? Stories of Feminism In Lebanon - Bernadette Daou
As a feminist and storyteller, I have always believed in the power of art and narrative to spark dialogue, inspire change, and preserve our collective histories. When I embarked on creating a graphic novel about the history of the feminist movement in Lebanon, I sought to bring these ideals to life, blending rigorous research with compelling visuals to make this vital history accessible to a broader audience.
The graphic novel, now available online at Where to, Marie?, draws on my own experiences, academic research, and years of activism within Lebanon’s civil society. It highlights key moments, movements, and figures that have shaped the feminist struggle in Lebanon, contextualizing them within the broader regional and global fights for gender justice.
Why a Graphic Novel?
The choice of medium was intentional. Graphic novels are an incredible tool for bridging the gap between complex subjects and diverse audiences. By combining visual art and storytelling, they can convey nuanced ideas in an engaging and relatable way, reaching people who might otherwise feel excluded from academic or activist circles.
For this project, I collaborated with talented artists who helped transform historical narratives and personal anecdotes into vivid, evocative illustrations. Together, we created a work that speaks to the struggles and triumphs of Lebanese feminists while also inviting reflection on universal themes of resistance, resilience, and solidarity.
Centering Feminist Voices
One of the central goals of this graphic novel is to amplify the voices of women whose contributions to the feminist movement have often been overlooked. From grassroots organizers to intellectual pioneers, the narrative celebrates the diversity of feminist activism in Lebanon, shedding light on the intersections of gender, class, and social justice.
It also addresses the challenges that continue to face the movement, including political instability, societal resistance, and the co-optation of feminist agendas by neoliberal interests. By rooting these discussions in historical context, the novel seeks to inspire a new generation of feminists to carry the struggle forward.
A Personal Journey
For me, this project was deeply personal. As someone who grew up during the civil war and later found my path in feminist activism, I felt a profound responsibility to document this history—not just as an observer, but as someone who has been shaped by it. The process of creating this graphic novel was one of both catharsis and learning, allowing me to reconnect with the stories and struggles that define my identity.
Sharing Our Stories
Publishing this graphic novel online was another deliberate choice. I wanted to ensure that it could reach audiences far beyond Lebanon, particularly members of the diaspora and allies in the global feminist movement. By making it freely accessible, I hope to spark conversations across borders and inspire others to explore their own histories through art and storytelling.
Where to Marie? The Meeting - Bernadette Daou
An Invitation
I invite you to explore Where to, Marie? and join me in celebrating the rich, complex history of feminist activism in Lebanon. Whether you’re a seasoned activist, a curious reader, or someone new to these conversations, I hope this work resonates with you and prompts you to reflect on the power of collective action.
“Let’s keep these stories alive—for us, for future generations, and for the ongoing fight for justice everywhere.”
Where to Marie? The Flood - Bernadette Daou
About the Author
Bernadette Daou is a feminist activist, researcher, and storyteller with a passion for amplifying marginalized voices and documenting social movements. Originally from Lebanon, Bernadette has spent her career at the intersection of advocacy, academia, and art. She co-founded the Gender Equity Network in Lebanon and has worked on various projects focusing on women's labor rights, reproductive justice, and the intersections of gender and social justice.
Bernadette is also the co-author of "Where to, Marie?," a graphic novel that chronicles the history of the feminist movement in Lebanon, blending academic rigour with visual storytelling to make this vital history accessible to a global audience. Now based in Toronto, Canada, she continues to work on initiatives that bridge cultural and social divides, while freelancing as a translator and researcher.
Bernadette is actively involved with the Syrian Canadian Foundation (SCF) in the Women in Civic Engagement (WICE) program, where she has acquired an enriched knowledge of Canadian democratic institutions through active participation. Her involvement in WICE catalyzed her interest in policy and government, driven by immersive experiences such as touring the Senate and the Supreme Court and attending an introductory workshop with The Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM). Bernadette has developed a firsthand understanding of the intricacies of the political landscape, witnessing democracy in action during the Question Period. While some are surprised by her involvement in a Syrian organization as a Lebanese activist, for Bernadette, it is a natural extension of her belief in transcending borders and narrow identities—a conviction that has always guided her work and activism.
Where to Marie? Nidal’s Story - Bernadette Daou
