we are not numbers

emerging writers from Palestine tell their stories and advocate for their human rights

Taqwa Ahmed Al-Wawi

  • Gaza Strip

Taqwa Ahmed Al-Wawi is an aspiring writer and student of English literature at the Islamic University of Gaza, carving her path in a city that speaks the language of resilience.

“I come from Gaza, a place where hope is written from the ruins of war and dreams are forged in the heart of hardship,” she says. “For me, writing is more than just an expression; it’s an escape from harsh reality. It’s where I find my path and inscribe my ambitions.

“My words carry the heartbeat of a Palestinian girl who refuses to merely witness history but is determined to shape it. With each line, I move closer to realizing my dreams — not just to overcome challenges but to create a lasting impact on the world. Writing is my journey, one that takes me far from a reality that changes slowly, where I transform pain into creative energy.

“Every word is a promise of a better future, a future I am already outlining today.”

Current as of January 2025

A young woman in front of a house and trees with pink blossoms.

my work

Although her loss still fills me with deep sorrow, I find peace in knowing she is in a place where no harm can ever reach her.