November and December of 2024 were a vortex of experiences, growth, and inspiration for me. From Kathmandu to Bangkok and beyond, I was fortunate to witness firsthand the incredible power of women’s movements and the global solidarity that sustains them.
Powerful narratives of women’s struggles for freedom
It began with the final dissemination event for the Sustaining Power: Women’s Struggles Against Contemporary Backlash in South Asia (SuPWR) research project in Kathmandu, Nepal. Over five years, this initiative explored the strategies and resilience of women’s movements in Nepal, India, Bangladesh, and Pakistan as they faced backlash from regressive forces.
In Nepal, the research focused on four transformative movements: the National Alliance for Women Human Rights Defenders (NAWHRD), Jagriti Mahila Maha Sangh (JMMS), Girls’ Rights Forum (GRF), and Nepal Mahila Ekata Samaj (NMES). CARE Nepal led this longitudinal process, which offered a rare opportunity to deeply analyse the evolution, challenges, and triumphs of these movements. The final dissemination event, coupled with a photo exhibition, at the British Embassy in Kathmandu, was an emotional and intellectual milestone for me, celebrating five years of the hard work and dedication of all involved, while sparking meaningful dialogue on the path forward.
I was really proud to present the research findings on GRF, and especially proud as the event was successfully executed and warmly received by stakeholders and audiences alike. Following this, the photo exhibition moved to the Patan Museum, where it showcased the wins and challenges faced by the women’s movements across the four countries. The visitors to Patan Museum, including the members of general public, the inquisitive schoolgirls, and museum staff were deeply moved by the powerful narratives of women’s struggles for freedom.
Sharing stories and standing together at AWID
Soon thereafter, from Kathmandu, I traveled to Bangkok to attend the 15th AWID International Forum, a global feminist forum that brought together activists, artists, and changemakers from across the world. I went with a sense of excitement but also felt the pressure of balancing my participation with the responsibility of presenting.
One of the most significant moments at AWID for me was the forum theatre performance “House of Dignity”, led by JMMS and supported by members from NAWHRD, GRF, and NMES, our partners from SuPWR research in Nepal. The play vividly portrayed the challenges faced by sex workers in Nepal and their key asks, and watching the team perform with such confidence and conviction on an international stage was profoundly moving. The solidarity and support they received from the global audience were a reminder of the strength that comes from sharing stories and standing together.
While I wish I had more time to attend sessions and explore the forum fully, the ones I did participate in left a lasting impression on me. A solo act from India addressing the struggles of Muslim minorities was especially powerful, not only for its message, but also for its innovative use of lighting and sound, which later inspired elements of our drama presentation.
The AWID forum was a vibrant mix of ideas and insights, covering topics ranging from feminist organising and climate issues to digital activism. It was fascinating to see how organisations presented their missions through creative displays, brochures, and interactive installations. As a communicator, I found myself not just absorbing the content, but also reflecting on how these methods enhanced the way stories are told and messages are shared.
One overarching theme that struck a chord with me was the collective struggles and resilience of women everywhere. Regardless of nationality, color, or creed, women have endured so much to secure the rights they enjoy today, but the journey is far from over. The artwork, documentaries, and discussions reminded me of the importance of continuing to fight for equality, not just for ourselves, but for future generations.
The power of storytelling
After AWID, my journey continued to Bangladesh for another SuPWR final dissemination event. The experience there mirrored what I had seen in Nepal, i.e. women uniting to confront challenges and build a better future.
These weeks have been a reminder of why I do what I do. They have shown me the power of storytelling, the importance of solidarity, and the unyielding spirit of women who refuse to be silenced. The road ahead may be long, but if these moments have taught me anything, it’s that every step forward, no matter how small, matters.
