Srinagar April 11: Ehsaas, a non government policy group has been organising various story telling sessions at Jammu and in Srinagar.
Ezabir Ali, Founder/Secretary Ehsaas, stated that art has healing powers and storytelling is a powerful tool as it helps to build understanding, resilience amongst women living in challenging circumstances.
The event was organized by EHSAAS in collaboration with HWVO, with support from Women Mediators from Commonwealth (WMC) & Centre for Women, Peace and Security, London School of Economics and Political Science.
Ezabir shared, “We have held various sessions on storytelling for using it as a tool for strength based approach to highlight the particular individual or community instead of the deficit and shortcomings- to help evoke empathy and encourage a shift in perspectives/ build understanding and compassion.”
Ezabir Ali shared that the outcome of these sessions has been very encouraging. “It has increased empathy, understanding and compassion amongst women, representing polarised communities.”
She further added these session have proved to be therapeutic as they helped empower members to build stories together and drive narratives that benefit the community about hope and resilience.
Ezabir has been using story telling as a peace building and social cohesion tool to bring together polarised communities in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh.
While sharing her experience, she said that the experience has been encouraging as these sessions have proved that stories of courage and determination are capable of impacting people on an emotional and intellectual level. Women from various backgrounds and professions have been part of these sessions and each woman has been encouraged to document the story that they shared for future use, and possible publication.
A young scholar from Kashmir University shared, “Sharing my story allowed me to feel like I had a voice that I didn’t have before. I also had the freedom to choose when and who I shared it with. Thank you for showing me this art.”
Another scholar added, “Had I known when I was a 20 year old girl that there was a place, where I could go to talk about my experience, a place where I could meet a warm and accepting community to share my experiences and confusions with, it would have made an enormous difference in my life. I will recommend SAMANBAL to all my friends. It has helped me remove the pain and connect with you all amazing women, after feeling isolated for so long. I feel understood and heard.”
