COMBATING GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE THROUGH ART, POETRY, AND STORYTELLING
Today, the power of words and creativity to shape our world is more evident than ever. Supported by The Tibet Fund, Drokpo initiated a pioneering program tackling gender-based violence (GBV) in Tibetan and Himalayan communities. This initiative utilized educational workshops, film screenings, and an inter-school creative competition to challenge cultural taboos, stimulate dialogue, and promote transformative change. Additionally, the team aimed to empower individuals to take proactive steps in addressing entrenched societal issues by fostering empathy and encouraging action.
The program commenced with awareness sessions led by Dr. Kunsang Dolma Sherpa, delving into various facets of GBV and its community-wide impacts. In a nurturing atmosphere, participants engaged in candid conversations dispelling myths and creating a safe space for open discourse on these crucial yet often neglected topics. Additionally, a film by the Tibetan Center for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD) showcasing real-life scenarios of violence was screened to raise awareness and stimulate meaningful dialogue among participants.
During the second phase, eleven schools engaged in an interschool creative competition, sharing their individual viewpoints on gender-based violence (GBV) through various mediums such as art, poetry, and storytelling. Drokpo strives to establish an educational atmosphere that extends beyond conventional textbooks, offering a secure and inclusive space for students to comprehend the complexities of GBV and cultivate empathy. Through this competition, young participants have become informed advocates actively engaged in addressing injustice, showcasing impactful artwork, heartfelt poetry, and compelling narratives that shed light on gender-related issues.
The program concluded with a moving poetry recitation from students at the prize distribution, underscoring their commitment to combatting GBV. This competition encourages students to share stories of strength, courage, and survival, highlighting education, awareness, and community support as pillars of hope. Youth participation is pivotal in fostering responsibility and awareness, with their creativity serving as catalysts for change, influencing peers and the community as future changemakers.
The program commenced with awareness sessions led by Dr. Kunsang Dolma Sherpa, delving into various facets of GBV and its community-wide impacts. In a nurturing atmosphere, participants engaged in candid conversations dispelling myths and creating a safe space for open discourse on these crucial yet often neglected topics. Additionally, a film by the Tibetan Center for Human Rights and Democracy (TCHRD) showcasing real-life scenarios of violence was screened to raise awareness and stimulate meaningful dialogue among participants.
During the second phase, eleven schools engaged in an interschool creative competition, sharing their individual viewpoints on gender-based violence (GBV) through various mediums such as art, poetry, and storytelling. Drokpo strives to establish an educational atmosphere that extends beyond conventional textbooks, offering a secure and inclusive space for students to comprehend the complexities of GBV and cultivate empathy. Through this competition, young participants have become informed advocates actively engaged in addressing injustice, showcasing impactful artwork, heartfelt poetry, and compelling narratives that shed light on gender-related issues.
The program concluded with a moving poetry recitation from students at the prize distribution, underscoring their commitment to combatting GBV. This competition encourages students to share stories of strength, courage, and survival, highlighting education, awareness, and community support as pillars of hope. Youth participation is pivotal in fostering responsibility and awareness, with their creativity serving as catalysts for change, influencing peers and the community as future changemakers.
A powerful and impactful poetry recitation by students during the prize-distribution ceremony.
