Strength TogetHER 9 - Session 9

 

8th May,2021.

On 8th may 2021, amidst the lock-down we had a virtual session where we discussed the topic "LOCKDOWN LESSONS." At around 4 pm, 25 girls gathered via zoom to discuss the mistakes we did in the previous lock down and the plan we have set for ourselves to spend the upcoming lock down. The session went on till 5:30 pm.

Facilitated by ‘Lokopakar’ youth organization which focuses on the development of youth personally and professionally in Nepal, 'Strength togetHER' virtual program is created especially for girls and young women of different mindsets and backgrounds. During the sessions, they all come together to share various views, ideas, perspectives, experiences, and stories. This space helps them to grow as individuals by creating a platform to be themselves, talk about their issues, and find solutions to their problems.

The session was possible due to the love and support of our moderator Mrs. Bhawana Malla Baniya. She is a cheerful and energetic person who also believes in showing her creativity through paintings. She has also been a part of Fightback,whose aim is to reduce the risk of sexual violence all across India and Nepal.

After reliving some memories of the previous lock down, our energetic speakers and participants shared their stories and added to the atmosphere of discussion.

Most of our speakers spent their previous lock down by taking her studies for granted. Now they were aware of the consequences it brought and planned to spend it by making a proper schedule which included their studies too.

The stories shared by all of our participants were similar. Our participants spent their first lock down by:

• Watching series

• Not being aware about the way to spend that time

• Took that as a vacation

• spent time with family

• Tried building new skills

• Tried to develop new cooking skills

• Neglecting physical exercise

In the second lock down that was going on at that time our participants were much aware of the schedule they had made for themselves. They plan to spend it in more fruitful way.List of things they had planned for themselves :

• GIVE TOPMOST PRIORITY TO THEIR STUDIES.

• Develop some skills

• Grab some opportunities and platform

• Make a routine by prioritizing things

• Being productive

• Learn guitar

• Write stories and poems

• Explore themselves

• Practice guided medicine

• Do something that make them happy etc

After listening to everyone, our moderator told us that being happy is just a feeling and you can be happy without even being productive. For the world, we may not be someone who has done great deals but in spite of that happiness can cross your door. The 90 minutes session brought us to following conclusions :

• Stay motivated and discover yourself

• Listen positive affirmatives

• Everyone has their own way of tacking emotion

• When you make a mistake , talk about it. Don't be someone who won't admit it.

• Limit the use of social media

• Try to have healthy comparison whenever you are part of it

• Learn to ignore the topic that disturbs your mental health

• DON' T BELIEVE EVERYTHING THAT YOU SEE IN SOCIAL MEDIA.

At last, we took a screenshot to always cherish the beautiful moment we had spent together and bid goodbye with the promise of spending ongoing lock-down in its best possible way.

WRITTEN BY: Sakshi Wagle ( Cohort Co-ordinator)