In September, 2024, Center for Story & Witness (formerly The Voices and Faces Project) traveled to Tbilisi, Georgia, where we partnered with UN Women to pilot our newest narrative advocacy workshop series, Local Storytelling, Global Change: Using Narrative in the Fight for Gender Justice. Created for, and in dialogue with, the UN Women Georgia country office, Local Storytelling, Global Change was made possible through the support of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and IREX.
During this all-new, four-part workshop series, Center for Story & Witness brought together a community of Tbilisi-based activists, allies, artists, and gender-based violence survivors seeking to think in new ways about the purpose and ethics of storytelling … explore how language can break through ideological barriers during times of high political conflict … consider how survivor storytelling can contribute to post-traumatic growth … and reflect on how to share our personal stories in ways that can lead to political change.
Perhaps Teona Japoshvili, the UN Women Project Analyst who played a critical role in bringing our newest training to her region, says it best:
“When I first attended a Voices and Faces Project workshop in the US, I was overwhelmed by emotions I had never experienced during a professional training. The room was filled with profound reflections on story — and the occasional tears. It left an impact, which is why I wanted to bring this program to my country. Initially I worried that the stigma in Georgia surrounding gender-based violence would make it difficult for participants to open up. But workshop facilitator Anne K. Ream created an inclusive environment rich in trust, empathy, and inspiration, encouraging participants to engage deeply and courageously. The post-program feedback we received underscored the power of a program dedicated to creating spaces where advocates, witnesses, and survivors can process their traumas, find strength in their voices, and lead others toward the healing that comes when we use story to create social change.”
A huge thanks to the inspired and inspiring UN Women and Center for Story & Witness team members who made our pilot program a success. But most of all, thanks to the bold, brave, and boundary-pushing leaders who took part in our workshop series in Tbilisi. We love watching you change the world!
To bring Local Storytelling, Global Change to your community or NGO, email aimee@storyandwitness.org.
