Stories are within us

FLO Chennai had the privilege of collaborating with Storiculture and Vijay Gnanaprasad of ECTE to conduct an enriching workshop for 60 women auto drivers. Storiculture, known for working closely with research organizations, philanthropies, and experts, specializes in producing and running upskilling workshops, impact campaigns, short films, and anthologies. Their work focuses on gender, climate, culture, and technology. This impactful workshop was held at Alpha CBSE School in Chennai.

The primary objective of the workshop was to create a meaningful impact in the lives of these women. The session began with icebreakers designed to help participants open up, reflect on their lives, identities, stories, and memories, and create a space for personal expression and relaxation.

Facilitated by PS Vaishnavi and supported by Archanaa Seker, the icebreaker activities helped the women acclimate to the workshop environment and the people they were interacting with. Vaishnavi, the main facilitator, guided the participants through their feelings, emphasizing the importance of relying on each other as a supportive community.

Ms. Kavita Muralidharan of the PARI Network led a session on the significance of sharing one’s own stories and discovering these narratives, whether they stem from anger or joy. She encouraged the women to view themselves as the heroes of their own lives, rather than idolizing superstars and actors, and to pay attention to the stories within themselves.

The workshop’s key message was for the participants to have fun, relax, and also to exercise their voices by sharing their personal stories. This collaborative effort aimed to inspire and empower the women auto drivers, helping them recognize and celebrate their own strengths and narratives.

NUMBER OF PEOPLE IMPACTED: Around 60 women autodrivers