navLine
Celebrating Voices Through Poetry
An intergenerational gathering of menstruators to write, reflect, and use literature as a tool for navigating their experiences and understanding each other.

On August 24, Pyari and Pad2Go collaborated to host "Mitini," an intergenerational event that brought together voices from menstruators of different age groups in a lively poetry workshop. For me, this gathering was more than just an event; it was a dream come true. Literature has always been my companion, helping me navigate life's ups and downs. I’ve longed to create a space where others could express their feelings and questions through words, and Mitini was that space.

The idea for the poetry workshop came up during a lighthearted conversation with Shaili Didi. We were chatting about various topics when the thought of hosting a workshop came to mind. Together, we crafted a four-page template that would guide the participants through different activities. We wanted to create an open and safe environment for discussion. The template also included a poetry section that encouraged everyone to unleash their inner poet and an art section for those who preferred to express their feelings visually.

As the event date approached, my excitement grew alongside my nerves. Being the facilitator of the program felt like a significant responsibility, and I wanted everything to go perfectly. I spent weeks preparing, writing a detailed script and organizing every aspect of the event. Finally, the big day arrived! The 11-kilometer trip from Budanilkantha to our venue in Né Nepal was filled with a mix of anticipation and a fluttering of nerves in my stomach.

When I arrived at the venue, I was struck by its beauty and the warm, welcoming atmosphere. The sight of friendly faces filled me with joy, but my nerves started to creep back in. Thankfully, I was joined by my incredible team—Swarnima Didi, Shaili Didi, and Srasta Didi. We worked together to set up the chairs, arrange the materials, and create an inviting space for our participants. As we prepared, I could feel the excitement in the air as more people began to arrive.

The event kicked off with our guest speaker, Dr. Shreyashi Aryal, an OB-GYN who led an insightful discussion on the journey from menarche to menopause. Her expertise and engaging delivery captured everyone’s attention. It was inspiring to see the participants leaning in, taking notes, and asking thoughtful questions. Pad2Go facilitated a myth-busting icebreaker that got everyone talking and laughing. It was a great way to break the ice and set a positive tone for the workshop.

/images/blog/manche.png
second img

As I waited for my turn to speak, my heart raced with a mix of nerves and excitement. But as soon as I stepped up to the microphone and saw the supportive smiles from my team, I felt a wave of calm wash over me. I began the workshop by welcoming everyone and explaining the purpose of our gathering. My passion for the subject shone through as I shared my vision of creating a safe space for open dialogue about menstruation and self-expression.

To my delight, participants were eager to engage with the activities we had planned. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find that they were open and willing to express themselves. I encouraged attendees to come up on stage and share what they had written. This was the moment when our event truly came to life.

One by one, people stepped forward to share their stories and questions. Some spoke about their personal experiences, while others expressed their curiosities and concerns. The atmosphere was filled with warmth and understanding, as the audience listened attentively. Some stories brought tears to our eyes, while others sparked laughter and encouragement. The poems shared were raw and heartfelt, highlighting the power of literature to convey deep emotions.

As the workshop progressed, I felt a sense of pride in what we had created together. Participants began to connect, forming bonds over shared experiences. I noticed how different generations interacted, with younger attendees asking older participants for advice, and older attendees sharing wisdom that only life experience can provide. This exchange was one of the most beautiful aspects of the day.

Towards the end, I decided to share a poem I had written about menstruation. Standing there, I felt vulnerable yet empowered, pouring my heart into the words I spoke. When the audience applauded and praised my work, it filled me with warmth and gratitude. It was a reminder of the importance of sharing our stories and the connections that can form through words.

As we wrapped up the event, we gathered for a group photo to capture the wonderful memories we had created. Many participants expressed how much they had learned about menstruation, and it warmed my heart to hear them share newfound confidence in their ability to write and express themselves. The intergenerational aspect of Mitini had a profound impact, allowing both younger and older generations to connect on a deeper level.

Reflecting on the day, I was thrilled that we achieved our main goal: to create a space where people felt comfortable sharing their thoughts and feelings. Several attendees told me they were inspired to continue writing poetry, something they never thought they could do before. It was uplifting to witness people discovering their creative voices.

In the end, Mitini was more than just a poetry workshop; it was a celebration of shared stories and connections. It reminded us all of the power of words to bridge gaps and foster understanding. I left the venue feeling fulfilled, knowing that we had made a meaningful difference in the lives of everyone who attended.

Thank you to everyone who participated in Mitini. Your bravery in sharing your stories and creativity brought us all closer together. I can’t wait for our next event, where we’ll continue to explore the beauty of expression through poetry and art! Each story shared and each poem written contributed to a tapestry of experiences that will resonate for a long time to come.

Written by Sumiran Koirala
January 27, 2025
keywords:
Kathmandu,Event,Intimate,Collaboration