More than 40 young women – many from Dalit and Janajati communities – gathered for Raising Her Voice an initiative organised by HopeRise Foundation Nepal with support from Forus as part of the CADE programme, co-funded by the European Union, and the #Let's Talk Digital campaign. The initiative gave participants the tools to explore their own stories, voice them with confidence, and transform them into AI and multimedia digital creations that can travel beyond their communities.

Facilitated by Anish Karki, the day-long session opened with storytelling activities designed to build confidence and create a safe space after an introduction on digital rights and processes by Forus Vice-Chair and President of the NGO Federation of Nepal (NFN), Arjun Bhattarai. The “Story Circle”, encouraged participants to share personal experiences while hands-on experience with podcasting, audio recording and AI artivism turned their visions into digital visuals and podcasts. 

Sessions on digital rights and governance ensured participants not only learnt how to use emerging technology, but also how to stay safe online and understand their digital rights.

Interactive exercises such as Picture Prompt helped participants think creatively and develop their digital literacy.

Looking ahead, HopeRise plans to roll out this model in other districts through a larger Community Voices initiative and mobilise for #Let's Talk Digital. Future recommendations include offering longer sessions to deepen digital and AI skills, forming ongoing storytelling circles, and partnering with local authorities to ensure lasting impact.

“Today, I felt heard – not just by the people in this room, but by the world we are speaking to through these stories.”