#empowheratcreatingpossibilities

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EmpowHER at Creating Possibilities

By Aayushma Baidhya

Attending Session V: Mental Health and Well-being was an amazing experience. The day began with an interactive quiz on mental health myths and facts, which challenged common misconceptions and encouraged open discussions. Questions like whether stress is always negative or if mental health issues are rare sparked lively debates. Each answer was followed by a debriefing that clarified myths and introduced evidence-based insights. This activity not only informed but also set a tone of curiosity and openness for the rest of the session.

The highlight for me was creating a personal well-being plan. With guided prompts and templates, we developed actionable strategies for self-care, healthy habits, and support systems. This exercise emphasized the importance of taking small, intentional steps toward mental well-being. Sharing plans with peers added a collaborative element, helping us learn from one another’s goals and approaches. 

The session concluded with an introduction to resources and a heartfelt feedback activity. Facilitator shared accessible tools such as online services, and community support options, making it clear that help is always within reach.This session was a meaningful reminder that mental health is an ongoing journey of self-discovery, care, and connection.

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EmpowHER at Creating Possibilities

By Kashi Ghale

I recently had the opportunity to attend EmpowHER Session II, a transformative experience focused on Enhancing Communication Skills. The session delved into the core principles of Effective Communication, including active listening, clear articulation, and inclusive language.

Through engaging discussions and practical exercises, I gained a deeper understanding of how to communicate effectively in various contexts. Whether it's a professional setting, a team meeting, or a casual conversation, the ability to communicate clearly and concisely is crucial. By mastering these skills, we can enhance our interpersonal relationships, improve our professional performance, and achieve our goals more efficiently.

One of the key takeaways from the session was the importance of active listening. By paying full attention to the speaker, asking clarifying questions, and providing thoughtful feedback, we were able to foster deeper connections and build stronger relationships. Additionally, the session emphasized the power of inclusive language. By using language that is respectful and inclusive of all individuals, we can create a more positive and welcoming environment.

I'm excited to apply the knowledge and skills gained from this session to my daily life. By actively listening, speaking with clarity, and fostering inclusive environments, I aim to build stronger relationships and achieve greater success.

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EmpowHER at Creating Possibilities

By Kabita Shrestha Newar

This session was all about Career Planning, Resume Writing, Crafting Impressive Cover letters, and Preparing for Interviews. One of the highlights was understanding the exact format for resumes and cover letters, something I previously struggled with. The facilitator also emphasized the importance of setting short-term and long-term goals, which has inspired me to approach my career more strategically. The interactive mock interviews with partners were both challenging and enjoyable, giving us practical experience in presenting ourselves professionally. We paired up with classmates and interviewed as if we were in a real situation.

One of the biggest takeaways for me was learning the exact format for a resume and cover letter. I used to create them randomly, but now I know how to make them impactful and professional. I was a bit sleepy during the early morning class, but the facilitator helped by changing my seat, which significantly improved my focus. That small change made a big difference, and I could do much better.

Overall, I had such an amazing time in the class. A big thank you to the Ujyalo Foundation for giving me this golden opportunity. I am grateful and can't wait to apply everything I have learned

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EmpowHER at Creating Possibilities

By Manika Gurung

The session  focused on Career Planning, Resume Writing, Creating Effective cover letters, and Interview Preparation. One of the highlights was grasping the proper structure for resumes and cover letters, something I had previously struggled with. The facilitator also stressed the necessity of creating short- and long-term goals, which has motivated me to take a more strategic approach to my career.

The interactive mock interviews with partners were both challenging and fun, providing us with valuable practice in professional presentation. We partnered with classmates and interviewed as if it were an actual situation. One of the most important takeaways for me was understanding the proper structure for a resume and cover letter. I used to create these haphazardly, but now I know how.

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EmpowHER at Creating Possibilities

By Bina Giri

Hi, I’m Bina Giri. Recently, I joined the EmpowHER Session II to strengthen my soft skills in Leadership, Communication, Time Management, etc. The second session was centered on Effective Communication itself. It was an enlightening experience where we explored Effective Communication. Communication can be effective with active listening, inclusive language, clarity, and conciseness. We learned how to communicate clearly and effectively.

The session started with a definition of how communication takes place. We were taught about communication as not just passing messages but being clear and concise, using inclusive language, and being active listening. To make this clear, we were also given an activity where we could tell our other person to make a picture giving them a direction. This made me realize how the message needs to be clear, not assumed that the other person is understanding. This activity not only helped us get to know each other better but also encouraged creative thinking and self-reflection.

We then drove into the core topic of Communication, where we discussed various misconceptions, such as communication can be just passing messages or information. It was eye-opening to realize that anyone can be a good communicator but it can be developed by using active listening, to improve culture sensitivity. 

Overall, it was an engaging and insightful workshop. The workshop helped me understand more about communication to make it effective communication and I am excited to apply these learnings in my daily life.

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EmpowHER at Creating Possibilities

By Pratima Thapa

Namaste!

 I am Pratima Thapa, one of the changemakers of this year’s cohort EmpowHER at Creating Possibilities. Attending the sessions on feminism has been an enlightening journey so far, and the third session focused on Time Management truly stood out. Led by skilled facilitators, this session dove deep into the difficulties of managing our time effectively, a crucial skill for anyone, especially for women navigating various roles in their personal and professional lives.

In this session, we learned that time management isn't just about scheduling tasks, it's about prioritizing what truly matters. The facilitators introduced simple yet powerful techniques, such as the Eisenhower Matrix, which helps in distinguishing between what's urgent and important. This approach suits me, as it simplifies decision-making and allows us to focus on activities that align with our goals and values. The discussions encouraged us to reflect on our daily routines and identify areas where we could be more intentional with our time.

One of the most impactful takeaways for me was the emphasis on self-compassion in Time Management. It’s easy to fall into the trap of being overly critical when plans don’t go perfectly, but this session reminded us that flexibility and self-care are essential. By integrating these time management strategies into our lives, we can not only enhance our productivity but also create space for personal growth and well-being. I'm looking forward to applying these insights in my daily life and sharing them with others in my community.

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EmpowHER at Creating Possibilities

By Smriti Nepali

My name is Smriti Nepali, and I'm thrilled to share my experience as one of the changemakers of this year’s cohort of  EmpowHER at Creating Possibilities. Recently, I had the privilege of being one of the buddies during Session IV on ‘Career planning, Resume writing, Cover letters, and Interview preparation’.

Our session kicked off bright and early, running from 7:00 AM to 10:30 AM. While waking up early wasn't easy, the excitement of learning made it worthwhile. The atmosphere was charged with energy as changemakers gathered, eager to enhance their career skills.

One of the highlights of Session IV was the segment on Resume writing and Cover letters. In today's competitive job market, having a standout resume is crucial. We learned how to effectively present our skills and experiences in a way that catches the attention of potential employers. The mentors emphasized the importance of tailoring each resume to the specific job description, using relevant keywords from the job listing to enhance visibility. We also discussed the anatomy of a strong cover letter, emphasizing that it should tell a story connecting our experiences to the job at hand.

The mock interview segment provided an invaluable opportunity to simulate real interview scenarios in a supportive environment, allowing us to practice common questions and receive constructive feedback. I found this particularly helpful for refining my responses and boosting my confidence.

Another transformative aspect of the workshop was learning about the SMART framework for goal-setting. This structured approach to creating Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound goals will guide my career planning moving forward. Additionally, creating vision boards was a fun and creative exercise that encouraged us to visualize our aspirations and keep ourselves motivated. It was inspiring to see the diverse dreams shared by my peers.

To keep the energy up, we incorporated fun energizers throughout the session, which helped break the ice and build camaraderie. I particularly enjoyed the group games that encouraged teamwork and collaboration. Beyond the knowledge gained, the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals was invaluable; as we shared our aspirations and challenges, I realized many of us were on similar paths. I'm excited to keep in touch with my peers and support each other on our journeys.

As I continue my journey with Ujyalo Foundation, I look forward to more learning opportunities and the chance to contribute positively to our community. I hope to apply the skills I've learned in real-world scenarios, whether it's crafting my resume or preparing for interviews. I'm eager to give back by sharing my knowledge and experiences with others.

Overall, this session was not just informative but also inspiring. I walked away with new skills, a clearer career path, and a sense of community with fellow changemakers and mentors. I'm grateful to Ujyalo Foundation for providing such an empowering environment for growth. Each session brings us closer to our goals, and I'm excited for the adventures that lie ahead!

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EmpowHER at Creating Possibilities

By Ganga Wosti

Hi, I'm Ganga.I'm currently taking part in a session conducted by EmpowerHER. I was one of the changemakers for Session III, which focused on the topic "Time Management."

Here, we learned about different techniques to manage our time. Out of all these techniques, I like the "to-do list." It helps to manage time and energy. I also like the "Pomodoro" technique. It is based on 25 minutes of focused work broken by five-minute breaks.

As a graphic design student, I had been struggling a lot. But after the season, it made my work and life a lot easier.

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EmpowHER at Creating Possibilities

By Rina Bhandari

I am Rina. I'm currently taking part in a session conducted by EmpowerHER. We have already had up to the fourth session, and here I will be talking about the third session, which was much needed for me.

The third session was about "Time Management." Here, we learned about different techniques for managing time. Out of all these techniques, which were equally interesting and engaging, I like the "Pomodoro Technique" the most. This technique is based on 25 minutes of focused work broken by five-minute breaks. Further, longer breaks, typically 15 to 30 minutes, are taken after four consecutive work intervals.

As a medical student, I need to study a lot, and I was struggling with managing time for everything. But after I took this session on Time Management, my life has become much easier.

EmpowerHER has created positive impacts on many youths, especially girls and women. Likewise, I'm sure I will also be a good changemaker through this course.

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EmpowHER at Creating Possibilities

by Angela Rupakheti

Hi, I am Angela Rupakheti. Recently, I joined the EmpowHER Session I to strengthen my soft skills, such as Leadership, Communication, Time management, and more. The  session was centered around understanding leadership itself. It was an enlightening experience where we explored the true meaning of leadership, debunked common myths, and learned about the qualities required to be an effective leader.

The session started with a fun ice-breaking activity where each participant had to bring an object that resonated with them. I chose a hand wash, which symbolized my ability to clear away negativity, just as hand wash cleanses germs. This object perfectly reflected my personality and the way I strive to remove negative energy from my surroundings. This exercise not only helped us get to know each other better but also encouraged creative thinking and self-reflection.

We then delved into the core topic of leadership, where we discussed various misconceptions, such as the idea that leaders are born and not made. It was eye-opening to realize that anyone can develop leadership qualities with the right mindset. We also examined the essential traits of a good leader, such as Empathy, Communication, and Integrity.

Overall, it was an engaging and insightful session. The activities and discussions helped me better understand my own leadership potential, and I am excited to apply these learnings in my daily life.

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EmpowHER at Creating Possibilities

By Sita Magarati

Hi, my name is Sita Magarati. I am one of the changemakers taking part in EmpowHER 2024 at Creating Possibilities Nepal. We learned about Effective Communication on Session II and I was one of the buddies of the Session II . Firstly, I learned the responsibilities of the buddies. We were supposed to manage and organize the session in a proper way so that the session  could run effectively.

As an introverted person, who is not so open to people, I learned numerous things in the Session II. The facilitators were amazing as they taught us to always use polite words while speaking. Three and half hour of interactive session didn't even feel so long.

We had a slide presentation about Effective Communication which was presented in an understanding way. We learned to choose the right words during communication. I also realized that we should never be afraid to keep our opinion. It's important to be a good listener to be a good communicator. The mesmerizing part of the session was the energizer. We burned our laziness by playing a game.

At the end, we discussed the high and low of the session. We were also selected as changemakers of the session and provided with a small gift as an appreciation.

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EmpowHER at Creating Possibilities

By Tulsi Sharma

Attending the EmpowHER Session I has been a refreshing and impactful experience for me. EmpowHER focuses on cultivating leadership skills, and the Session I was a deep dive into exploring what it truly means to be a leader.

We were involved in many activities during the session, with a great introduction to get things started. As a fun refreshment activity, we expressed our personalities through objects. In the session, I chose to connect myself with a leaf. My reasoning was that just as a leaf is an essential part of a plant, and the plant is part of a larger ecosystem, I too am a small but significant part of the vast universe. This simple connection helped me realize that being part of something so immense is meaningful in itself, and even the smallest contributions hold great value within the bigger picture. This exercise not only allowed us to bond but also sparked meaningful reflection on how seemingly ordinary items can reveal parts of who we are.

The other fun activity was learning facts and myths about a leader. It was based on our personal opinions about leadership qualities. Learning about these qualities made us consider what leaders are truly capable of. For me, the key qualities of a leader are Empathy, Effective Communication, and Integrity.

From the EmpowHER Session I, I could feel a difference within myself. It boosted my confidence and made me believe in myself.

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EmpoweHER at Creating Possibilities

By Tashi Lama

Hi, I am Tashi Lama. I recently joined the EmpowHER Session I organized by  Ujyalo Foundation.

Session I focused on Leadership. It was a very positive experience where I learned about the meaning of leadership, the common myths surrounding it, and the qualities required to be an effective leader.

The session kicked off with a fascinating activity. Each of us had to bring a different object that reflected our emotions. I chose a rosemary plant, which provides flavor for food and essential oil. Similar to how it enhances the dishes it's added to, I want leadership to enhance my goals and career. This activity not only helped us get to know each other better but also encouraged creative thinking and self-reflection.

We then delved into the core topic of leadership. We discussed various definitions, including the idea that “leaders are born, not made”. We also had a great discussion about myths and facts, where we had to choose from a list of words to identify the truth about leadership. Finally, we explored the essential traits of a good leader, such as Empathy, Communication, and Integrity.

At the end of the session, we heard from some inspiring changemakers who excelled in the session. It was an overall excellent session, and I'm incredibly happy to have learned more about leadership and its importance. I feel empowered and motivated to apply these learnings to my daily life. I'm incredibly grateful to the Ujyalo Foundation for providing this valuable session.

THANK YOU!

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EmpowHER 2024 at Creating Possibilities

By Sangita Magarati

Hello everyone! My name is Sangita, and I am one of the changemakers participating in EmpowHER 2024. Our session began recently, and I was one of the buddies for the first session. The initial topic was 'Understanding Leadership,' the session lasted around four and a half hours. Since it was the first day, we discussed the Code of Conduct that we should follow while in session.

The best part of the class was understanding ourselves. We gathered, selected an object, and described how it related to us. We also mapped our core values, which include respect, kindness, and perseverance.

Another enjoyable part was learning about the myths and facts surrounding leadership. This section helped me understand the meaning of leadership more clearly. I learned that leaders are not born; they are created by gradually mastering the qualities of leadership. The teaching approach was practical, which I really loved. As part of the session, along with some of my fellow students, we were taught to be punctual and to organize things in a respectful manner. The class was very interactive, and we ended up discussing leadership in depth. We also had an energizer, which was refreshing.

The class was fruitful, and I learned many valuable life lessons. I anticipate the same energy in the upcoming classes with improved comprehension. I am truly grateful to the teachers for such an amazing way of teaching.

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