When Conversations Sparked Change: A SALT Dialogue on Gender-Based Violence

[Nityam Ghosh]

On October 14, a SALT session was organized with the Bhatpara Niche Line community. The idea behind the session was rooted in the philosophy of SALT — just as salt adds flavor to food, this approach brings sweetness and strength to relationships and community bonds. SALT is a method that helps community members recognize the power that already exists within them, encouraging positive dialogue and collective growth. This session also focused on an essential and sensitive topic — Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

Beginning with Warmth: An Ice-Breaking Activity

The session began with a short ice-breaking activity. As the facilitator, I (Niyam Ghosh, SALT facilitator) asked participants to share something good or positive they had experienced since morning.

The participants responded enthusiastically:

A boy said, “After many days, I got to play with my friends. That made me really happy.

A teenage girl shared, “My father is returning home today. He works in another state, and I’ve missed him.

A woman mentioned, “I finally got time to collect firewood from the forest today since it’s Sunday. That makes me happy.

A mother recounted with laughter, “I left my child to play on the floor for a while, and soon his face was black with coal dust. It made me laugh so much!

Another woman said, “So many of my friends are here today. It feels great to see everyone together.

This opening activity created a joyful atmosphere. Even the newcomers felt comfortable and shared openly — the first step toward meaningful community sharing.

Exploring Strength Through Stories

Next, we moved into the heart of the SALT process. Participants were divided into small groups and asked to share a story or experience they were proud of. Each group later chose a representative who presented their story and shared what they had learned. Through these stories, participants rediscovered their inner strengths and the value of collective reflection.

Activity on Gender-Based Violence and Safe Spaces

The discussion then transitioned to Gender-Based Violence (GBV). Participants were given chart papers and pens and asked to draw a place where they feel happy and safe.

Although the drawings varied in clarity, each one carried a powerful idea. Most participants identified their homes as their safest place — often because of their mothers’ love and care.

When asked why they felt safe in those places, some of their responses were truly heartfelt:

My mother always loves me, so I feel safe with her.

I drew my home. I feel safe with my sister because we lost our mother, and now she loves me the most.

I feel happy when I’m with my brother. My friends make me happy and always support me.

I feel safe at school because we play and study there. But at home, my father scolds me often, so I don’t like staying there.

These reflections opened up emotional conversations about safety, love, and emotional wellbeing — important dimensions often overlooked when discussing gender-based violence.

AER: Appreciation, Encouragement, and Reflection

The session concluded with an AER (Appreciation, Encouragement, and Reflection) circle. Participants shared what they appreciated about the session and what could be improved next time.

One woman said, “I always enjoy hearing about the strengths within our community. Thinking about safe spaces was also very good. Next time, more men should join so they can share their views too.

A young girl added, “I’m new here, but I really enjoyed being part of this session and learned so many new things.

A man reflected, “Today I got a chance to think about where I actually feel safe — my family came to mind. We should think more deeply next time and try to come on time for meetings.

Finally, I expressed my heartfelt grati

tude to Mr. Sanjeev for his valuable support