SALT Conversation with Municipal-Level Women: A Journey into the Inner Self

[Sunita Aryal]

A program for Human Rights Defenders was organized at the municipal level. In this program, Peace for People was invited and requested to share information about SALT conversations. Representing the organization, I, Sunita Aryal, participated in the event.

During the session, I provided a detailed overview of the SALT approach that we have been implementing. I also facilitated a SALT conversation with some of the participants present. The group mainly consisted of women actively engaged in protecting human rights within their communities, particularly those affiliated with the Human Rights Defenders Network.

The session began with a general introduction followed by a simple check-in question: “What is your favorite flower?” Initially, the participants hesitated to express their thoughts and experiences, but as the environment gradually became more comfortable, they began to open up.
As the conversation progressed, the women started sharing their everyday life experiences more openly. Many expressed that they bear the full responsibility of managing their households—taking care of children, handling expenses, managing family duties, and fulfilling social responsibilities. They emphasized that managing all these responsibilities requires immense effort, patience, and resilience.
They also shared their roles as human rights defenders in their communities, such as ensuring children’s access to education, raising their voices against violence against women, and contributing to the creation of a supportive and safe environment. However, it became clear that balancing these responsibilities alongside their household duties is a significant challenge for them.
During the conversation, their emotional experiences also surfaced. Many women shared that they rarely get opportunities to express their feelings. One participant’s words deeply resonated: “We listen to everyone, but there is no one to listen to us.” This reflected a profound sense of loneliness and deeply moved me.

However, the SALT conversation provided them with a safe and respectful space to open up. They shared their emotions and experiences freely. Many expressed that it was their first time having such an opportunity, and that it made them feel happy and relieved. Being able to voice their thoughts seemed to boost their confidence and strengthen their sense of pride in their work.
This experience taught me an important lesson—women are incredibly capable, responsible, and resilient. Yet, they also need spaces where they are heard, understood, and supported. The SALT conversation played a vital role in bringing their voices forward, honoring their experiences, and empowering them.

For me, this experience was deeply meaningful. It reinforced my belief that even small efforts can bring significant change within a community.