During the workshop, I was deeply touched and inspired by the stories the women shared, their story of inner strength and resilience, starting a new life in a new country, sacrificing the known for the unknown; despite facing obstacles and struggles that seemed unsurmountable, triumphing over fear and having the inner strength to go on when things were unbearable. Their perseverance, grit and inner strength to be their authentic selves; being self-reliant; having determination and writing their own story. Each story highlighted the grace and patience of the women, their vulnerability in sharing their deepest feelings and emotions: not being afraid to take a stand or not hesitating to ask for help; their dignity and resiliency. They truly are Women of Courage and a role model for future generations.
...the leadership, organizational skills and knowledge of the CultureLink staff...
At first, I thought this project was impossible, stressful, difficult and overwhelming. I was honestly a hot mess. However, the leadership, organizational skills and knowledge of CultureLink staff made all my impossible possible.
My voice was heard by sharing my experiences of racism and oppression.
Women of Courage Project was THERAPEUTIC; I was able to express my longing, my sadness, my homesickness, and my struggles turning it into my artistic expression. My voice was heard by sharing my experiences of racism and oppression. There was also that sense of community and togetherness because I could relate to other participants and felt not alone. It also magnified my perspectives of Indigenous people and their sufferings. Now, I am able to face any adversity because of the personal strength and courage learned from the project. I hope this project will continue and I will be eager to register again if permitted.
My wish is that everyone can have the time to reflect, reconnect and embrace...
This project is leading me towards a brighter and positive outlook and future by taking me on the beautiful journeys of a group of courageous and strong women and my own personal journey of recalling and reliving 50 years of memories and recognizing the most impactful experiences and peoples that have shaped my life. My wish is that everyone can have the time to reflect, reconnect and embrace their past.
I personally stepped into a world of energic and purposeful women...
I believe these 8 weeks allowed me to heal some old wounds on many fronts – it was a healing process for me and an emotional roller coast too. I spent many days crying – in a good way. The fact our stories as sisters of immigration will be documented for future generation to read about is the most inspiring ask of anything I participated in. To the women who made this 8 weeks possible – I would like to say: They are a dedicated group of strong, reliable, empathic, caring, loving women… This journey would not have been successful without the consistent reminders and encouragement, many follow-up meetings and the sweet voices of reasons and validation. I personally stepped into a world of energic and purposeful women – women who unknowingly or knowingly has created a safe space for bent women to shine (we are not broken – Just bent).
The storytelling exercises were particularly impactful...
The program gave me the space to think of, and talk about, my experiences of migration, anti-Black racism and courage; experiences that over the years had been suppressed and pushed aside; experiences that still continue in today's society; experiences that strip away one's sense of self. The Storytelling exercises were particularly impactful for reminding me to keep "me" in the stories about myself. It was an immersive experience, with women from different backgrounds and cultures who had similar experiences, learning from each other. The women who facilitated the program were awesome: knowledgeable, responsive, supportive and encouraging. It was exciting yet terrifying at the same time to think that I could contribute to an art exhibition. After all, I am not an artist in the conventional sense but I was extremely grateful because the program helped with healing from psychological trauma - racial trauma, and to reclaim, restore and recapture pieces of ME. I hope there will be other opportunities for other women to experience this program.
