The Global Peace Foundation (GPF) Nepal recently organized a series of workshops for Saksham Nari Fellows and volunteers aimed at strengthening communication, leadership, well-being, and public speaking skills. Through interactive sessions and practical exercises, participants gained tools to build stronger relationships, communicate effectively, and become leaders who serve their communities.
Building Stronger Connections Through Communication and Teamwork
Teambuilding Session participants
The team-building session focused on effective communication, understanding different worldviews, and giving and receiving constructive feedback. Participants explored the seven-step communication cycle, common communication barriers, perception differences, and the role of feedback in building trust and collaboration.
Through discussions, group activities, and reflection exercises, participants developed active listening skills and learned how empathy, respect, and mutual understanding contribute to healthy team dynamics. The session highlighted how communication shapes relationships and helps teams work together more effectively.
Reflecting on the experience, one participant shared, “From today onward, I will strive to communicate more clearly and thoughtfully in order to build a better understanding with others. To better understand different worldviews, I will practice putting myself in other people’s shoes before speaking or making judgments. I will also improve the way I give feedback by observing situations and behaviors carefully rather than making assumptions.”
Using Public Speaking as a Tool for Service and Leadership
Public Speaking Session participants
Another workshop focused on public speaking and encouraged fellows and volunteers to use their voices with confidence and purpose. Through storytelling, impromptu speaking exercises, voice modulation techniques, and audience engagement activities, participants learned how to communicate ideas in ways that inspire and influence others.
Beyond developing speaking skills, the session explored how communication can be used to serve the greater good, strengthen teamwork, and advocate for communities. Participants were encouraged to see themselves not only as speakers but also as leaders and changemakers who can contribute to positive social transformation.
One fellow reflected on the experience, saying, “I will use public speaking skills as a tool to serve the greater good. Sometimes you have to be a voice for someone. I will use my public speaking skills to speak for others who cannot speak for themselves.”
Leadership and Wellbeing: Growing Through Reflection and Service
The workshops also included a leadership and well-being session facilitated by Stella Mainali, a long-time GPF Nepal volunteer and youth leader. Having recently completed her master’s degree in the United States and contributed to projects at the Global Peace Foundation headquarters, Stella returned to Nepal and chose to invest her time and experience in mentoring the next generation of leaders.
Investing in Young Women Leaders for Positive Community Impact
Group photo from the Leadership & Wellbeing Workshop facilitated by Stella Mainali
Through storytelling, self-reflection, and community-building activities, participants explored self-awareness, well-being, leadership, and the impact they hope to create in their communities and beyond. The session encouraged fellows to pause, reflect, and think deeply about the kind of leaders they want to become.
One participant described the workshop as “the best session” of the fellowship so far.
These workshops reflect the Global Peace Foundation’s commitment to developing young leaders of character who are equipped with the skills, values, and confidence needed to strengthen their communities. By investing in communication, teamwork, self-awareness, and service, GPF Nepal is helping young women grow into leaders who can work across differences, build trust, and create positive change for the greater good.
