In Nepal, a new light for peace (Photo: Shoshana Faire)'I have just returned from Kathmandu, where I had the most heartwarming and wonderful experience,’ writes Shoshana Faire from Sydney. With her friend Susanne Rix, a skillful facilitator, they ran the first Creators of Peace Circle and facilitator training in Nepal. ‘Definitely one of life’s special experiences.’

It all came about through the support and sponsorship of Search For Common Ground, Nepal, an international peacebuilding organization* whose Director is Serena Rix Tripathee (Susanne’s daughter). She was aided by the committed ground work of Meena Sharma (the women and peacebuilding coordinator at SFCG) and the promotion of women as Creators of Peace by Rajendra Manandha (yes, a man!)

Thirteen amazing women were selected on the basis of their diverse ethnic, caste and religious backgrounds, their ability to speak English and their potential to continue CoP Circles in Nepal.

(Photo: Shoshana Faire) The women opened their hearts in a way that was new for them – discovering that ‘everyone has a story’. Deep connections were made. Many tears were shed as we felt the impact of being a girl-child, unwanted by fathers and struggling to gain an education through their own efforts; and the current generational struggles often with their husband’s families. We shared the pain of losing loved ones through war and suicide, were inspired and given hope by the stories of survival and achievements against huge odds, and laughed over the touching experiences of cultural give and take from a Western woman married into a Nepalese family. The women expressed emotions of inner peace, forgiveness and healing, lightness and connection. They keenly participated in a facilitation training that followed the two-day Peace Circle and left inspired to share their experiences in their families, workplaces and communities.

Susanne is staying in Nepal for several months, during which she and Meena plan to hold another Peace Circle (this time, with a translator).

As for me, I am missing the chaos and challenges of Kathmandu, and the beautiful Nepalese women in their colourful flowing saris. I remain deeply touched, including by the emails I have received, such as: ‘The next morning I could not help but shed tears thinking how much we as women have suffered and endured, how we were loved and above all understood by each of us during those three beautiful days'.

*SFCG works to bring people together from across ethnic, caste and political dividing lines to facilitate their involvement in peacebuilding at the community level