Writer: Saabirah Owolowo - Volunteer
Written on: 26th August 2024
On Sunday, August 18th, Catalyst for Change had the pleasure of hosting an event that was both compelling and heartwarming. This event marked the first of a series under the banner Voices of Resilience, a program dedicated to shedding light on the lives, challenges, and dreams of Vietnamese women. The initiative of the program aims to foster cultural exchange and enrich the knowledge of Vietnamese culture in people.
This event symbolized the first chapter of what can be seen as a figurative book, with new chapters unfolding in monthly events. The chapter of this event was titled “Pages of Peace”, and it appeared to be a great success. The event targeted the issue of domestic challenges, 63% of Vietnamese married women face- in a manner that was both beneficial and supportive.
One of the highlights of the evening was a heartfelt presentation by Linh Yuri, an extraordinary woman who shared her journey of overcoming significant hardships as a single mother. Linh captivated the audience with her story, recounting the small but sentimental things that held great meaning for her as she grew up. These elements became sources of motivation during her most challenging times. One such source was a book called “Tôi đi học” by Nguyễn Ngọc Kýshe, translated as “I Go To School” in English, contained an important quote: "Don't let a single minute of your youth pass by in vain." This book resonated with Linh during her darkest moments. After working with a publishing company, Linh also wrote books dictating her story. Above all, Linh told us how she always remembered her daughter and the life she wanted to give her, the life she deserved; she truly was Linh’s ‘catalyst for change’. Today, Linh is a successful personal trainer, and her story inspires many.
Following Linh’s presentation, there was a discussion amongst everyone. It turned to how each of us could relate to the topic and what actions we could take to combat the issues faced by women in domestic and harmful situations. The heartwarming discussion left a profound impact on the audience. Women from the audience, inspired by Linh’s courage, shared their own stories of resilience, each displaying a unique confidence that was truly beautiful to witness.
The feedback from our guests was overwhelmingly positive, with someone even expressing that there was "nothing more they loved about the event." This was particularly encouraging, as we aimed to ensure that everyone felt comfortable and supported throughout the event.
The common thread that ran through each woman’s story was the message of "not giving up." This moved me deeply, as it reminded me and everyone that no matter how hard times may seem, resilience and perseverance can lead to incredible outcomes. While the event was centered on women, it was heartening to know that the men in attendance also found value in the stories shared.
Overall, knowing that others have faced similar challenges and still pursued their dreams was an unequivocal inspiration for everyone present. The event was eye-opening to what we each can do when we remember the destination we are journeying to. There is more to come from ‘Voices of Resilience’ so stay tuned.
Thank you!
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