06/10/2026
State Level Meeting of the Survivors and Mental Health Professionals
Day 1 focused on building safety and emotional awareness. Participants explored their expectations, hopes, anxieties and concerns, developed shared safety guidelines, and discussed mental health, emotions, bodily responses and self-care. They also identified barriers to self-care and practiced simple breathing and relaxation exercises.
Day 2 focused on coping, strengths and creative expression. Participants developed a personal Coping Toolbox, explored their strengths and resources, and used painting as a non-verbal form of expression around strength, hope and safety.
The two-day workshop was facilitated by Ms. Paromita Chowdhury in Bhubaneshwar, Odisha on 22nd and 23rd of August 2026, which included 14 survivors of caste and gender-based violence (women and adolescent girls), 4 mothers and 8 staff members.