On June 16th, within the framework of the REWIND Women Project, KEHSIA hosted an engaging online webinar titled “Who Tells Women’s Stories? Rewriting Narratives to Change Collective Imaginations.”
The session brought together participants in a reflective and interactive space to explore the power of storytelling in shaping how we perceive women, identity, and possibility.
From the very beginning, the webinar invited participants to question a simple yet powerful idea: the stories we hear every day influence what we imagine as possible, what we consider normal, and even who we believe we can become . Through this lens, participants examined how language, media, education, and social environments all contribute to shaping collective narratives about women.
A key part of the discussion focused on representation. Participants reflected on how women are often portrayed through limited and repetitive roles—such as the “princess,” the “mother,” or the “victim”—and how these recurring narratives can restrict how women are perceived in society. The conversation emphasized that the issue is not the roles themselves, but the lack of diversity in the stories being told.
The webinar also highlighted the importance of moving beyond stereotypes and towards more complex and authentic representations. Through practical examples and exercises, participants explored how storytelling can shift from labels to lived experiences—focusing on people’s goals, emotions, and individuality rather than predefined categories.
Another central theme was the role of language in shaping reality. Participants discussed how the absence of certain representations—such as women in leadership, STEM, or other less visible roles—can limit what individuals feel is possible. By consciously choosing inclusive and diverse language, storytelling can become a tool for expanding perspectives and creating new possibilities.
The session also introduced practical tools for more inclusive communication, encouraging participants to ask critical questions such as: Who is visible? Who is missing? Who is speaking? These reflections aimed to support youth workers, educators, and communicators in developing more mindful and inclusive narratives in their own work.
Beyond theory, the webinar created space for dialogue, exchange, and critical thinking. Participants shared their perspectives and experiences, contributing to a collective reflection on how storytelling can either reinforce stereotypes or challenge them.The webinar also introduced participants to effective LARP (Live Action Role Play) debriefing techniques, highlighting the importance of creating a safe and reflective environment after experiential learning activities. Participants explored facilitation methods that encourage active listening, open-ended questioning, and non-judgmental communication, allowing individuals to process their experiences at their own pace. Rather than interpreting participants’ emotions or evaluating their choices, facilitators were encouraged to guide reflection through curiosity and empathy, fostering meaningful discussions and deeper learning. These debriefing practices demonstrated how thoughtful facilitation can strengthen emotional awareness, critical thinking, and inclusive dialogue, making experiential learning more impactful for everyone involve.
Ultimately, the session reinforced a key message: representation alone is not enough—we need to expand the imagination. Every story we choose to tell has the power to open new perspectives and make space for more diverse, authentic, and inclusive voices.
The REWIND Women Project, co-funded by the European Union, continues to promote critical thinking, inclusive communication, and innovative approaches to addressing gender equality through education and storytelling.