CADE Raising Her Voice: Supporting Women Through Storytelling, Digital Media and AI Artivism across Nepal

22 September, 2025

More than 40 young women – many from Dalit and Janajati communities that have historically been marginalised – came together in Nepal on 22 November for Raising Her Voice, an initiative by HopeRise Foundation Nepal coordinated by Forus as part of the Civil Society Alliances for Digital Empowerment (CADE) programme, co-funded by the European Union.

The initiative part of the collaborative #Let’s Talk Digital campaign supported participants to explore and share their own stories with confidence, transforming them into powerful AI and multimedia creations that travel far beyond their local communities. Twenty AI-developed images were produced. 

Facilitated by Anish Karki, the day-long workshop opened with confidence-building storytelling circles and a session on digital rights and governance, featuring resources from CADE, led by Forus Vice-Chair and NGO Federation of Nepal (NFN) President Arjun Bhattarai. Participants gained hands-on experience in podcasting, audio recording, and AI artivism, learning not only how to create digital content but also how to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly.

Interactive exercises, such as Picture Prompt, encouraged creativity and strengthened digital literacy. At the same time, discussions on online safety and rights deepened understanding of responsible digital engagement and risks linked to AI, especially generative artificial intelligence.

Looking ahead, HopeRise Foundation aims to expand this model through a larger Community Voices initiative, bringing storytelling, digital skills, and AI empowerment to more districts across Nepal.

Discover their AI art, podcasts and multimedia projects, and explore how digital media and creativity are amplifying the voices of women across Nepal. Lear more at the following link.