This program marks the first-ever digital storytelling initiative dedicated exclusively to empowering Hazara women, providing them a unique platform to share their voices and experiences.

Hazara Women Share Digital Stories Showcase
Friday, February 21, 2025, 10 AM -1 PM

Hazara Women of Afghanistan Share Digital Stories is a hybrid digital empowerment program designed to support refugees in the D.C. metropolitan area and Malmö, Sweden, by providing them with digital literacy and storytelling skills.

In January 2025, facilitators will lead four weekly sessions encouraging participants to express themselves and share inspiring stories from their communities, promoting peace and unity. This program fosters collaboration, creativity, and confidence while amplifying the voices of Hazara women.

A key long-term goal is to help Hazara women in the Afghanistani diaspora recognize the importance of sharing their lived experiences. Through storytelling, they can better understand their journeys and reshape their identities. For centuries, women have used storytelling to convey knowledge, preserving vital aspects of their cultural heritage. The Taliban’s silencing of women’s voices and narratives poses a significant threat to Hazara’s identity. Additionally, the generalized story of women in Afghanistan mustn’t subsume the unique experiences of Hazara women of Afghanistan.

We are excited to launch this program, believing that sharing Hazara women’s digital stories will empower them and inspire greater understanding and appreciation of their resilience.

Partner Organizations

Storytellers

Hamida Tawasuli “From Ghor to Sweden: The Voice of Hazara Women”

Masooma Amini “This Was My Dream”

Sharifa Sahar “From Shadows to Sunrise: A Hazara Woman’s Path to Empowerment”

Tahera Taghadosi “My life changed in Sweden”

Zakira Jafari “The Red Backpack”

Aziza Karimi “The Cost of Light for the Hazara”

Azra Jafari “Mr. Mayor”

Fatima Saadat “My journey is who I am”

Malika Qasimi “Threads of Pain and Hope: The Journey of a Hazara Woman from Silence to Creativity”

Maryam Najafi “Unbelonging”

Sediqa Khalili “Story of Survival”

Sughra Hussainy “The Brush as a Beacon: Finding Purpose Through Art”

Zahra Yagana  “Through Blood and Fire: Breaking and Rising Again”

Nasiba Daytabar “From Greif to Action: A Journey of Hope”

Project Collaborators

United States
Zareen Taj
Gail Prensky
Mark Haney
Cindy Oxberry
Jay Simpson
Michele Wolff

Sweden
Nasiba Daytabar
Johan Fält
Leif Perrson

Questions?

Contact us at hazaradigitalstories@gmail.com

Receive Updates

Join our Google Group for Public Updates

More Information

Overview

This workshop series is designed to guide beginners through the process of creating a digital story—from brainstorming and planning to production and feedback. Each session will combine hands-on activities, discussion, and practical application of digital storytelling techniques.

What Is Digital Storytelling?

Digital storytelling combines elements of traditional storytelling—such as character, plot, and theme—with multimedia tools. It can take many forms, including:

  • Video stories: A short film or animation where visuals, music, and voiceover come together to convey a message.
  • Podcasts or audio stories: Using sound—whether through narration, interviews, sound effects, or music—to create an immersive experience.
  • Photo essays or slide shows: Using a sequence of images (with or without text) to tell a story or evoke emotion.
  • Social media storytelling: Using platforms like Instagram, Twitter, or TikTok to tell short-form stories in creative and engaging ways.

Key Elements of Digital Storytelling:

  1. Narrative: The story you want to tell, whether it’s a personal reflection, a documentary, or a fictional tale.
  2. Multimedia: Combining different forms of media (video, audio, images) to support and enhance the narrative.
  3. Creativity: Digital storytelling allows for endless creative possibilities—from animation to stop-motion, from abstract art to real-life footage. It’s about using the tools at your disposal to bring your story to life in a unique way.
  4. Audience: Digital stories often reach a broad, diverse audience, so it’s important to think about who you’re telling the story for and how you can engage them effectively.

Digital Storytelling Workshop Series: 3-Session Outline

06 January, Session 1: Introduction to Digital Storytelling & Idea Development

Objective: After meeting each other and a brief orientation, participants will discuss the key concepts of digital storytelling and begin developing their own story ideas.

We will also have a special presentation from Dr. Sima Samar during our first session.

13 January, Session 2: Storyboarding, Planning & Introduction to Tools

Objective: Participants will discuss many forms of digital storytelling, create a storyboard, and develop a production plan for their digital story.

21 January, Session 3: Production, Refining, and Peer Feedback

Objective: Participants will finalize their digital stories, share them with the group, and provide feedback to one another.

27 January, Session 4: US-Sweden Presentations, Feedback, and Final Preparations

Objective: Participants will share stories with both the US and Sweden groups, and provide feedback to one another for any last changes before our February Showcase.

21 February, Showcase Event

Additional details to be announced.