Storytelling Circle: Voices of Resilience

Article by Nila Rezaei of RK Collective

On 8 February Nila Rezaei hosted a storytelling session at Australian Design Centre. The event shared the stories of Iranian women exploring the intersection of culture, identity, and personal journeys, highlighting how each woman’s journey has been shaped by - and contributes to - the ongoing fight for women’s rights.

"On Saturday, we gathered for Voices of Resilience, a storytelling circle where people from different generations, cultures, and lived experiences came together to share, listen, and connect.

What we witnessed was more than just storytelling, it was a powerful reminder of the importance of face-to-face connection in an increasingly digital world. Many non-Iranian participants shared how much they valued this opportunity, not just to listen, but to engage, ask, and connect with cultures and histories they might not have otherwise encountered.

Storytelling is more than a way to share our mission, it’s a way to build community, foster resilience, and inspire action. Every voice we amplify, every seat we create, is part of a larger narrative, one that invites dialogue, strengthens global solidarity, and reshapes how we understand one another.

Why does this matter?
- Because understanding each other starts with listening to lived experiences beyond our own.
- Because stories break down barriers and create genuine human connections.
- Because everyone carries a story that deserves to be heard.

A huge thank you to the Australian Design Centre for hosting us and creating a space where diverse voices can thrive. Inclusive spaces like these are vital in ensuring that design reflects all experiences and is driven by deeper human connections.

Thank you to everyone who joined, shared, and listened with curiosity and openness.

Let’s continue fostering spaces where voices are heard, resilience is honoured, and cultures come together."