Written by Tulasha Khadka, Researcher and Trainer on CSV

The SVRI Forum 2024 was more than just a professional milestone. For me, it became a life-changing experience. I felt extremely proud and honoured to receive the Young Professionals Programme (YPP) award to participate in the Forum in South Africa. As an early-career researcher working in child protection and gender-based violence, I saw this as an opportunity to grow, share my work, and learn from experts around the world. What I did not expect was how deeply personal this experience would become, sparking a journey of courage, self-acceptance, and healing.

Disclosing my story is not easy, but it feels right. Through the Forum I feel like I have found my voice – not just for myself, but for the countless others who remain unheard. I have learned that silence can be broken, and that vulnerability is not a weakness, but a source of strength.

Participating in the SVRI Forum for the first time, I found myself among activists, researchers, and practitioners, who were also survivors. I was surrounded by stories of resilience and determination, which was both humbling and overwhelming. As someone working in this field for over five years now, I have encouraged countless adolescent girls and young women to speak up about their experiences of sexual violence and seek help. Though I fully understand how difficult this is in rigid social contexts like Nepal. Yet, I had never acknowledged the truth – even to myself – the trauma I had carried silently for decades. Behind my work and dedication was an unspoken reality – that I too survived childhood sexual violence – countless times.

Every room I entered at the Forum was full of powerful panel discussions, presentations and workshops. I was in an emotional roller-coaster and every moment felt like a reminder of why I chose to be in violence prevention. I felt overburdened. It was as if   something was not quite right – something deep had been hurting for long. I was doing so much injustice to myself and my mission by keeping my journey hidden. I was overwhelmed by the stories of others and by the realisation that I had never granted myself the same permission to speak.

One of the most impactful sessions at the Forum was the wellness session. I talked to a counsellor and the room was full of ears and understanding. For only the second time in my life, I allowed myself to say, ‘‘I survived’’ (the first being a random stranger, also a survivor, at the ISPCAN Congress 2023 in Edinburgh – if you are reading this, thank you for planting the seed of courage in me). I also participated in a trauma-healing exercise that taught me to channel my emotions and prioritise my well-being. I have now incorporated the skills in my daily routine. These sessions offered a safe, judgment-free space for participants to process their emotions and find comfort in shared vulnerability.

More importantly, the Forum gave me the courage to acknowledge my experience and start telling my story. I am in my early 30s and had buried this part of my story thinking silence was safer. I realised that acknowledging and sharing is not just about healing myself – it is about creating a sense of strength and inspiration for other young people who may be living through similar experiences.

Disclosing my story is not easy, but it feels right. Through the Forum I feel like I have found my voice – not just for myself, but for the countless others who remain unheard. I have learned that silence can be broken, and that vulnerability is not a weakness, but a source of strength.

As I move forward, I am more determined than ever to use my voice and work to protect and guide children and young people. My vision is a world where every child, regardless of gender, is free from any kind of violence.

To anyone reading this, especially those who feel unseen or unheard, know that your story matters. And to the incredible community I met at the Forum, thank you for showing me that healing is possible, connection is powerful, and courage has the power to inspire others.

Thank you, SVRI Forum, for being the space where my healing began and my voice emerged.