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Storytelling Basecamp
Reclaiming Narratives, Building Connections
Why Storytelling?
In partnership with BAK, and made possible by VAHA, this project offers people with lived experiences of migration a transformative space to develop storytelling skills that counter harmful narratives and foster connection.
Storytelling Basecamp is a creative training program that empowers people with migration backgrounds—especially women and gender-diverse individuals—to reclaim narratives through the art of storytelling. By offering tools for expression and connection, this project fosters empathy, challenges harmful stereotypes, and builds inclusive communities.
​At New Women Connectors, we believe storytelling is a powerful way to bridge cultural divides, create shared understanding, and amplify voices that are too often unheard. Through personal stories, participants explore identity, healing, and advocacy—locally and beyond.
The process
Through an open, motivation-based call, we selected a group of individuals with lived experiences of migration, interested in using storytelling as a method of expression and connection. The goal was to create an inclusive and supportive space for those whose voices are often underrepresented, offering them tools to share their stories and shape public dialogue.
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Training
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Storytelling Basecamp combines both in-person and online sessions to help participants develop their storytelling voices, build confidence, and connect with others through shared experiences.
Between May 2025 and July 2025, participants engaged in a in a series of workshops led by experienced trainers. These sessions offered space to explore personal narratives, sharpen communication skills, and prepare for future public storytelling opportunities.
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Training Schedule:
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Friday, 9 May – Two in-person sessions at BAK, Utrecht
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Friday, 31 May – Online session
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Friday, 14 June – Online session
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Friday, 28 June – Online session
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Friday, 5 July – Online session
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Mentoring Period
July to September 2025 – Storytelling mentoring sessions (Participants work individually or in small groups, with guidance from mentors from the NWC or partner networks.)
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Final Event
Saturday, November 1 2025 – Storytelling for Solidarity - Public performances by participants followed by a dialogue and exchange session.
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Please stay tuned for more information to come soon regarding the Final Event!
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Evaluation & Reflection
November 2025 – Post-project evaluation with hub partners, trainers, and participants.​
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The project team
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For questions or interest in the project, please contact Project Lead Nurhidayah Hassan at nurhidayah@newwomenconnectors.com or Communications Officer Eszti Galantai, at communication@newwomenconnectors.com
This project runs from May 2025 to October 2025, and is a collaboration between New Women Connectors and BAK, basis voor actuele kunst, Utrecht, as part of the VAHA Hubs initiative. It is made possible by VAHA—an initiative of Anadolu Kültür and zusa, funded by Stiftung Mercator and the European Cultural Foundation.
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