It is funny that almost all the women chose pink to decorate the first mask, the one that is their true self now. The second mask, the one they hope to become is quite different. I named the workshop "Unmasking our Pain, Revealing our Power". I would have liked to have more time with them to explain more. There also were professional translators [but] I am not sure what they really understood. It was so amazing, because I wasn't sure how to talk to them about domestic abuse and sexual assault, so I just casually talked as they were making their masks. I told them about what the women in the US told me about their experiences and asked them periodically if they were OK with what I was saying, did they want me to go on? They shook their heads, yes, so I continued. Some of them started crying and I just went over to them and put my hand on their shoulder. Later, some came to me to talk individually, but we had to have an interpreter with us to translate. I think they know they are not alone. How I wish they had shelters to go to, but there are no resources for them. My dream would be that one day...they will have the choice to leave."
Judy B.
Womens Workshop facilitator & Maskitect
Wisconsin