Storytelling is a participatory, discovery learning method that makes use of evocative visual and/or verbal cues to get a community to explore and talk more comfortably about the difficult subject of violence against women.

By asking community members to imagine situations rather than share real life experiences, they feel less inhibited to participate in discussions. Users of the Storytelling method should adopt a fun, creative, and informal approach, but recognize the sensitivities in dealing with issues such as gender based violence.

The Storytelling technique is being adopted in Lao PDR in partnership with the Lao Women’s Union to work with rural communities in Bokeo, Savannakhet and Champasak provinces to help develop the capacity of provincial Lao Women’s Unions on community outreach approaches, and increase awareness of communities on gender based violence.