Introducing Kulna

This episode features conversation that may be emotionally challenging, especially for those working on the front lines of human rights. We encourage you to be mindful of your well-being as you listen.

Chapters

• 00:00 Do No Harm - Origins and personal journey
• 08:24 Shame, guilt, and the activist identity
• 22:10 What shapes an understanding of care

Transcript

Do No Harm - Origins and Personal Journey

Isabelle: Leyla, hi. I have many questions for you, but I want you — in your own words - to speak to 'do no harm.' It is a concept that you have been inspired to manifest, to make into practicality. So before we start talking about framework or language, in your words, what does do no harm mean?

Leyla: My understanding of do no harm really comes from my own personal journey. Going back to my early activism - this is two decades ago now, please do not try to figure out my age - it stems from experiencing early trauma and working in systems that were not safe. As an activist, you want to do good, but when you are working against issues around violence, the environment takes its toll. I was working very closely with frontline activists, and that showed me how often care - or the lack of it - defines the work.