CSW69 Reflection: Eva Jane “Punky” Dahl
Reflection: Art, Healing, and Remembrance at the Church of the Covenant
Sitting in the fellowship hall of the Church of the Covenant, I expected dinner and conversation. Instead, I was profoundly moved by artist Michael Pilato’s testimony.
Michael’s mural, Inspiration Orlando United, honors the 49 lives lost in the Pulse nightclub shooting. Yet beyond commemorating the tragedy, it tells a deeper story—one interwoven with his own loss. He spoke about his daughter, her struggles with addiction, and her passing, sharing how he included her in the mural alongside others lost too soon. His grief became part of a broader narrative of remembrance, love, and healing.
This resonated with me personally. The Pulse shooting was not a distant event—one of our family friends lost a close friend and colleague that night. Hearing Michael speak, I was reminded of how tragedy connects us, how grief is both deeply personal and profoundly communal.
Michael’s art is not just about depicting events; it is about transformation. He believes in engaging the community, turning mourning into meaning, and using creativity to foster healing. Standing before his mural, I saw both sorrow and strength, pain and resilience.
It was a reminder that love must be louder than hate, that art can be both witness and comfort, and that every story—no matter how painful—deserves to be told.
Reflection: The Fight for Truth in Afghanistan
The room was silent as we listened to the voices of Afghan women journalists in exile—voices that, in their home country, have been forcibly silenced. Their testimonies painted a grim reality: there is no free press in Afghanistan. Every news outlet is controlled by the Taliban, leaving no space for truth beyond what the regime permits. Independent journalism is no longer just difficult; it is dangerous, even deadly.
Yet despite this oppression, these women have not stopped telling the truth. Through encrypted networks, social media, and citizen journalists—often young Gen Z girls armed only with their phones—they continue to report. They call it intelligent resistance, a form of journalism that is both defiant and necessary. But they cannot do it alone. They need funding, technological support, and global awareness to continue their work.
Filmmaker Sahra Karimi reminded us that media is storytelling, and storytelling is power. The Taliban understands this, which is why they work so hard to control the narrative. But independent journalists push back, offering a counter-story—one of suffering, resistance, and courage. Journalism, as they described it, is both a weapon and a shield. It is truth in the face of propaganda.
Hearing their stories, I felt both inspired and frustrated. Inspired by their courage, but frustrated by the lack of global response. The UN must do more to support Afghan journalism. Tech companies must invest in tools that allow these women to report safely. And we, as individuals, must continue amplifying their voices.
Freedom of speech is not just a policy or principle—it is the voice of a single person daring to tell the truth. We must not let that voice be silenced.
Reflection: Empowering Women through Entrepreneurship with EntreprenHer
At the heart of the EntrepreneurHer program lies a powerful truth: when you educate a woman, you educate the world. This program, which trains women in Namibia to produce, market, and sell their products, is more than just a business initiative—it is a catalyst for broader societal transformation.
The women involved in EntreprenHer are not only learning skills to sustain themselves and their families but are also taking on roles as leaders and agents of change in their communities. The training focuses on building confidence, teaching entrepreneurship, and equipping them with the tools to succeed in markets that were once inaccessible. Through this initiative, these women are claiming their space in the global economy, breaking barriers, and reshaping their futures.
What stood out to me most was the sense of empowerment these women exuded as they spoke about their work. The impact of their training was evident not only in the businesses they’ve built but also in their new self-confidence. They are no longer passive recipients of aid but active participants in shaping their economic futures.
As I reflected on their stories, I saw the ripple effect of empowering one woman. By equipping them with the skills and knowledge to succeed, EntreprenHer is changing not just the lives of these women, but the fabric of their communities. They are teaching their children, mentoring other women, and creating networks of support that extend far beyond their businesses.
EntrepreneurHer is a shining example of how women’s entrepreneurship can be a powerful tool for change. When women are given the tools to succeed, they uplift entire communities.
Concluding Thoughts
CSW69 was a humbling, awe-inspiring, and empowering experience for me. It was a place where I made new friends, deepened my faith, and challenged my world view. I am inspired to bring back what I learned to help be an agent of change in my community. I made presentations to both the Deacons and Session at my home church, Southminster Presbyterian of Tulsa. I also have planted a seed within my congregation and presbytery to encourage and support others to seek out this experience. I hope that I am able to be considered for attending as a delegate again in the future.
