Explore the powerful intersection of trauma healing, human rights, and social change in this profound conversation with psychologist and poet Esset Samatova.
In this episode of the Women as Agents of Change podcast, Liza Florida sits down with the insightful Esset Samatova—a Santo psychologist, human rights strategist, and poet. Esset shares her journey from a ninth-grade fascination with psychology to the front lines of activism, where she pioneers a unique approach integrating trauma healing into the core of social change. She discusses the critical need to address both individual and systemic trauma, the mentors who shaped her path, and her work with the UN Minority Fellowship.
This isn’t just a conversation about activism. It’s about building resilient, whole, and effective movements from the inside out.
Key Topics Covered
Healing as Revolution: Why healing is a foundational necessity for any social movement, not a luxury, and how mental health is crucial for sustainable activism.
A Journey to Activism: Esset’s personal story, from her early interest in psychology to her impactful work with human rights defenders.
Inspiration & Mentorship: The profound impact of female role models and mentors on Esset’s personal and professional journey.
Human Rights & Well-being: A deep dive into the unique pressures activists face and the importance of tailored, trauma-informed support.
Creativity as a Tool for Resilience: How poetry and other creative outlets can be powerful tools for processing emotions and fostering strength.
The Transformational Game: An inside look at Esset’s innovative project designed to make challenging topics like burnout and trauma more engaging and empowering for activists.
Powerful Quotes from Esset Samatova:
- “You cannot carry the weight of the world on your shoulders if no one is helping you hold it.”
- “Your wellbeing is a part of the movement, and if we want to build a better world, we need you not just surviving but whole.”
- “Poetry allows me to speak from a place that is raw, emotional, and true.”
- “Care for yourself the way you would care for someone you love. With gentleness, with consistency and belief.”
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Innovative Projects & Global Initiatives:
Transformational Games: Development of interactive and empowering games that help activists address and navigate burnout and trauma in a constructive way.
UN Minority Fellowship: Involvement with the United Nations, highlighting the critical role of institutional support in advocating for human rights and the well-being of defenders, despite systemic limitations.
Psychology for Activists: Championing new psychological frameworks and mental health initiatives specifically designed for the needs of those engaged in social justice and human rights work.
Mental Health for Peacebuilders and Activists: Special course with IPB coming soon.
Connect with Esset Samatova
Instagram: @esset_pro and @isida_project
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/esset-samatova-3935b21b9/
Connect with Liza Florida
Instagram: @lizaflorida and @eightbillionproject
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/eightbillionpodcast/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/liza-florida-07597119
Website: https://lizaflorida.com/
Special Thanks
To Esset Samatova for her courageous and compassionate work in nurturing the mental and emotional health of activists.
To the International Peace Bureau for their partnership and support for this podcast series. You can learn more about their work at https://ipb.org/ and see more on their YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ipb1910/videos.
To the human rights defenders everywhere who continue to fight for a more just world.
To our listeners—may you find strength in vulnerability and remember that your well-being is essential to the change you wish to see.
About the Series
Women as Agents of Change is a special podcast series hosted by Liza Florida, presented in collaboration with the International Peace Bureau and Eight Billion Project. Each episode celebrates the wisdom, vision, and courage of women working to build a more peaceful and just world.