Collaboration Transforms The World.
Kahini is an organisation with the simple aim to create a better, healthier and more equitable world. At the centre of Kahini is art – which is the perfect vehicle for change, and the catalyst for powerful action towards a better future.
Together we are better. By bringing together the brilliant minds of different people in our society, change is possible on a larger scale than if we were acting in silos. Ideas have input from different people which enables diverse lenses to be applied to the same problem. This leads to greater innovation and new ways of tackling society’s varied challenges.
Kahini means “story” or an “epic tale” in Bengali and brings to light the focus on telling the stories of the people who traditionally may not get the opportunity to share their voice. These stories are the most important seed to the tree of change – enabling greater understanding, broadening our perspectives and encouraging true collaboration.
The difference that Kahini can offer is that we are connected to organisations of change, and bridging that gap between change-makers in the community, artists and government/UN - means that ideas that are traditionally not included in the conversation can now feature in decision-making and action.
To positively change the narrative - we need to really understand the whole story, and Kahini is truly dedicated to creating impactful change with the community for our community.
“We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them.”
Albert Einstein
“Life is a great big canvas, and you should throw all the paint you can on it.”
Danny Kaye
VISION
A world where social inequalities do not exist.
MISSION
To create awareness and action towards a better, more equitable world through art, health and community collaboration.
Our Projects
Kahini’s projects have an underlying health focus – whether it is looking at overcoming loneliness and creating connection in our community, creating opportunities for the physical and mental wellbeing of young people or hearing from and supporting refugee and newly migrant groups. Health intersects with all social issues such as economic factors, housing, access to services, gender inequality and racial discrimination. When we improve these situations for communities, their ability to thrive increases. These “social determinants of health” are a main factor in the quality of life of communities and proof that wellbeing and health for all people extends beyond traditional medical care.
When all groups in our society thrive, the whole population benefits.
Our People
Kahini is founded by Piyali Somaia, who is passionate about creating a healthier, happier community through art, public health projects, policy, collaboration and connection. She has expertise in global health research and programs, gender inequality, consulting, network building, program management, professional dance performance and choreography and organisational strategy.
Her previous work has brought together a community of World Health Organisation (WHO) Collaborating Centres in Australia, to work alongside Government and the WHO Regional Office; working towards common Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). She has also acted as Secretariat and as a member of the first committee of Women in Global Health Australia, consultant for the UNFPA, worked in various global consulting and Government roles and holds a Master of Public Health (MPH) as well as a Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) and a Bachelor of Science. Piyali is also a Bharatanatyam dancer and choreographer, co-founded the Bollywood company Sapphire Dance (Melbourne) and believes dance, music and other forms of art has untapped potential to create positive impact and change in the world.
If you believe in the vision of Kahini and are an artist, public health/global health organisation, Government department, community leader or member or student – please reach out for a chat! Our work is centred around collaboration and community and are open to ideas and thoughts from you.
For further enquiries, kindly contact: kahiniproductions@gmail.com
We would like to thank our sponsor Simba Global for their generous support.
Launch Event
Stay tuned for the launch event of Kahini in 2025!
