A three-day training workshop on the Common Ground Approach (CGA) was organized on 23rd - 25th January 2023 at Hillview Hotel, Islamabad for Women Peace Architects (WPAs) of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, and Islamabad.

The main objective of this training workshop was to train and enhance their skills and knowledge of on Common Ground Approach, Understanding of CVE & TVE, Gender, and Role of Women in PVE. The following contents were covered; Understanding your role as facilitator (Trainer? Coach? Teacher? Facilitator?), What makes a good facilitator? My identity- key concepts, defining conflict and violence, the visible and invisible dynamics in conflict, responding to conflict, Perspectives and perceptions, Conflict analysis, Peace and climate justice, and revealing common ground.

The training was conducted by Mr. Shahid Rahim, Senior Manager of Programmes, Search for Common Ground-Pakistan. He is an expert on Common Ground Approaches. Ema Miroslava Fong, Conflict Resolution and psychosocial Practitioner, Conflict Transformation, and Trauma Awareness Trainer conducted several sessions on CGA. She has professional experience and expertise in peacebuilding, conflict transformation, and preventing or countering violent extremism in fragile and conflicted areas. & Mr. Ali Hammad, Executive Director, of Shaoor Foundation and expert on CGA also conducted the session on perspectives and perceptions, the visible and invisible dynamics in conflict.

The closing ceremony was attended by Dr. Maria Effendi Ph. D, Ethnic Conflict Resolution (SPIR-QAU, Islamabad), Assistant Professor, Peace and Conflict Studies, National Defence University. Dr. Riffat Haque, Assistant Professor: Peace & Conflict Studies Department, Mr. Ali Hameed, Executive Director, Shaoor Foundation, Mr. Aqeel Khan, Executive Director, Kadam Consultant Company, Mr. Saeed Khan, Executive Director, GLOW Consultants, Ms. Gulshan, Representative of the S Embassy in Pakistan, Ms. Tabinda, Representative of the US Embassy in Pakistan.

Addressing the closing ceremony of the workshop, Dr. Maria Effendi, Assistant Professor, of Peace and Conflict Studies, at National Defence University said that women's equal participation in decision-making has been recognized in all walks of life. All government and nongovernment organizations affirmed the important role of women in the prevention and resolution of conflicts and emphasized the importance of their equal participation and full involvement. She also said that Women's inclusion in peacebuilding processes is essential for long-term success and prosperity in communities.

Dr. Riffat Haque, Assistant Professor of the Peace & Conflict Studies Department said that Systematic and representative inclusion of women in a broad range of peace and security issues is not only important to ensure a successful negotiation, but also for ensuring that women's interests are being addressed. She acknowledged the AF efforts for women's empowerment in Pakistan. She emphasized that there is a need to increase coordination and collaboration among women peace architects, government and civil society stakeholders, and cultural influencers in responding to violent extremism and conflict and promoting peace.

Naeem Ahmed Mirza, Executive Director of AF said that through Aurat Foundation programming we strengthen the skills and expertise of communities and civil society in peacebuilding; gender, peace, and security and justice sector reform. Peace begins from home and individual small actions. She said that the AF program 'She Peacebuilder' is a unique initiative to build the capacities of women community leaders.

At the end of the training, there were improved individuals' attitudes and practices and developed local action plans for women's inclusion in public spheres. WPAs developed twelve (12) individual and collective action plans by adopting the CGA approach.