Aurat Foundation organized a three-day training workshop on ‘Professional Leadership Skills for WPAs of ICT, Punjab and KP’ from 6th- 8th August 2023 at O’Spring Estate, Murree. The three-day workshop was facilitated by senior communications expert Mr. Farnood Alam. The main objectives of the three-day training workshop was to strengthen the capacities of WPAs in peacebuilding and conflict prevention, to reflect on conflict in their own lives,  discussing and exploring the different approaches to managing the conflicts and to enhance their skills and knowledge regarding countering violent extremism in Pakistan’s context. The topics were covered during the training; Women’s Journey through Time, Leadership, Communication and Public Speaking, Lobbying and Advocacy, Women’s Leadership historical perspective and Negotiation and BATNA.  

A total of twenty-nine (24) people participated in the training workshop. 19 Women Peace Architects (4 from ICT, 9 from Punjab, 5 from KPK and 1 from Sindh) while the staff of Aurat Foundation and a Master Trainer also participated. The participants belonged to different walks of life and there was representation from different political parties, social activists, lawyers, media, students, teachers, etc. WPAs were from different ethnic groups and religious minorities including transgender people. 

In closing ceremony of three day workshop, Mr Naeem Mirza shared his thoughts that how are WPAs can apply best practices for Lobbying and Advocacy and become the future Leaders. All these women present here are great leaders and speakers but after this workshop you all will be able to professionally learn the skills and able to Communicate. Over the course of one year, the WPAs of ICT, Punjab and KP have grown and learned a tremendous amount of things and will continue to work for peacebuilding initiatives in their respective fields.

Mr. Shahid Raheem said that we made a new proposal in order to continue this project and that proposal got accepted. We have selected 100 youth members who are experts in different fields of life like sports, media, literature and social activist etc. All our existing 50 WPAs will work with them in future on their current action plans that they are already working on.

Mr. Naeem Mirza and Mumtaz Mughal thanked the organizing team and the gathered participants and said that we will continue to make efforts to empower the women of this country. In the end, the guests of the workshop awarded the certificates to WPAs. AF team presented the souvenirs to the guests.