Aurat Foundation successfully organized a National Conference on July 11, 2024, at Serena Hotel Islamabad.

A total of two hundred and thirty-three (233) participants participated in the National Conference. Governor KP, Mr Faisal Karim Kundi, Members of provincial assembly (MPAs, MNAs) and members of US Embassy participated. Member of Law enforcement departments, police officials, media persons, lawyers, academia, students, minorities, transgender and representatives of civil society organizations also participated.

The main Objectives of National Conference was to share best practices and lessons learned from the experiences of Women Peace Architects (WPAs) in fostering sustainable peace, to analyze the impact of Women Peace Architects (WPAs) initiatives on promoting peace and conflict resolution through Community Actions and to explore innovative strategies for enhancing the role of women in peacebuilding efforts.

75 Women Peace Architects (WPAs) from all provinces of Pakistan set up stalls showcasing their project work funded by small grants under SHE-The Peacebuilder Project. Their displays included an array of pamphlets, posters, stickers, documents, photographs of activities, and various souvenirs, providing a comprehensive overview of their initiatives and achievements.

Mr Faisal Karim Kundi, Governor KP, praised the collaborative efforts of the Aurat Foundation, Search for Common Ground, and Kadam Communication in organizing this conference. He said that your commitment to supporting women peacebuilders and fostering a culture of peace is commendable. Continued collaboration among governmental and non-governmental organizations is essential to sustain and expand the impact of such initiatives. Ms Ghazala Golu, Deputy Speaker Balochistan Assembly emphasized the importance of men's participation in promoting women's representation in government. She assured that while the representation of women in Balochistan has been very low in recent years, there are now promising signs of improvement. Ms. Golu highlighted that collaborative efforts between men and women are crucial for achieving gender parity in leadership and decision-making roles. She also stressed the need for societal change to support and encourage women to step into these roles. Additionally, Ms. Golu called for more targeted policies and programs that address the barriers women face in politics, such as lack of access to education, financial resources, and mentorship. She expressed optimism that with these efforts, the future will see a significant increase in women's representation and participation in Balochistan's political landscape.

Ms Suraya bibi, Deputy Speaker, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly said that women's representation is essential in every part and sector of the country. She thanked the WPAs, Aurat Foundation, and Search for Common Ground for their dedicated efforts over the past two years. She highlighted that through various activities, these women have successfully taught the vital lesson of promoting peace in society.

Mr Naveed Anthony, Deputy Speaker, Sindh Assembly proudly announced that Sindh is the first province to elect four women to the Deputy Speakership, marking a significant milestone and honor for the region. He noted that a notification has been issued to this effect, emphasizing the growing stability and prominence of women in society. Mr. Anthony highlighted that the achievements of the WPAs have accomplished in a short span what had not been achieved in the last 75 years, showcasing the transformative power of women's contributions.

Mr Muhammad Mukram Khan, Director General Cyber Vigilance, PTA reiterated PTA's dedication to safeguarding the digital wellbeing of young people in Pakistan. He encouraged ongoing dialogue and cooperation among all sectors to enhance cyber vigilance and ensure a positive impact on the lives of the country's youth.

MNA Sahar Kamran, Ex-Senator also participated in the Conference. Addressing the participants that Aurat Foundation is playing an effective role in bringing forward young women. She said that the youth should be diverted from immoral activities and moved towards skills so that there is peace in the society.

Ms Nilofar Bakhtiar, Chairperson of the National Commission on Status of Women (NCSW), delivered her closing remarks with a powerful and inspiring message. As the Chief Guest for the session, she lauded the Aurat Foundation and Search for Common Ground for their pivotal role in spearheading the initiative. She highlighted the organization's commitment to advancing women's rights and their social and economic stability, emphasizing that this initiative was designed to develop the leadership skills of women and empower them to contribute effectively to peacebuilding efforts.

Ms. Nilofer appreciated the Aurat Foundation's efforts to nurturing a garden, where each woman is a plant that has been carefully tended to ensure growth and flourishing. She noted that women today must navigate the complexities of modern society with precision and resilience, adapting to the evolving demands of the era.

Mr Naeem Ahmed Mirza, Executive Director, Aurat Foundation, expressed his views on the crucial role women can play in establishing peace and order within their communities. He proudly acknowledged the 75 women recognized for their significant contributions to peacebuilding, noting that their hard work and determination have brought about positive change not only in their local areas but across the entire country.

At the end of the ceremony, all Women Peace Architects (WPAs) were awarded for their services. Ms Nilofer Bakhtiar presented awards to WPAs. A group picture was taken at the end.