Aurat Foundation organized a three-day workshop for WPAs of Sindh and Balochistan on the Common Ground Approach, Understanding of Radicalization, and Best Practices of Gender Engagement in PVE on 6-8 March 2023 at Marriott Hotel Karachi. The main objectives of the CGA training workshop were; to straighten the capacities of WPAs on a common-ground approach, to offer guidance and strengthen the capacities of WPAs in peacebuilding and conflict prevention, and to reflect on conflict in own their lives, to explore the different approaches to managing conflict, to enhance their skills and knowledge regarding counter-violent extremism in Pakistan's context" and Motivating the WPAs to actions for changing behavior after receiving the CGA workshop at the personal, community, and workplace levels.

Based on their learnings, WPAs developed their action plans to replicate the training in their respective communities and circle of influence.

The closing ceremony was attended by the guests; Dr. Masuma Hasan, President, Board of Directors, Aurat Foundation, Ms. Anastasia Kolivas, Public Diplomacy Officer, US Consulate Karachi, Ms. Gulshan Batool, Community Engagement Assistant, US Embassy Islamabad, Ms. Mahnaz Rahman, Resident Director Aurat Foundation Karachi & Ms. Muneezeh Saeed Khan, Programme Specialist, AF Karachi. Addressing the closing ceremony, Dr. Masuma Hassan, President, Board of Directors, Aurat Foundation thanks Search for Common Ground and the US Embassy for their generous support for such important and wonderful work.

Dr. Masuma Hasan, President, Board of Directors, Aurat Foundation shared that in 2000, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) adopted Resolution 1325, the first time the international community formally recognized either the impact of conflict on women or the need to involve them as active agents in peacebuilding. UNSC Resolution 1325 made an important contribution to the normative framework for the protection of women and girls in armed conflict. She said that In its first National Security Policy (2022-2026), the Government of Pakistan recognized 'gender security' as a key pillar and aimed to "ensure integration of gender equity into national security narratives through full and meaningful participation of women in decision-making, law enforcement, justice sector, and peacekeeping.

Mahnaz Rehman, Resident Director, Aurat Foundation, Sindh said that in a society such as Pakistan, where patriarchal norms and structural inequalities have restricted women and girls to the margins of the society, entrenched challenges hinder women's meaningful participation in public and political spheres. Existing inequalities exacerbate sociocultural differences and disparities in access to rights and services, magnifying the gender divide in conflict and crisis scenarios. There is a need to strengthen local women's groups and CSOs towards building a peace network of local organizations, building their knowledge and capacity on conflict prevention, and implementing gender-sensitive interventions.

Ms. Gulshan Batool, Community Engagement Assistant, US Embassy Islamabad apricated and spoke high words for Aurat Foundation and SFCG for organizing very learning workshops for WPAs. She said that the US Embassy is working to strengthen women's capacities for promoting peacebuilding. They are working with local organizations for socio-economic recovery and building their skills to strengthen women's leadership. The CGA workshop is a unique training to build the skills of WPAs.

Mr. Shahid Rahim, Senior Manager Programs SFCG thanks AF for the selection of wonderful WPAs for the promotion of peace. He said that exclusion from democratic processes, cultural norms, social biases, and militant violence further dissuade youth and women's participation in the civic space. There is also a need to give a voice to women and to involve them in meaningful decision-making; change itself requires a transformation of patriarchy-ridden culture, procedures, strategic narratives, and support system and an evolution in perceiving personal commitments.

Ms. Mumtaz Mughal said that the project will also provide platforms and spaces for WPAs to improve their joint influence and expertise in the peace process. She further said that women's equal participation in decision-making is not only a demand for justice and democracy but can also be seen as a necessary condition for women's interests to be considered. Without the perspective of women at all levels of decision-making, the goals of equality, development, and peace cannot be achieved. In the end, the guests of the workshop awarded the certificates to WPAs. AF team presented the souvenirs to the guests. A group photo was also taken.

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.

Aurat Foundation organized a three-day workshop for Women Peace architects (WPAs) so that they can effectively participate in the peacebuilding process and increase their knowledge and skills making them capable to collaborate with government and civil society stakeholders. The training workshop was organized on 23-25 January 2023. The participants of the training were from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, and Islamabad. Overall, thirty-one (31) were participants.

The main objective of this training workshop was to train the women peace architects (WPAs) to enhance their skills and knowledge regarding national laws and policies for the promotion of peace and enhance their capacities in peacebuilding processes at the local to national level. She apricated AF efforts and said that She Peacebuilder will build the capacity of women peace architects to enhance their role in peacebuilding and counter violent extremism 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 prosper 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 Aurat Foundation said that through Aurat Foundation programming we strengthen the skills and expertise of communities and civil society in peacebuilding; gender, peace, and security; 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.

Aurat Foundation organized a three-day workshop for Women Peace architects (WPAs) so that they can effectively participate in the peacebuilding process and increase their knowledge and skills making them capable to collaborate with government and civil society stakeholders. The training workshop was organized on 23-25 January 2023. The participants of the training were from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, and Islamabad. Overall, thirty-one (31) were participants.

The main objective of this training workshop was to train the women peace architects (WPAs) to enhance their skills and knowledge regarding national laws and policies for the promotion of peace and enhance their capacities in peacebuilding processes at the local to national level. She apricated AF efforts and said that She Peacebuilder will build the capacity of women peace architects to enhance their role in peacebuilding and counter violent extremism 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 prosper 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 Aurat Foundation said that through Aurat Foundation programming we strengthen the skills and expertise of communities and civil society in peacebuilding; gender, peace, and security; 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.

Aurat Foundation organized a three-day workshop for Women Peace architects (WPAs) so that they can effectively participate in the peacebuilding process and increase their knowledge and skills making them capable to collaborate with government and civil society stakeholders. The training workshop was organized on 23-25 January 2023. The participants of the training were from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, and Islamabad. Overall, thirty-one (31) were participants.

The main objective of this training workshop was to train the women peace architects (WPAs) to enhance their skills and knowledge regarding national laws and policies for the promotion of peace and enhance their capacities in peacebuilding processes at the local to national level. She apricated AF efforts and said that She Peacebuilder will build the capacity of women peace architects to enhance their role in peacebuilding and counter violent extremism 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 prosper 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 Aurat Foundation said that through Aurat Foundation programming we strengthen the skills and expertise of communities and civil society in peacebuilding; gender, peace, and security; 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.

Aurat Foundation organized a three-day workshop for Women Peace architects (WPAs) so that they can effectively participate in the peacebuilding process and increase their knowledge and skills making them capable to collaborate with government and civil society stakeholders. The training workshop was organized on 23-25 January 2023. The participants of the training were from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, and Islamabad. Overall, thirty-one (31) were participants.

The main objective of this training workshop was to train the women peace architects (WPAs) to enhance their skills and knowledge regarding national laws and policies for the promotion of peace and enhance their capacities in peacebuilding processes at the local to national level. She apricated AF efforts and said that She Peacebuilder will build the capacity of women peace architects to enhance their role in peacebuilding and counter violent extremism 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 prosper 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 Aurat Foundation said that through Aurat Foundation programming we strengthen the skills and expertise of communities and civil society in peacebuilding; gender, peace, and security; 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.

Aurat Foundation organized a three-day workshop for Women Peace architects (WPAs) so that they can effectively participate in the peacebuilding process and increase their knowledge and skills making them capable to collaborate with government and civil society stakeholders. The training workshop was organized on 23-25 January 2023. The participants of the training were from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, and Islamabad. Overall, thirty-one (31) were participants.

The main objective of this training workshop was to train the women peace architects (WPAs) to enhance their skills and knowledge regarding national laws and policies for the promotion of peace and enhance their capacities in peacebuilding processes at the local to national level. She apricated AF efforts and said that She Peacebuilder will build the capacity of women peace architects to enhance their role in peacebuilding and counter violent extremism 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 prosper 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 Aurat Foundation said that through Aurat Foundation programming we strengthen the skills and expertise of communities and civil society in peacebuilding; gender, peace, and security; 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.

Aurat Foundation organized a three-day workshop for Women Peace architects (WPAs) so that they can effectively participate in the peacebuilding process and increase their knowledge and skills making them capable to collaborate with government and civil society stakeholders. The training workshop was organized on 23-25 January 2023. The participants of the training were from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, and Islamabad. Overall, thirty-one (31) were participants.

The main objective of this training workshop was to train the women peace architects (WPAs) to enhance their skills and knowledge regarding national laws and policies for the promotion of peace and enhance their capacities in peacebuilding processes at the local to national level. She apricated AF efforts and said that She Peacebuilder will build the capacity of women peace architects to enhance their role in peacebuilding and counter violent extremism 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 prosper 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 Aurat Foundation said that through Aurat Foundation programming we strengthen the skills and expertise of communities and civil society in peacebuilding; gender, peace, and security; 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.

Aurat Foundation in collaboration with WLP organized a three-day national training of trainers Institute at Islamabad. Around 20 women activists participated from different walk of life women leaders of local government and social activists from different departments and person with disabilities. The training was conducted by the trained resource persons. The training involved an in-depth exploration of women’s leadership role to climate adaptation techniques for local women leaders, democratic political participation as well as discussion of nature of violence committed against women. The training covered The group also refined their strategic communications and messaging to advocate their rights. 

The objectives of the training were to develop the inclusive, participatory, and horizontal leadership. AF trainers conduct the training sessions follow by “Leading to Choices” developed by the Women’s Learning Partnership for their partners. Leading to Choices is designed to be easily adapted to suit diverse cultural, political, and socio-economic needs of different audiences.

The trainees explored the strategies and made their action plans for strengthening the full, equal and meaningful participation and influence of women and girls where injustice occurs. They made their plans to  promote women’s and girls’ full and equal participation and leadership in the designing and implementation of climate change, environmental policies and programmes moving forward. They highlighted that climate change has driven women into greater poverty. Many types of natural resources that used to be easily available and free, such as drinking water and native plants for foods, have diminished or are completely gone. In addition to the lack of resources, women who are facing direct confrontation. They get anxious, distressed, and experience a great sense of hopelessness. Women, are becoming more vulnerable to disaster-driven displacement due to informally created roles and responsibilities and male-controlled customs. Women tend to experience an incidence of sexual and gender-based violence, human rights abuses, an economic uncertainty, a lack of access to information, services and resources, along with discrimination in employment and land rights.

They will do efforts to amplify the voices and knowledge of marginalized women, including indigenous women, older women, women with disabilities, migrant women and those living in rural, remote, conflict and disaster-prone areas.

Ms Romina Khurshid Alam, Convener national parliamentary taskforce SDGs said that organizing a capacity-building session on emerging social media for MPAs and political activists is a great initiative to enhance the outreach, communication, and engagement efforts of these critical conservation areas. It provides a platform for constituents to hold politicians accountable for their actions and promises. Social media is essential for political achievements because it provides an unparalleled platform for communication, engagement, and outreach. She was addressing in closing ceremony of 2-day capacity building training workshop of MPAs and members of women 's political participation on social media trends on 13-14 December 2022 at Best Western Hotel, Islamabad.

Ms Nosheen Khurram, National Manager AF JAZBA shared the programmes objectives that the session is organized for equip MPA professionals with the knowledge and skills to effectively utilize emerging social media platforms for conservation, outreach, and community engagement. This agenda aims to cover a comprehensive range of topics, from understanding social media platforms to practical content creation and ethical considerations. Interactive elements, such as hands-on exercises and group discussions, can enhance participant engagement and encourage the exchange of ideas and experiences.

Speaker Gilgit Assembly, Syed Amjad Zaidi said that women political activists can create official social media profiles for the political figure or party on popular platforms like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. By using a consistent brand image and messaging across all platforms to educate the public about political issues, policies, and the impact of decisions.

Dilshad Bano, MPA PTI, GB Assembly said that social media can play success in politics is about building relationships, fostering dialogue, and creating a positive online presence. It requires a consistent and thoughtful approach to effectively communicate political goals and achievements to a diverse and often critical audience. She further said that Positive engagement can enhance a politician’s reputation, while effective crisis communication can mitigate negative impacts.

Raheela Hameed Durrani, Ex Speaker Balochistan Assembly said that politicians can tailor messages to specific demographics, ensuring their content reaches the most relevant audiences. Social media facilitates the creation of online communities and grassroots movements. Supporters can connect with each other, fostering a sense of belonging and shared values.

Ms. Mumtaz Mughal, Director Programmes said that social media platforms have massive user bases, allowing political figures and parties to reach a broad and diverse audience. They can increase visibility can help raise awareness of political agendas, campaigns, and achievements. Social media allows politicians to share information transparently, including policy details, achievements, and challenges.