Aurat Foundation organized a three-day training workshop on "Transforming Violent Extremism for Women Peace" Architects of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Punjab on 19-21 March 2022 at Masonite Hotel, Lahore. Through the training, WAPs improved individuals' attitudes and practices on identity and understanding of conflict and violence, increased sensitization about the impact of violence, sensitized about women's role in peacebuilding and women's inclusion in public spheres and developed their action plans

In the closing ceremony of three-day workshop, Dr. Raana Malik, Chairperson Gender Studies Department of the University of Punjab addressed as a Chief Guest. She said that when we talk about inclusiveness it means the inclusion of all types and kinds of gender. She further said that women are an important part of the peace-making process. But even when women are included in these processes they don’t have any say or any right to decision-making. She said that just the inclusion of women in the system is not important but the role of these women and their participation is equally important.

Dr. Malik said that more capacity-building workshops like these should be conducted. She added that there are two types of inclusion, one is of the women who come on reserved seats, they have no decision-making or no right to speak and no one takes them seriously but on the other hand, there are women who contest, and get a position on merit. They are respected and asked for discussions. We need to make the women aware and empower them to contest for general seats.

Mr. Naeem Mirza, Executive Director of Aurat Foundation said that we need to empower our women so that they are able to make decisions that are beneficial for themselves and other women. He said that such training workshops are important in furthering the CVE agenda and there is a need of the hour because of the extremist and intolerant society we find ourselves in. He also thanked Dr. Raana Malik and the gathered participants and said that we will continue to make efforts to empower the women of this country.

Ms. Mumtaz Mughal said that the training will increase the coordination and collaboration among women peace architects, government and civil society stakeholders, and cultural influencers in responding to violent extremism and conflict.

Ms. Mahnaz Rahman, Resident Director AF Sindh, and member of mediator group formed by civil society to dialogue with political parties conducted a study circle of WPAs of Sindh on 9th March 2023 at Lincoln Corner of Pakistan American Culture Center, Karachi. In circle, participants identify the key issues of gender, politics and peace in their communities and province with the potentiality for violent conflict. They said that there are many issues related to gender including; discriminatory education system and curriculum, harassment at public and workplaces, lack of implementation of pro-women laws, lack of women's participation in decision-making at home, in public places, and politics, increased in the ratio of VAWG, Restriction on women's and girls' mobility regarding safety and protection and there is weak rehabilitation and protection mechanism.

WPAs devises a number of recommendations to improve the inclusion of women in peacebuilding processes at provincial and national decision-makers. There is need to ensure the participation of WPA's in interfaith harmony meetings. There is need to arrange a sensitization session for justice provider institutions for free and fair justice for all.
She said that there is need to ensure the inclusion of women in the peace committees by ensuring the representation of all ethnic and religious groups. Government should create economic empowerment initiatives for the rehabilitation of terrorist attack survivors.

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.