Empowering youth with the skills to lead, communicate effectively, and resolve conflicts is essential for building peaceful and resilient communities. Young people are at the heart of societal change, yet many lack access to the resources and mentorship needed to develop their leadership potential. The ‘Light for Life – Youth Voices for Peace & Freedom’ project, implemented in Dhaka, Bangladesh, by Global Peace Women (GPW) Project Leader Tahmina Akter Supti with the support of Global Women Dream (GWD) Grant, was designed to address this gap by equipping young people with essential life skills in communication, decision-making, and peacebuilding.

Through training sessions, mentorship programs, and community engagement, the initiative provided participants with the confidence and practical tools needed to navigate challenges within their families and communities. Amidst national unrest, Light for Life illuminated the lives of young leaders, equipping them with crucial peacebuilding and values-driven leadership skills to navigate current challenges and envision their nation’s future.

The project targeted youth aged 18 to 26, offering interactive workshops that focused on self-esteem, leadership, and conflict resolution. The initiative aligned with key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). By fostering a generation of young leaders, the program aimed to not only enhance individual capabilities but also contribute to broader social change.

Despite facing challenges such as political instability and limited funding, the project successfully trained over 60 youth participants, many of whom applied their skills in real-world scenarios. Some mediated family disputes, led awareness sessions, and took on leadership roles in youth organizations. The mentorship component proved particularly impactful, as several graduates returned as volunteer trainers, ensuring the sustainability of the initiative. Strategic partnerships with institutions like Southeast University and the Southeast MUN Club played a vital role in overcoming resource constraints, demonstrating the power of collaboration in grassroots development efforts.

The impact of Light for Life was significant. By the program’s conclusion, there was a 15% increase in youth participation in household decision-making, a 20% rise in the number of peacebuilding leaders in that community, and a 10% decrease in family disputes, with mediation efforts led by participants. Additionally, a sustainable volunteer network was established to support future training and mentorship. Participants reported significant personal growth, with 99% stating that their confidence and motivation had improved. As one participant, Sinthia Suraiya, expressed, “This program has given me the confidence to lead and support others in my community.”

Looking ahead, the Light for Life project has laid the groundwork for long-term impact by developing an alumni network, securing institutional partnerships, and expanding funding sources. It exemplifies the mission of Global Peace Women, which seeks to foster peace by strengthening families and communities. By investing in young people as leaders and peacebuilders, GPW continues to advance its vision of ‘One Family under God’, demonstrating that empowered youth are key to creating a more just and harmonious world.

Join the efforts to support women peacebuilders like Afi, donate to the #FuelHerDream campaign, today.

The post Featured Peace Dreamer: Tahmina, Empowers Youth for Peace and Leadership in Bangladesh appeared first on Global Peace Women.

The Mental Health Awareness and Support Project for Women in Ruiru which took place between July to December 2024 sought to equip women with the tools they need to navigate anxiety, stress, and emotional trauma, all while reinforcing their vital role in family and community well-being. Through structured training workshops, counseling sessions, and community engagement activities, the project provided a safe space for women to openly discuss mental health challenges, seek support, and learn practical coping strategies.

The project took a comprehensive approach to addressing mental well-being, ensuring that participants gained both knowledge and practical tools for personal and community resilience. A key focus was on mental health awareness, helping women recognize the signs of distress and understand common mental health challenges. This foundation allowed participants to become more aware of their emotional state and seek help when necessary.

Another critical area of focus was managing anxiety, equipping women with techniques to cope with stress and uncertainty. The project also emphasized resilience building, helping participants develop emotional strength to navigate life’s challenges. This was complemented by stress management and handling difficult conversations, which provided strategies for resolving family and community conflicts constructively.

The project had a profound impact on the 30 women who participated, many of whom had experienced internal displacement, financial struggles, and emotional trauma following the April-May 2024 floods. Notably, 50% of the women sought professional mental health support after the training, demonstrating a significant shift in attitudes toward seeking help. To further expand its reach, the project also launched a month-long social media campaign, increasing awareness beyond the direct participants and fostering a broader conversation on mental well-being within the community.

Beyond these numbers, the project’s real success lay in the personal transformations experienced by the women. “Seeing the women embrace their mental well-being has reinforced the importance of this work.” Wairimu, the project leader expressed her fulfillment at the success of the initiative.

“Before joining the workshops, I didn’t understand the importance of mental health. Now, I feel empowered to manage my stress and support my family better,” shared Maria, a participant

“I used to think seeking help was a sign of weakness, but this project has taught me that it’s actually strength. The counseling sessions helped me find clarity and hope,” said Jane, another, participant

“The workshops transformed my perspective on mental health. I now feel equipped to manage stress and help other women in my circle do the same,” Esther, yet another participant, added.

True to GPW’s belief that women are natural leaders in peacebuilding, this project did not just offer support—it created advocates. Participants were encouraged to become mental health champions, taking their newfound knowledge back to their families and communities. Furthermore, plans are underway to establish a GPW Support Club for Women in Ruiru, where participants can continue sharing knowledge, providing peer support, and engaging in mental health advocacy efforts.

As GPW continues to champion women’s leadership in families and communities, projects like this serve as powerful testaments to the transformative impact of values-based education and empowerment. The Mental Health Awareness and Support Project for Women in Ruiru is more than just an intervention—it is a movement toward breaking stigma, strengthening families, and building a more resilient society.

Learn more about GPW’s work in strengthening families.

The post Empowering Women, Strengthening Families: Mental Health as a Foundation for Strong Families and Communities – Ruiru, Kenya appeared first on Global Peace Women.

This initiative is driven by Maryam Jallo, a Global Peace Women (GPW) project leader with the support of the GPW Global Dream Grant and in collaboration with Jamar Health Foundation. The project has not only equipped these women with the skills to generate income but also strengthened their confidence, emotional resilience, and leadership within their families and communities.

The urgency to act—to accelerate change—has never been clearer. In many parts of the world, women still face systemic barriers that prevent them from reaching their full potential. But this project stands as proof that when action is taken swiftly and intentionally, lives are transformed.

The project, which ran from August to October 2024, trained 30 single mothers—15 in bead-making and 15 in bag-making—while all participants received business management training. These skills were not just about learning a craft, they were about building independence. Women who once had no reliable source of income now produce beautiful, high-demand products, from beaded jewelry to handcrafted handbags.

Economic empowerment was a key goal, and the results are already taking shape. Twenty-one women now actively sell their products at local markets, while two have secured steady orders for weddings and special events. The project aimed for a 40 percent increase in monthly income within six months, and with participants already generating income, that goal is well within reach.

For single mothers, financial struggles are often compounded by emotional burdens—self-doubt, anxiety, and the weight of societal judgment. Recognizing this, the project integrated mental health and emotional intelligence training to help participants rebuild their self-worth. In structured reflection sessions, women shared their challenges and victories, supporting one another in ways they had never experienced before. The impact was undeniable—80 percent of participants reported improved mental well-being, and many displayed newfound confidence by delivering speeches at the project’s graduation ceremony.

One of the most powerful moments came from a participant who declared: “We thank GPW and Jamar Health Foundation for giving us a better way to spend our time instead of just being unemployed women. Now, we have something of our own. We are businesswomen.”

To ensure long-term success, the initiative is encouraging the women to form savings groups, business mentorship circles, and expanded market linkages. These steps will help participants not just maintain their businesses but grow them into lasting sources of financial stability. When women are given the tools to succeed, they do not just uplift themselves, they uplift entire communities. This is the kind of accelerated action the world needs to drive gender equality and empowerment forward.

As we mark International Women’s Day 2025, this project stands as a statement of what is possible when we move beyond conversations and take bold steps to empower women. The single mothers of Hayin Dan Mani are no longer waiting for change. They are creating it—one bead, one bag, and one business at a time.

Learn more about GPW’s work in empowering Women and Families in Peacebuilding. Together, we can build a world where peace truly begins at home.

The post Breaking Barriers: Single Mothers in Nigeria Craft a Future of Strength and Success appeared first on Global Peace Women.

The Familia Moja Initiatives were born out of a deep understanding that families are the cornerstone of society. “The family is the first school where individuals learn values like dignity, respect, and cooperation,” explained GPW Tanzania country leader Irene Ishengoma. “Yet, it is also where conflicts and gender-based violence often begin.” The project aimed to address these challenges by empowering vulnerable families to become champions of peace, starting within their own homes and radiating outward to their communities.

The project targeted two wards in the Mtwara region—Msimbati and Nanguruwe—where families face significant socio-economic challenges, including poverty, unemployment, and gender-based violence. By engaging both women and men in dialogues, training, and income-generating activities, the initiative sought to create a culture of inclusivity, cooperation, and shared responsibility within families.

At the core of the Familia Moja Initiatives is the belief that women are key catalysts for peace and development. GPW’s approach emphasizes the intrinsic value and leadership potential of women, recognizing their unique ability to influence positive change within their families and communities. Through the project, women were equipped with skills in entrepreneurship, financial management, and conflict resolution, enabling them to take on leadership roles both at home and in their neighborhoods.

One of the project’s participants, Mrs. Mshamu from Msimbati ward, shared how the initiative transformed her life: “Through the dialogues, I realized the importance of my voice in community matters. I now actively participate in meetings and contribute to discussions that affect my family and the wider community.” 

Economic stability is a critical component of peacebuilding, and the Familia Moja Initiatives addressed this by providing families with the tools and resources to generate sustainable income. The project supported two vulnerable families by providing them with motorcycles, which they used to start transportation businesses. This not only improved their financial situation but also created employment opportunities for others in the community.

The motorcycles enabled the families to increase their incomes, contributing to household needs and savings, and ultimately improving their standard of living.  “Being chosen to participate in this project has been a tremendous blessing,” said  Jamal Mfaume, a participant from Nanguruwe ward. “Our socio-economic situation has improved significantly.”

The project also focused on strengthening family values and promoting peaceful conflict resolution. Through a series of dialogues, families were encouraged to develop action plans for addressing internal conflicts and fostering cooperation. These sessions emphasized the importance of positive parenting, inclusive decision-making, and mutual respect between spouses.

The Familia Moja Initiatives exemplify the power of women’s leadership, family cooperation, and economic empowerment in driving sustainable peace and development. When families thrive, communities prosper. When peace begins in the home, it radiates outward to transform society. 

 “This project has instilled hope, unity, and self-sufficiency in our community,” Irene Ishengoma reflected, “creating a foundation for sustainable peace and prosperity that will endure for generations.”

Learn more about GPW’s work in empowering Women and Families in Peacebuilding. Together, we can build a world where peace truly begins at home.

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Women and families play crucial roles in fostering sustainable and lasting peace. “Peace begins in the home.” Strong families form the foundation of peaceful societies, and when women take the lead in instilling values such as compassion, service, and reconciliation, they lay the groundwork for enduring peace. 

Whether through conflict resolution initiatives, community service projects, interfaith dialogue, or grassroots education, women within the GPW and GPF networks continue to prove that their influence extends far beyond the household. Women and families are often at the forefront of healing communities after conflict, fostering reconciliation, and strengthening the fabric of society through education, advocacy, and inter-generational values transmission. 

In March, we will be recognizing service-minded women—mothers, educators, faith leaders, and community builders—who embody the principles of peace through action. Their diverse narratives serve as a testament to the profound impact of women in shaping a more peaceful world. By sharing their journeys, we hope to inspire a new generation of women and families to embrace their role in fostering harmony and resilience in their communities.

Follow the campaign on our websites and social media channels to learn more about these women’s journeys and how you, too, can contribute to fostering peace in your own community.

GPW Facebook, GPW IG, GPW LinkedIn, 

GPF Facebook, GPF IG, GPF LinkedIn, GPF X

We invite you to join us in celebrating their achievements, engaging in conversations about the role of women in peacebuilding, and amplifying the voices of these extraordinary individuals.

Let’s honor the women who are building bridges of understanding, leading with service, and transforming the world – in their families, communities, nations and world.

The post Celebrating Women in Peacebuilding – International Women’s Day 2025 appeared first on Global Peace Women.

The campaign addressed the growing issue of homeless and neglected dogs in areas such as Kupandole, Chobar, and Emadol. Many stray dogs suffer from malnutrition, injuries, and harsh living conditions. The SFV team, along with five local families, came together to provide food, medical aid, and shelter, ensuring that these animals received the care they needed. One of the core activities was the “Fill the Bowl” campaign, where volunteers fed over 50 street dogs weekly, ensuring they had access to nutritious food and clean water. Additionally, SFV collaborated with three animal welfare centers, providing donations and medical supplies while raising awareness about animal rights and responsible pet ownership.

At the heart of this initiative was the belief that compassion strengthens peace. The campaign encouraged families to work together in service, instilling values of kindness, responsibility, and empathy. Through hands-on volunteering, both children and adults learned the importance of caring for the voiceless, reinforcing that peace is cultivated through small but meaningful acts of service. Participants shared how volunteering deepened their family bonds, creating a culture of respect and cooperation.

“Serving together allowed us to step away from daily distractions and focus on a shared mission. It helped us connect, build trust, and reinforce the importance of kindness—not just towards people but towards all living beings,” said one volunteer.

“Volunteering as a family helped us learn how to share tasks, respect one another’s abilities, and collaborate,” shared another volunteer.

“Our familial bond was strengthened through volunteering together as a family. It was an opportunity to serve together for the greater good, exploring our family values. Our ability to work together to address social needs as a team was greatly enhanced,” added Anjali Shrestha, Shristika’s aunt.

By engaging in compassionate service, families became peacebuilders in their communities, demonstrating that true peace begins at home and extends outward.

Despite its success, the project faced several challenges, including difficulties in fundraising, managing unpredictable street dog behavior, and coordinating volunteer schedules. However, the team’s perseverance ensured that the campaign remained on track. One of the biggest lessons learned was the importance of patience and adaptability. Volunteers realized that creating change—whether for people or animals—requires consistent effort and a willingness to navigate uncertainties.

Following the success of this initiative, the SFV team in Nepal aims to expand the campaign to more areas by mobilizing additional families to join SFV, strengthening partnerships with local shelters, businesses, and government bodies, and continue advocating for better animal welfare policies. Through continued advocacy, education, and hands-on volunteering, initiatives like this can become models for other communities worldwide. By integrating compassionate action into peacebuilding, this project stands as a powerful example of how small acts of kindness can transform communities.

Adv. Shristika Bajracharya, the project leader, found her inspiration for this initiative in an unexpected realization—while she had spent years serving people, she had never extended the same care to animals. Witnessing the harsh conditions faced by street dogs in her community, she felt compelled to take action, believing that ‘our voice and their presence matter.’ Since joining GPW four years ago, she has led multiple grant projects, growing as a leader through skills in project management, networking, problem-solving, and facilitation. For her, the most rewarding aspect of this campaign was seeing families embrace compassion as a foundation for peace, proving that even small, consistent acts of kindness can transform communities.

“This project has made us realize our sense of responsibility toward all living beings. Volunteering together as families not only helped the animals but also strengthened our bonds and our commitment to peace,” she said.

The “Campaigning for the Protection and Welfare of Stray Dogs” initiative proves that peace is not just about preventing conflicts but also about nurturing a culture of care. In caring for animals, we learn to care for one another, strengthening the very foundation of peaceful families and societies. This is a reminder that every act of kindness, no matter how small, contributes to a world where love, dignity, and respect reign supreme.

The post Campaign for the Protection and Welfare of Stray Dogs: A Compassion-Driven Peace Initiative by Sunshine Family Volunteers in Nepal appeared first on Global Peace Women.