Motherhood is not just about raising a child ; it is also about rediscovering yourself. Through every challenge, every tear, and every breakthrough, a new identity is born with three powerful words: “I am mom.”

In Episode 1 of the Global Peace Women Podcast, Jeanne Bessell and Aisha Yakubu open up about the real postpartum journey — sharing honest reflections on motherhood, healing, faith, family support, emotional wellbeing, and growth through one of life’s biggest transitions.

This is more than a podcast episode.
It is a conversation mothers everywhere deserve to hear.

 S1 Ep1: Growing Through Postpartum

 Watch the conversation unfold on YouTube:
https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLzBBKTHojLqsM7sJL2tvH353F-3dSO7Y3&si=svX9QVHHg8CNxgCZ

Because behind every strong mother is a story that deserves to be heard.

The post What if we talked about postpartum with more honesty, more compassion, and more support? appeared first on Global Peace Women.

Bringing together faith leaders, trainers, and development practitioners committed to restoring the central role of the family in shaping values-driven societies, the meeting reaffirmed a shared conviction that lasting peace and sustainable development begin in the home.

During the meeting, parents were spotlighted as the most important stakeholders in education and in developing models and innovative leaders. “The family is where you mold the product that we hand over to the teachers,” shared Mr. Daniel Juma, GPF Africa regional representative and GPF Kenya country director. This understanding expands education beyond academics to include moral, spiritual, emotional, and social development, dimensions that are best nurtured within the home. Anchored in this vision, the guidebook responds to a clear and growing need identified through monitoring and evaluation: parents are seeking practical, accessible tools to intentionally pass on values to their children.

This initiative traces its roots to the 2024 Global Peace Leadership Conference held in Nairobi, where a call was made for an African renaissance rooted in the enduring strengths of family and faith. Inspired by this vision, and guided by the conviction that “peace begins in the home,” a multi-faith working group came together to develop a resource that empowers parents as primary educators of character. As shared in the GPW International President Hanako Ikeno’s message during the review, the process has been both challenging and deeply rewarding, marked by collaboration, faith, and a shared commitment to future generations.

Over the past year, significant strides have been made. More than 240 Trainers of Trainers (TOTs) have been equipped, with over 5,500 parents already reached through community-based training. Faith leaders have played a pivotal role, leveraging existing structures such as churches, mosques, madrassas, and community gatherings to extend the program’s reach. In both Christian and Muslim contexts, the guidebook has proven highly relevant, bridging traditional parenting approaches with practical, values-based methodologies that resonate with contemporary family realities.

Stories from the field reflect both impact and innovation. Trainers have embraced volunteerism, creatively integrating values education into everyday community life, from organized workshops to informal settings such as weddings and funerals. The emergence of champions like Caroline Muthoni Mbae, a TOT from Embu, Kenya, nicknamed by community members as “Carol wa Values,” highlights the organic growth of the movement, driven by passion, goodwill, and a deep recognition of the urgent need to support families.

At the same time, the initiative has navigated real challenges, including limited resources, time constraints, generational gaps in parenting, and complex social issues such as mental health and identity struggles among both parents and children.

The review meeting provided a critical space not only to celebrate achievements but also to reflect on areas for growth. Stakeholders emphasized the importance of strengthening follow-up with trained facilitators, enhancing monitoring and evaluation tools, and deepening engagement with faith leaders to ensure sustained commitment. There was also a strong call to expand the program’s reach through digital platforms, mentorship systems, and interfaith learning exchanges, as well as to explore policy-level engagement that positions family and parenting at the center of national development conversations.

A recurring theme throughout the discussions was the recognition that parenting is not an individual task but a shared societal responsibility. Families require holistic support, spiritual, economic, emotional, and social, to thrive. Equally important is the intentional preparation of young people for future roles in marriage and parenthood, acknowledging that strong families are built long before children are born.

At its core, the Parents’ Guide to Teaching Children Values in the Family guidebook is more than a manual. It is a movement to shift perspectives, restore dignity to parenting, and re-center the family as the foundation of peacebuilding and nation-building. It calls for a renewed partnership between fathers and mothers, faith leaders and communities, institutions and individuals, all working together to raise a generation grounded in values and equipped to lead.

The values children learn at home often become the way they show up in the world, as neighbors, leaders, and peacemakers. A more peaceful future begins with the people who first teach children what it means to live with kindness, dignity, and respect.

As this initiative enters its next phase, the commitment to grow networks, strengthen resources, and scale impact across communities and nations remains clear. The journey ahead will require continued collaboration, innovation, and investment, but as reflected during the meeting, meaningful change has never been easy, and the stakes have never been higher.

To explore the full Parents’ Guide to Teaching Children Values in the Family initiative and learn how you can be part of this transformative movement, read more here: The Home as the Heart of Africa’s Renaissance: Strengthening Families through Values Education

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Every year, on the International Day of Families, we are reminded of something simple but often overlooked: “Families matter. ”                    

Not just in a sentimental way, not just as a tradition, but as the place where the future is quietly being shaped, every single day.

If we are honest, families don’t always get a good reputation. We hear stories, and many are real, of families being places of hurt, stress, or brokenness. And when families are struggling, the impact on children can be deep and lasting.

But in truth, the original role of families is to be a place of safety, learning, growth, and second chances. They are the first school of love.

I often think about this:
No one is really taught how to be a parent.

We step into it with love, yes, but also with questions, doubts, and sometimes our own unresolved experiences. And then we are expected to “just know” how to raise a child.

That’s a heavy expectation.

What if, instead, we made sure parents were not left alone?

Because when parents are supported; something beautiful happens.

Homes become a little more patient. Mistakes become opportunities to learn. Children feel safer, seen, and guided.

And those children grow up differently.

They learn how to handle conflict. They learn how to take responsibility. They learn how to care for others.

Not because they were told but because they lived it.

We often say that children are the future.

The truth is, the future is not something far away. It is being formed right now—in conversations at the dinner table, in how we respond to mistakes, in how love and boundaries are practiced at home.

If we want a better, safer, more compassionate world,
we have to start there.

So maybe this International Day of Families is not just a celebration.

Maybe it’s an invitation.

To support parents.
To strengthen families.
To recognize that raising children is not a private task, it’s something that shapes all of us.

Because when families are supported, children don’t just grow. They thrive, and they carry that strength into the world.

(Today, take a moment to reflect on how your home is shaping the future—and remember, you don’t have to do it alone. Strong families are built with support, one day at a time.)

The post The Future Starts at Home appeared first on Global Peace Women.

Did you know, peace doesn’t begin in governments, policies, or global agreements but in our homes?

It’s easy to think of peace as something distant, something negotiated in faraway rooms by people in positions of power. But the truth is, peace is first learned in the smallest and most intimate places: within our families.

Family is where we experience our first conflicts. It is also where we are given our first opportunities to repair, to forgive, and to understand.

And research confirms what many of us intuitively feel: children do not learn how to handle conflict primarily from what they are told—but from what they observe. The home becomes their first model, shaping how they will later respond to tension, disagreement, and emotional stress in the world beyond.

Every day, in ordinary moments, something profound is happening.

When a child takes something that doesn’t belong to them, and a parent chooses to guide rather than shame—that is peace.

When siblings argue and are helped to listen to each other instead of simply being separated—that is peace.

When a parent says, “I was wrong” or “I’m sorry”—that is peace.

These moments may seem small, but they are not insignificant. Studies have shown that when parents model calm and respectful conflict resolution, children are less likely to develop aggressive behaviors and more likely to build empathy, emotional regulation, and strong social skills. Over time, these early experiences become the foundation for how they relate to others—in friendships, in workplaces, and in their communities.

Peace is not simply the absence of conflict. It is the presence of skills: empathy, patience, accountability, and the ability to repair relationships. And these skills are not learned in theory—they are lived, repeated, and absorbed within the family.

Research also tells us that the emotional climate of the home has lasting effects. High levels of unresolved conflict can lead to increased anxiety, loneliness, and difficulty in social relationships. In contrast, homes where communication, repair, and mutual respect are practiced tend to raise individuals who feel more secure, more connected, and better equipped to navigate differences.

Families shape how we see others.
They shape how we respond to frustration.
They shape whether we build walls or bridges.

Many young adults, when reflecting on their upbringing, point not to a “perfect home,” but to what they witnessed in moments of tension. They remember parents who didn’t avoid conflict, but handled it with respect. Parents who listened. Parents who apologized. And they often carry those same patterns into their own relationships, workplaces, and communities.

In a world that often feels divided and uncertain, the role of the family becomes even more essential. Not because families are perfect—they are not—but because they are where growth is possible. Where mistakes are made, and, hopefully, where grace is practiced.

Raising children is not only about helping them succeed individually. It is about forming people who can live with others, who can navigate differences, and who can contribute to a more peaceful world.

And this work does not require perfection. It requires intention.

It looks like choosing connection over control.
Listening before reacting.
Repairing after rupture.
Modeling the very peace we hope to see beyond our walls.

So perhaps the question is not only why families matter for peace, but also:

What kind of peace am I cultivating in my home today?
How do I respond when conflict arises?
What am I modeling for my children in moments of tension?

Because the peace we hope for in the world begins much closer than we think.

It begins with us.
It begins at home.

The post Why Do Families Matter for Peace? appeared first on Global Peace Women.

In Chiradzulu community, Malawi, where the pace of life often leaves families struggling to connect, Linnes Chamadenga, a Global Peace Women Sunshine Family Volunteer (SFV) noticed a quiet crisis. Parents and children, siblings, and grandparents were drifting apart, their bonds frayed by poor communication, cultural barriers, and the relentless demands of daily life. Determined to mend these ties, Linnes launched the Family Ties Initiative (FTI), a project that would soon transform not just families but an entire community.

Linnes’ inspiration came from a simple yet heartbreaking observation. While working with local families, she discovered that many could barely recall the last time they had shared a meaningful conversation, let alone a moment of joy together. “Ten out of fifteen families told me their biggest struggle was simply talking to one another,” she recalls. “Without that connection, everything else falls apart.”

Linnes designed activities which took place between mid- and end-2024, to bridge these gaps. She knew traditional lectures wouldn’t work, families needed to experience unity. So, she turned to creativity and storytelling, tools as old as humanity itself. One of the project’s most memorable events was during a storytelling session at Muhasuwa Secondary School, which brought together thirty participants, all eager to be part of a session that would strengthen their familial bonds.

Linnes credits much of FTI’s success to the values of Global Peace Women, which inspired her to see families as the foundation of societal peace. “When families are strong, communities are strong,” she reflects, “and when communities are strong, the world changes.”

Now, she dreams bigger: registering GPW in Malawi to expand its reach, partnering with more organizations, and one day, seeing family bonding initiatives in every district. But for now, she cherishes the small victories: the father who now asks his children about their day, the grandmother who finally feels heard, and the families who’ve rediscovered each other, one story at a time.

One participant, Grace, a mother of three, shared how the project transformed her home. “Before, we just coexisted, eating in silence, everyone on their phones,” she said. “Now, we have ‘story nights’ where we share our highs and lows. My youngest even calls it ‘our magic time.’”

The work of Linnes and the Family Ties Initiative beautifully reflects the spirit of Global Peace Women’s Sunshine Family Volunteers, a global movement that empowers families to become beacons of hope in their communities. Just as FTI has transformed lives in Malawi, Sunshine Family Volunteers around the world are strengthening family bonds through service, dialogue, and shared experiences, proving that when families grow stronger together, they become powerful forces for peace. By volunteering side-by-side, participating in intergenerational activities, and modeling compassionate leadership, these families create ripples of positive change that extend far beyond their homes.

Join the efforts to support women peacebuilders like Linnes, donate to the #FuelHerDream campaign, today. Together, we can turn the light of strong families into a sunrise of hope for entire communities.

The post GPW Sunshine Family Volunteers Rebuild Family Ties in Malawi appeared first on Global Peace Women.

Founded on the conviction that peace begins in the home and radiates outward into society, Global Peace Women advances women’s leadership, family-centered peacebuilding, and values-based service as essential foundations for sustainable peace. The Living for the Sake of Others Awards reflect this mission in action, recognizing service as a daily commitment lived out in local communities. As an initiative aligned with the broader vision of the Global Peace Foundation (GPF), the ceremony affirms that lasting peace is rooted in strong families, ethical leadership, and a shared sense of responsibility for the well-being of others.

The evening opened with remarks by psychologist Gimena Pintos, a member of the GPW Uruguay Chapter, followed by welcoming words from the chapter’s president, psychologist Nibia Pizzo. The event brought together civil society leaders and diplomatic representatives, including the Vice Consuls of Angola in Uruguay, highlighting the all-encompassing and international spirit that characterizes Global Peace Women’s approach to peacebuilding.

Four recognitions were presented during the ceremony, beginning with an award to Club de Niños Los Alfareros, a children’s club operating since 2001 under the civil association Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe in the Diocese of Canelones. Located on the grounds of the Domingo Savio Chapel, the club serves children living in situations of high vulnerability and social risk. Through complementary education, homework support, physical education, and values-based activities, Los Alfareros nurtures social cohesion and personal development while meeting essential needs. For many of the approximately 70 children it serves, the nutritious afternoon snack provided by the club is one of the few meals they receive each day. This quiet, consistent service reflects the type of grassroots commitment that Global Peace Women seeks to uplift and recognize as a cornerstone of peaceful societies.

The second award honored Reyes Magos – Paysandú, a volunteer initiative comprising neighbors who come together each year to collect toys and distribute them to children from low-income areas on January 6. Through this joyful tradition, carried out in a spirit of friendship and generosity, the group reaches more than 100 children annually. Their work illustrates how cultural traditions, when grounded in service, can foster belonging, dignity, and shared joy; values central to GPW’s emphasis on strengthening communities through meaningful relationships.

The third recognition was presented to Ms. Zulma Camacho by Dr. Gabriela Peinado for her work through the Honrar la Vida Foundation, which provides emotional support to women undergoing breast cancer treatment at Pereira Rossell Hospital. Her dedication to accompanying women during moments of profound vulnerability speaks to GPW’s focus on care, empathy, and the often unseen labor of compassion that sustains families and communities during crisis.

The final award of the evening was presented to Ms. Angelina Vunge Manuel, an Angolan-born social and political activist residing in Uruguay. Her life story, shaped by early experiences of conflict, displacement, and violence, stands as a testament to resilience and transformation. After immigrating to Uruguay in 1999, she rebuilt her life through determination and service, eventually becoming the first African-born woman elected to Uruguay’s Parliament. In 2020, she founded the Angelina Vunge Foundation to support vulnerable populations, extending her personal journey into purposeful action for others. Her recognition reflected Global Peace Women’s belief in the power of women to transform personal adversity into leadership that serves the common good.

The GPW Uruguay Chapter Living for the Sake of Others Awards, once again, affirmed the Global Peace Women and the Global Peace Foundation’s shared belief that peace is built through everyday acts of service that strengthen families, restore dignity, and inspire communities. By honoring those who live for the sake of others, Global Peace Women continues to elevate service as a powerful pathway to peace.

Learn more about past award winners: Global Peace Women- Uruguay, Hosts the “Living for the Good of Others” Awards Ceremony – VI Edition

The post Living for the Sake of Others Awards: Global Peace Women Uruguay Honors Service as a Foundation of Peace appeared first on Global Peace Women.

Peace is not just the absence of conflict; it is a mindset cultivated through daily actions and interactions. True, lasting harmony begins at the grassroots level, where individuals take responsibility for resolving disputes with understanding and empathy. A recent peacebuilding initiative in Nepal’s Gulmi District is making significant strides in promoting peaceful dispute resolution.

Between August and December 2024, led by Global Peace Women (GPW) Project Leader Adv. Shristika Bajracharya, with the support of Global Women Dream (GWD) Grant, the project trained women and children in mediation techniques, equipping them with the skills to resolve conflicts in their families, schools, and communities. Over the five months, Shristika nurtured a peacebuilding mindset and equipped women and youth in Nepal with essential skills, empowering them to foster peace within their homes and extend it to their communities.

The project, “Cultivating Peacebuilders through Peaceful Dispute Resolution and Mediation Training” addressed a critical need in the community, where formal mediation services are often inaccessible, and disputes frequently escalate without structured resolution processes. Women, many of whom had no formal education, were given an opportunity to learn practical conflict resolution skills, empowering them to mediate disagreements at home and in community spaces. Children also participated in activities that encouraged them to express their visions of peace, reinforcing the idea that peacebuilding is a collective effort.

Despite logistical challenges, such as language barriers, scheduling conflicts, and unpredictable weather, the project saw remarkable success. Over 290 participants engaged in training sessions, surpassing the initial target of 180. By the end of the program, nearly all participants demonstrated increased knowledge and confidence in mediation. Many took part in role-playing exercises, panel discussions, and artistic expressions of peace. The initiative also fostered partnerships with schools, mothers’ clubs, and local governments to ensure the program’s sustainability beyond the training sessions.

One of the key outcomes was the application of mediation techniques in real-life situations. Participants reported using their new skills to address family disputes and community tensions more effectively. The project’s influence went beyond personal growth, fostering a sense of unity and shared dedication to peaceful co-existence within the community.

Feedback from participants and facilitators highlighted the program’s success. A teacher involved in the training noted how the enthusiasm of the participants made each session engaging and meaningful. The project also provided valuable lessons on adaptability with organizers learning the importance of incorporating visual aids, adjusting schedules based on participants’ needs, and offering small incentives to encourage attendance. Looking ahead, there are plans to expand the initiative to more schools and municipalities, with continued support from community leaders and potential funding partners.

GPW empowers women in peacebuilding by equipping them with leadership skills, conflict resolution training, and opportunities to actively participate in community mediation efforts. Through education, advocacy, and collaborative initiatives, GPW enables women to become agents of change, fostering harmony in their families and communities. By investing in grassroots peacebuilding efforts, this initiative has not only empowered individuals but also laid the foundation for long-term social change.

Join the efforts to support women peacebuilders like Shristika, donate to the #FuelHerDream campaign, today. Together, we can build a world where peace truly begins at home.

The post Global Peace Women Empowers Women and Children through Peaceful Dispute Resolution Training in Nepal appeared first on Global Peace Women.

Mbarara District in Uganda has been pointed out as one of the HIV/AIDS- endemic region in the country. Statistics shared in January 2021 by The Monitor Uganda, revealed that the current infection rate stands at 6.1% with the number of infected females at 6.8% compared to males who are at 3.9%. The research attributed this trend to the high numbers of bars and lodges frequented by sex workers who receive high traffic of trans-boundary travelers especially truck drivers’ en route to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda and Burundi.

Global Peace Women believes that women play a crucial role in influencing their family culture as well as establishing healthy and resilient families. At GPW, we seek to uplift women’s self-respect, confidence and love by empowering them through training and capacity building programs. We share messages of hope and support women-led initiatives that create a positive impact in the world through the Global Women’s Dream Grant, a joint initiative with Service for Peace Korea.

In the period between May and September 2022, Global Peace Women in partnership with Mbarara District Local Government and Community Development officers from Katete Ward, Nyamitiga Division empowered 20 girls and young women aged between 15-25 years with information to enable them prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS. The initiative was led by Jalia Muntu, a GPWLA Graduate upon receipt of the GWD grant in March 2022. The training also addressed the impacts of HIV/AIDS on rural girls, women and orphans in the community.

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Jalia, is one of our featured Peace Dreamers for the #FuelHerDream Campaign to raise funds to empower women and family Peace Dreamers around the world. Donate today to #FuelHerDream and other peace dreaming women and families.

The participants engaged in a series of activities that educated them on the topic and equipped them with crucial skills to improve their livelihoods. The project team sensitized the participants on the importance of getting tested with a view to preventing new infections. They also encouraged the participants to take appropriate action to know their status by linking them to Health Centers in the community for HIV/AIDS testing and counseling by experts from district HQs and TASA-UGANDA.

“We composed songs and poems on HIV/AIDS to help participants explore diverse ways of also pass the message to their peers post the project,” she said about the girls who were empowered to become ambassadors of HIV/AIDS prevention in their community and the nation.

In addition, the project sought to address the social-economic factors that facilitate the spread of HIV/AIDS among women in the community. Poverty was pointed out as a key contributing factor and thus the project trained the participants on Household Economic Strengthening activities such as making hand sanitizers and re-usable sanitary pads. In addition, the participants learnt how to make bar soaps.

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The participants were grateful to GPW for the learning and empowerment opportunity.

“People with HIV/AIDS are nothing to be afraid of, they are people just like every single one of us and each of us has a story to tell,” shared Namara Christine who was a participant.

“It is bad enough that people are dying of AIDS, but no one should die of ignorance,” said Huziri Sekaita, who was a volunteer.

The post project survey revealed that 80% of the participants were able to differentiate HIV and AIDS, know the causes, preventive measures and positive living as compared to the 40% result recorded in the pre survey. Thanking GPW for the support in shining hope through education and empowerment for the vulnerable in her community, Jalia added;“Only the light of knowledge about HIV/AIDS can rid us from the darkness of fear, misconception and pain.”

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

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The post Strengthening HIV/AIDS prevention, education and addressing its Impacts in Rural girls, women & Orphans in Uganda by Jalia Muntu (March 2022 GWD Grant Recipient) appeared first on Global Peace Women.

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.

Afi, is one of our featured Peace Dreamers for the #FuelHerDream Campaign to raise funds to empower women and family Peace Dreamers around the world. Donate today to #FuelHerDream and other peace dreaming women and families.

In the tranquil countryside of Adamawa State, amidst the gentle sway of wheat fields in Yola-South Local Government Area, Nigeria, a compelling narrative of transformation unfolds. At its heart lies Afi Obot, a beacon of hope for 30 women farmers seeking a path to prosperity in their rural community. Spearheading the ‘Flourishing Together project’, Afi embarked on a mission to empower these women, who are the backbone of their households.

Afi’s vision extends beyond mere farming; it encompasses women’s empowerment, growth, and resilience through mentorship in wheat farming, financial management, and family values. However, Afi’s journey towards leadership and empowerment didn’t begin with this project. She joined Global Peace Women (GPW) in 2022 as a participant in the Global Peace Women Leadership Academy (GPWLA) which cultivated this desire.

GPW works towards empowering service minded women to become Moral and Innovative leaders and create positive impacts in their societies. As a participant in GPWLA, Afi gleaned invaluable insights into leadership, service, and community development. Armed with a robust toolkit acquired through the program, Afi seamlessly integrated its teachings into her initiative.

This equipped her with the skills and resources needed to surmount challenges and catalyze meaningful change in her rural community. Thus, she devised a comprehensive strategy for the Flourishing Together project, focusing on empowering women farmers through mentorship across various agricultural aspects, financial management, and family values.

Over five months, from April to August 2023, Afi led the women farmers on a transformative journey. Through practical demonstrations and hands-on training, she bestowed upon them the skills and confidence required to excel in their agricultural endeavors.

As the project unfolded, its impact became increasingly palpable. The women embraced sustainable farming practices, elevating their productivity while nurturing the environment. Their incomes surged by 50%, paralleled by an enhancement in their social standing within the community.

Under Afi Obot’s mentorship, the women farmers embraced an array of sustainable farming techniques, significantly bolstering their productivity and environmental stewardship. These practices encompassed crop rotation, organic fertilization, and water conservation methods. By adopting these strategies, the farmers not only amplified their yields but also contributed to the long-term sustainability of their agricultural pursuits, safeguarding the land for posterity.

Yet, the Flourishing Together project transcended mere economic empowerment. Recognizing the paramountcy of fostering robust family dynamics and imbuing values of dignity and respect, Afi conducted workshops on family planning, communication, and conflict resolution. Consequently, there was a remarkable 70% improvement in family dynamics among participants.

As the project drew to a close, the fields bore witness to the fruition of Afi’s endeavors. The once marginalized and overlooked women now emerged as leaders in their community. Their triumphs reverberated through the countryside, inspiring others to tread the path they had paved.

For Afi Obot, the journey continues unabated. As she reflects on the impact of the Flourishing Together project, she envisions not merely fields of wheat but fields of opportunity and promise. With each dawn, she persists in nurturing growth and empowerment in Adamawa’s wheat fields, ensuring that the seeds of change she has sown endure for generations.

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

The post Featured Peace Dreamer: Afi Obot, Cultivating Change in Adamawa’s Wheat Fields, Nigeria appeared first on Global Peace Women.