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.
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.
