“Women are not only victims of conflict, they are drivers of peace.
Women’s voices must be heard if peace is to last.”
Gulalai Ismail, Pakistani peacebuilder
Gulalai founded Aware Girls, a peacebuilding and human rights organisation, in Khyber Pahktunkhwa when she was only 16. As a female leader with a group of female volunteers she has monitored and ensured the participation of women in the recent Pakistan elections. Her work to stop young people from being recruited into extremist groups shows that young women are able to change their communities even in strictly patriarchal societies.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is one of the most fragile states in Pakistan. Religious extremism has grown to become one of the biggest security threats to the region. Militant groups have been known to incite extremism and violence, increasingly amongst young people. Pakistani forces have struggled to maintain control in the region. Additionally, many extremist groups and civilian communities view international interventions with mistrust and resentment.
Stephanie DotyFor women especially, extremism has led to growing insecurity – many fear kidnap or worse. Local peacebuilder Gulalai Ismail is working with women and young people to create real change.
Women’s Issues Matter
August 2, 2014
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