Few women in Pakistan and Afghanistan have had a voice in conflict resolution peace processes on both side of the boarder. As a result, they have been left out of important decisions about their future and their role in the society. In Pakistan, women hold only 24% of the seats in parliament. In Afghanistan, where concerted efforts have been made to include women in peace-building, female representation in the peace-building process is still low but slightly higher in national parliament. In both countries, women’s roles in national legislatures have been largely tokenistic and women elected to office have faced significant challenges to fulfilling their roles. Despite these challenges and the significant risks involved, women from both countries continue to campaign and advocate for their rights and their active participation in building a more prosperous and humane society. 

 

The Institute for Peace and Diplomatic Studies in partnership with Afghan Girls Debating Program, has identified a need to train, promote and empower young women leaders in both Pakistan and Afghanistan. Through a collective effort of the 2017 NPeace Awardees from Afghanistan and Pakistan, Farhat Asif (Founder President of the Institute of Peace and Diplomatic Studies IPD), SurayaYosufi (PM and initiator of Afghan Girls Debating Program) and Sayeeda Muradi (2017 NPeace Awardee), a Peace Congress is to be formed. Through this congress the entities aim to establish and develop partnerships between experienced and young women leaders across borders, encourage networks and mentorship, share experiences and encourage women to play an instrumental role in future peace processes through an effective, strong and impactful voice.

 

This project will strive to provide a platform for young dynamic women to participate in dialogues, interact with key stakeholders and gain skills and knowledge for a successful future career in leadership in government, diplomacy, human rights, law and international development, to thereby move forward the woman peace and security agenda. Hence claiming their missing places.

 

The Institute for Peace and Diplomatic Studies was established on 2014 as an independent, non-government, not-for-profit, think tank. The Institute campaigns for global peace through dialogue and diplomacy: sharing knowledge, research, analysis and policy development in the areas of peace, conflict, sustainable development and diplomatic studies. Afghan Girls Debating Program is a social non-profit volunteer program aiming to empower Afghan female debaters.