Global Peace Women and the Global Peace Foundation launched a new campaign, Women and Families in Peacebuilding: Catalysts for Transformative Change, to spotlight inspiring women from their networks who have shown exceptional dedication to peacebuilding, service, and community transformation.
Emphasizing the idea that “peace begins in the home,” the initiative highlights the vital role women and families play in creating lasting peace through compassion, education, and intergenerational values. These women—mothers, educators, faith leaders, and community builders—are recognized for their grassroots efforts in reconciliation, advocacy, and healing after conflict. Their stories aim to motivate others to embrace peacebuilding roles in their own communities.
Read their encouraging stories:
A GPW Leadership Academy graduate launched a mental health initiative in Ruiru, Kenya, with support from GPW’s Global Women Dream grant. Running from July to December 2024, the project offered training, counseling, and community activities to help women manage stress, anxiety, and trauma, empowering them to support both their families and communities. Read
In Mkovur Zema, Benue State, Nigeria, a Global Peace Women Nigeria project empowered women, especially widows, through sustainable livelihoods and nutrition-focused training. The initiative equipped 20 widows with leadership skills, economic tools, and support to rebuild their lives and strengthen their families. The project fostered self-reliance, unity, and community development. Read
Disasters do more than destroy homes—they upend lives and leave families struggling to rebuild. In 2023, Cyclone Freddy devastated Mtauchira Village in Chiradzulu district, killing 18 people and displacing 59 families. With the village rendered uninhabitable, residents were forced into camps. For these displaced families, recovery goes beyond emergency aid—it’s about regaining dignity, livelihoods, and a sense of belonging. The Family Matters Assistance Project is stepping in to help. Read
In Tanzania’s Mtwara region, the Familia Moja Initiatives: Amplifying Change for Sustainable Peace project is strengthening families as the foundation of lasting peace. Recognizing that peace starts at home, the project empowered vulnerable families to become agents of change. The initiative tackled issues like conflict and gender-based violence by helping families lead the way toward stronger, more peaceful communities. Read
In Hayin Dan Mani, Kaduna, a transformation is taking place. Thirty single mothers, once facing economic hardship and social stigma, are now thriving as business owners and community leaders. The Empowering Single Mothers through Craftsmanship and Entrepreneurship project has provided these women with income-generating skills, confidence, and renewed leadership in their families and communities. Read
In Malawi’s Machinga district, women are driving community change through Ndife Amodzi (“We Are One”), a peacebuilding and empowerment initiative that equips women with skills in entrepreneurship, sustainable farming, and civic leadership, promoting strong families as the foundation of peaceful societies. Read
Launched in 2022, Project Saksham promotes moral values and leadership in youth through values-based education. The program encourages peaceful mindsets and strong character to build harmony within families and communities. By January 2025, the project had reached 11 schools in Kathmandu District, engaging 268 students, 20 volunteers, and 11 teachers in interactive workshops focused on leadership, teamwork, and service. Read
In Tanzania’s Rufiji District, a young woman launched the Empower Women with Disabilities through Economic Generation project from July to December 2024. The initiative aimed to break the barriers of economic marginalization and social exclusion faced by women with disabilities by providing 40 women with entrepreneurial skills, seed capital, and tools to improve their livelihoods. Read
This compilation of stories is adapted from stories featured on the Global Peace Foundation website. The Global Peace Foundation is an international non-sectarian, non-partisan, nonprofit organization, that promotes an innovative, values-based approach to peacebuilding, guided by the vision of One Family under God. GPF engages and organizes a global network of public and private-sector partners who develop community, national, and regional peacebuilding models as the foundation for ethical and cohesive societies. Dr. Hyun Jin Preston Moon is the founder and chairman of the Global Peace Foundation.