Transformative Peace

Today is the international day for the elimination of violence against women.This is our call to action! Let's confront the harsh reality of violence against women—a global crisis that impacts every region and culture. We must not only reflect on its devastating effects but also take bold steps to stand up and demand change. Together, we can create a world free from violence and inequality. #EndViolenceAgainstWomen #ActNow #StrongerTogether The image below provides some key details about violence against women: 

Today we celebrate World Children’s Day, a day to advocate for the rights and well-being of children everywhere. Unfortunately, millions of children around the world are caught in the crossfire of conflict, facing unimaginable challenges. Let’s raise our voices for those who cannot be heard, and work together to protect their rights, safety, and futures. Every child deserves a chance to grow up in peace and security. #WorldChildrensDay #ChildrenInConflict #ProtectOurChildren

In the field of peacebuilding, the “Do No Harm” principle is fundamental and echoes the hippocratic oath in medicine. While interventions should seek positive change where possible, their first obligation is to do no harm. The Do No Harm (DNH) principle has evolved to orient both research and implementation practices towards positive impacts and away from unintended consequences.

Georgetown Qatar recently hosted a panel highlighting the role of women in shaping peace throughout the MENA region. Dr. Abadi was honored to participate in a panel showcasing diverse, but much needed perspectives on the relationship between women and peacebuilding in the MENA region. The panel, entitled “Empowered Voices” investigates the role women have and can play in building and sustaining peace through the perspectives of three leaders on gender and peacebuilding from across the MENA region, including Dr. Houda Abadi (Executive Director, Transformative Peace), Dr. Amal al-Maliki (Founding Dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at Hamad Bin Khalifa University) and Mohammad Naciri (UNWOMEN, Chief of Staff). The full video of the panel can now be viewed on Youtube in the link below:

Dr. Houda Abadi was pleased to attend a public panel at Georgetown Qatar covering double standards and blindspots in international WPS policy. Her speech was converted into a blog that can be viewed below. With it, we hope to highlight a path forward to equal accountability and universal human rights.

Transformative Peace is pleased to collaborate with the Education Development Center (EDC) this week. Dr. Abadi designed and led a comprehensive three-day workshop for EDC staff focused on inclusive approaches to preventing violent extremism (PVE). These sessions, which emphasized holistic PVE, gender, and ethics, offered a valuable platform for exchanging insights on PVE-specific research and programming with an organization recognized for its positive impact in communities. Dr. Abadi underscored the importance of adopting a holistic and intersectional perspective on PVE, while also reinforcing the critical role of ethical practices in this field. We look forward to continuing our collaboration, which will further strengthen our joint efforts in promoting inclusivity and community resilience. #Inclusivity #SocialImpact #PVE

Last week, our Executive Director, Dr. Houda Abadi, presented at a USAID workshop, where she shared her extensive insights on best practices for disengagement and reintegration. Her two sessions highlighted the importance of adopting holistic approaches that prioritize sustainable reintegration strategies. Dr. Abadi stressed that effective interventions must be sensitive to age, gender, and the unique challenges posed by conflict. Her contributions sparked meaningful discussions and engaged participants in exploring innovative solutions to complex issues in the field. #Disengagement #Reintegration #inclusivity #SocialImpact

Dr. Abadi was delighted to work with Hedayah on building the capacity of CSOs & Social Workers in Morocco. She facilitated two sessions on education andvocational training in reintegration and the impact of social norms on promoting change & addressing community needs on October 4th & 9th.

At TP, one of our primary objectives is to bridge the divide between the Global North and Global South. This is why we began our global north-south conversation series, highlighting scholars from the global south. The most recent of which can be viewed below. Addressing transnational challenges necessitates solidarity across borders, a task complicated by persistent power dynamics and entrenched attitudes. We are dedicated to transcending conventional frameworks and amplifying voices from the Global South. This endeavor requires humility, inclusivity, and mutual understanding. We find ourselves at a crucial juncture where the equal application of international law is not just necessary—it is imperative. Together, let us pave the way for genuine collaboration and justice.

The escalation of violence in Palestine and Lebanon represents a critical moment for the international community, threatening the credibility of our foundational principles and legal frameworks. Support from major global powers for ongoing war crimes and Israel's unlawful attacks and killings of civilians has further destabilized the region. All nations must unequivocally condemn violations of international law and ensure respect for humanitarian principles that protect civilian lives. Transformative Peace calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon, alongside a steadfast commitment to the equal application of international humanitarian law. Only through a unified approach can we restore trust and foster lasting peace. It is imperative that we reaffirm our shared values and ensure freedom, justice, and human dignity for all.