Taking on effective roles: Capacity-building workshops held in University Town

Women trained on leadership, communication, advocacy and lobbying skills

PESHAWAR: At least 75 women took part in a series of capacity-building workshops held in University Town.

The workshops aimed to impart leadership, communication, advocacy and lobbying skills and focused on human rights, conflict, diversity and leadership. They were organised by Interfaith Women Peace Builders Network or Khawateen Aman Ittehad.  Trainings were organised by Peace Education and Development (PEAD) Foundation in collaboration with Norwegian Church Aid (NCA).

Female district councillors, political workers and students were part of the training.

Awami National Party provincial general secretary Sardar Hussain Babak, Bacha Khan Trust (BKT) Managing Director Dr Khadim Husain, Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies Director Jamil Ahmad Chitrali and senior journalist Safiullah Gul trained the participants. In her opening remarks, PEAD Programme Coordinator Shagufta Khaliq said a diverse menu of skills needs to be used to give effect to social change and ensure peace in society.

According to Babak, women must play their role in the peace-building process as the region has been badly affected by conflict and unrest for over a decade. “Women should understand they are a key source of political education for their family members,” the ANP leader said. “They must start thinking critically over the state of political and social affairs.”



The BKT managing director said leadership and motivation go hand in hand and one cannot exist in isolation.

“Effective leaders know what they want to do and have the strength of character to pursue their objectives in the face of opposition,” Hussain said. “Diversity and differences were natural and meant to be accepted.”

The training sessions were interactive and various methodologies – such as group work, pair work, discussions and video clips – were used to impart learning.

Shahana Ajoon, a participant, said removing the word “no” from her vocabulary was a key learning process. As a result, she has developed a strong belief that everything is possible if the desire is present.

“I would suggest a workshop be held on violence against women such as honour killing, acid throwing, burning, physical and psychological abuse,” Minhajul Quran Women League President Rubina Mobeen said.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 18^th, 2016.