By Susan Seely | Director of Partnerships
Building Recognition and Support for Women in Peacebuilding: In recent weeks, the Alliance for Middle East Peace (ALLMEP) has made significant strides in strengthening international recognition and support for Israeli and Palestinian women in peacebuilding. A key milestone was the launch of the Women’s Leadership Network (WLN) in Jerusalem on February 27, bringing together over fifty women in person and an additional twenty-four participants online. The event convened diplomats, policymakers, and peace practitioners to discuss the critical role of gender-inclusive peacebuilding and the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1325. Her Excellency Ms. Sonya McGuinness, Ambassador of Ireland to Israel, opened the event with remarks, followed by a welcome address from ALLMEP’s Regional Director, Nivine Sandouka. She highlighted the significance of the gathering, particularly in light of increasing violence in the region, mounting challenges for Palestinians in obtaining permits, and the suspension of USAID and MEPPA funding. She stressed that civil society peacebuilding is more essential than ever.
For the Future: Women in Peacebuilding – Film Launch: With the 25th anniversary of UNSCR 1325, ALLMEP also introduced its educational short film, For the Future: Women in Peacebuilding. The film profiles three prominent women activists from ALLMEP’s network: May Pundak, Rula Daood, and Nivine Sandouka. The film underscores the leadership and resilience of women in peacebuilding and will be officially released on April 6, with pre-screenings held in European capitals, New York, and Los Angeles. A global online screening and panel discussion with women activists will accompany the release.
Women’s Leadership Network Next Steps: WLN will continue to leverage the power of collaboration among women from diverse backgrounds in the coming months, including Palestinians from the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT), Palestinian citizens of Israel (PCI), and Jewish Israelis. Through hybrid meetings, capacity-building workshops, mentorship, and international advocacy, WLN will foster continuous dialogue and knowledge exchange, ensuring that women’s perspectives are integrated into the broader peace process and central to conflict resolution and political solutions in the region. Over the next 15 months, WLN will train these women, facilitating collaboration and the exchange of best practices from global peacebuilding experiences. Despite ongoing regional challenges, ALLMEP remains committed to advancing gender-inclusive peace efforts and amplifying the voices of women peacebuilders. To learn more about the WLN program or the upcoming film screening, please visit our website or contact ALLMEP’s Regional Director, Nivine Sandouka, in East Jerusalem (nivine@allmep.org).
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