My project started from my work at the Lee Experience with women survivors of gender-based violence (GBV). In Phase 1, we supported 244 women through entrepreneurship, vocational and employability training, financial literacy, apprenticeships, grants, coaching and mentorship. Through this work, we saw that economic empowerment can help women build confidence, become more independent and create new opportunities.

But we also asked ourselves: What happens next? Can women who received support become the ones who support other women? In Phase 2, we are testing a small pilot with 20 women from Phase 1. These women will become Peer Mentors and Peace Ambassadors. They will receive training in leadership, trauma-informed leadership, mentoring, communication, facilitation, conflict-sensitive communication, gender equality, positive masculinity, safeguarding, and knowledge sharing. Then, each woman will mentor at least one other woman, mainly through practical learning and experience inside her own business.

The project also creates a connection between women and young people. Through community and school-based activities, the Peace Ambassadors will engage with youth around healthy relationships, gender equality, respect, positive masculinity and non-violent communication.

The Women, Peace and Security agenda recognizes that women should not only be protected from violence; they should also participate actively in prevention, decision-making and peacebuilding. The Youth, Peace and Security agenda similarly recognizes young people as active contributors to peace rather than only recipients of support.

My project brings these two ideas together at the community level.

Women who were previously beneficiaries become active contributors. Young people are engaged in prevention and community change.

The journey becomes: A woman receives support → A woman gains confidence and experience → A woman supports another woman → Women and youth participate in positive change → Communities become stronger.