During the first week of May, the Peacemakers Network, along with partners the Center for Women, Faith and Leadership and the Sanneh Institute, held a training on religion, peace mediation and leadership for women and young women faith-based mediators from Ghana, Nigeria, and Cameroon in Accra, Ghana. The training was designed to address the capacity-building needs as identified in the Berghof Foundation and the Peacemakers Network’s recent study, ‘Under Crossfire: The Courageous Work of Women Faith-Based Mediators to Prevent, Mitigate and Resolve Violent Conflicts.‘

Group Photo of Participants and Partners of the Women Faith-Based Training in Accra, Ghana.

Women faith-based mediators and negotiators (WFBMs) are defined as those, ‘who are working on various tracks for ceasing violence and finding agreements in order to prevent and mitigate violence. In doing this work, their tools and methods are inspired by faith, and/or they are cooperating within or with faith-based structures and/or with faith-based actors, and/or are gaining motivation and inspiration for this work through faith.’

During the week, the training covered topics including: personal leadership, addressing personal compassion fatigue and vicarious trauma, and unpacking the dynamics of gender, religion and mediation. The training engaged Chief Michael Ayensah of Ghana, on the important role of male allyship in advancing the leadership of women faith-based mediators and also offered peace mediation simulation exercises.

For more reflections of the training, hear from participants Fatima Abdullahi, Sakinatou Abode, and Mirian De-Souza.

Participants conducting a simulation exercise.

Participant group photo with Traditional Leader Chief Michael Ayensah of Ghana after he spoke about the importance of male allyship supporting women faith-based mediators.