The Stories- Rising for Safer Futures

Photographer, Laura Hasani (Kosovo^*)

Atifete Jahjaga served as the first woman President of Kosovo from 2011 to 2016. A staunch advocate for women’s rights, she established a council during her presidency dedicated to supporting survivors of conflict-related sexual violence, paving the way for a legal framework to support survivors and promote their inclusion in peace processes. In 2018, she founded the Jahjaga Foundation, focusing on youth and women’s empowerment to drive social change.

Long before the Women, Peace and Security agenda existed, women were making and maintaining peace. Had the world embraced the values of this agenda earlier, how many wars, conflicts, and genocides might have been prevented?”

Photographer, Laura Hasani (Kosovo^*)

Gordana Đorić is the founder and president of the businesswomen’s association Avenija in Laplje Selo, Kosovo*. Established in 2000, the organisation empowers women through entrepreneurship, cultural preservation and community development. Under her leadership, Avenija has supported over 500 women, promoting economic independence and social inclusion.

My association’s inter-ethnic work has helped overcome divisive narratives. That gives me the strength to keep going.”

^*All references to Kosovo should be understood to be in the context of United Nations Security Council resolution 1244 (1999).

Photographer, Alice Ambrucer (Mozambique)

Maria de Lurdes, founder of the Mozambican Association for Community Education, leads grassroots efforts in Cabo Delgado to prevent child labour, resist youth recruitment by extremist organisations and promote social cohesion. Through her civil society platform and as part of the Sentinel of Peace network, she empowers women to lead in decision-making and peacebuilding, advocating for inclusive peace in resettlement centres and conflict-affected communities.

I decided to work in this area because I saw a significant gap - there was no one to speak up for women regarding their rights and how they deserved to be treated. While women were present in meetings I attended, they felt unable to speak out due to fear of retaliation from their husbands.”

Photographer, Rita Kalaban (Lebanon)

Based in Southern Lebanon, Captain Seungho Jeong (Republic of Korea) serves as a Civil-Military Cooperation Officer with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon. Through language classes, vocational training and community outreach, the peacekeeper helps build trust between the UN and host communities while contributing to post-conflict recovery, women’s resilience, and local leadership.

The transformation of local communities inspires me the most. Witnessing people, especially women, grow in confidence and independence through our programs - from initial hesitation to active participation - gives me a deep sense of purpose and motivates me to continue our efforts.”

Photographer, Mona Elfateh (Sudan)

Zeinab Onour Mohammed Adam is a Sudanese academic and gender advocate working at the Red Sea University, Port Sudan. As part of the We Rise project, she has trained rural women in agriculture, trade and economic rights, bridging gender gaps and empowering communities. With decades of activism and a background in peace education, she promotes gender equality across Sudan through research, training and inclusive community development.

Women in rural areas are socially isolated due to social and economic barriers that limit them to childbearing and reproductive responsibilities. We Rise has contributed to enhancing their self-confidence, making them more aware of the importance of their economic participation and inspiring and empowering local women.”

Photographer, Mona Elfateh (Sudan)

Amna Idres Musa Mahamod leads the Al-Wifag Women’s Association in Toker, Sudan. Trained through the We Rise program,  she champions gender equality and economic rights for women in rural areas. Amna and her group are helping to reshape their community by advocating for women’s financial independence, economic empowerment, access to land and greater leadership opportunities in the agricultural sector.

The rural Toker community in northeastern Sudan disapproves of their women selling their agricultural harvest at the market and interacting with male traders. They only work in agriculture during the harvest season and receive lower wages than men.”

Photographer, Jaella Fleurianna Pathé (Central African Republic)

Chantal Solange Touabena advocates for peace and women’s rights in the Central African Republic. As Vice President of the Truth, Justice, Reparation and Reconciliation Commission and Coordinator of the Peace Club CAR, she works to promote legal reform and community empowerment. A founder of a grassroots women’s association, Chantal leads efforts to prevent conflict and advance gender equality in her country.

My vision is to guide women and girls toward a shift in mindset and behaviour for enlightened leadership, and to pass the torch to tomorrow’s young women.”