HRWMO, in partnership with Search for Common Ground (SFCG) Afghanistan, initiated a short-term project to raise awareness about the peace process and support women’s rights through media intervention to positively change people’s mindsets, attitudes, and behaviors. The project included two main interventions: radio panel discussions and dramas aimed at raising awareness about the peace process, women’s meaningful participation, leadership, and women’s roles in political participation. These interventions helped enhance local community knowledge and understanding of the peace process and women’s rights.

To empower the community on women’s rights and participation in peacebuilding, negotiation, and political involvement, HRWMO conducted a capacity-building training for 30 local journalists focusing on media advocacy reporting related to peace, violence against women, and women’s political participation.

With the new knowledge and skills acquired, these local journalists are now better equipped to advocate for policy change. HRWMO’s radio programs reached 1.6 million listeners and encouraged active participation, allowing audience members to share their views and opinions with program speakers. Topics of discussion included women’s political participation, peacebuilding, conflict resolution, and support for GBV survivors through services, counseling, and informal justice forums at both community and district levels.

The purpose of the HRWMO advocacy programs is to enhance men’s understanding that women’s perspectives must be considered in the Afghan peace process; otherwise, it would be unjust. There is now a general understanding that freedom of expression is the right of every individual, regardless of gender, to advocate for their social and political rights. Women’s confidence has increased, allowing them to speak up for peace on national and international platforms. This is a significant achievement of our project.

The project’s interventions successfully altered local community perceptions, attitudes, and behaviors regarding peace, the peace process, women’s rights, and women’s empowerment. The community realized that peace is essential for progress, development, and prosperity and fosters constructive thinking for the benefit and betterment of their nation. As a result, they experienced relief, contentment, and goodwill among themselves. The project also influenced young people to prioritize education over other activities, leading to a positive shift in their behavior.

Related Documents

HRWMO penal discusstion on Social peace and  women particiaption

Radio drama on civic peace and women participation

Also, check out our social media activities.

For more information on this initiative, please get in touch with Wali A. Shirzad, Strategic Partnership Manager.