Transformative Conversations

In 2021, global levels of governmental restrictions on Freedom of Religious Belief are at an all-time high, and the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated tensions around the world and fueled discrimination and violence against religious minorities. Now more than ever, it is critical to understand how religious frameworks can be harnessed as a positive force for transformation to guarantee a more peaceful future. While religion can divide communities, it can also be harnessed as a force for positive transformation by advancing shared values of empathy, nonviolence, and human dignity. Religious actors have long played a role in both grassroots and official peacebuilding efforts, including by acting as mediators, setting the vision for transitional justice efforts, and mobilizing communities of faith to prevent and cease conflict. Yet, the field also faces many challenges, such as bridging intra-religious polarization, ensuring the inclusion of women and youth, and overcoming structural inequities within religious institutions themselves. In this vein, Transformative Peace is excited to be hosting its fourth Transformative Conversation with Rev. Dr. Fatimah S. Salleh and Ms. Omar Manal on Religious Approaches to Peacebuilding. The speakers will examine the state of religiously-motivated violence and discrimination in the world today, including the impact of COVID-19, the new tools being used by religious peacebuilders to transform conflict, and the potential for religious peacebuilding to contribute to lasting social and transitional justice.

Women play a critical role in reducing conflict, advancing stability, and building sustainable peace. Women’s meaningful participation in peace agreements has been shown to critically affect their sustainability, with 35% of agreements more likely to last beyond 15 years. Similarly, in cases where women played a critical role in the peace processes, the probability of reaching a final and sustainable agreement is much higher than when women were absent. However, women continue to face unique challenges, sidelined, underrepresented, and pushed into supporting roles. In this vein, Transformative Peace is excited to be hosting its third Transformative Conversation with a very dear colleague and friend Karin Ryan, Senior Advisor for Human Rights and Special Representative on Women and Girls at The Carter Center, for a discussion on women’s meaningful participation in peace processes and how we can advance a more inclusive agenda. Karin, welcome and so lovely to have you here.

Recorded Webinar - The demonizing of Muslims and Islam in France has attracted a global outcry. Join Dr. Houda Abadi in conversation with French Muslim activist and former CCIF Director Marwan Muhammad for a discussion on the rising tide of institutionalized Islamophobia in France and how we can play an active role in promoting equity and inclusive policies that push back against systemic hate and bigotry.

Join Dr. Houda Abadi and former South African Ambassador to the United States, Ebrahim Rasool, for a discussion on the lessons of apartheid - and on the processes of reconciliation and restorative justice. Recorded August 5th, 2020. About Transformative Conversations: Join civic leaders, policymakers, and community activists for Transformative Peace innovative series of conversations, seminars, and workshops. Led by our founder, Dr. Houda Abadi, this interactive program sparks provocative conversations around timely questions and timeless themes. Join us as we contemplate our moment in history, and together, let's navigate obstacles to peace and forge a path forward.