I recently met incredible women from “Women Waging Peace”, a network connecting female peacemakers from conflict zones worldwide with policy shapers since 1999.
Listening to women from Israel and Palestine revealed something profound about dialogue in high-stakes conflict: There can be peace in the presence of contradicting perspectives.
What did I learn?
- Acknowledge each other’s pain,
- Listen to vastly different viewpoints, and
- Focus on finding a future where all perspectives can coexist.
When asked if women approach peace differently from men, the answer was striking: Men often enter negotiations with demands and desires. Women enter with the intention to find peace together. We need both qualities in the dialogue to peace, but unfortunately, women are often excluded from peace negotiations in the countries where it is needed most.
This mirrors what I see with influential leaders facing organisational conflict. The leaders who create lasting resolutions don’t just push their vision; they create togetherness by helping all parties find a path forward where different perspectives can coexist and thrive.
In your next conflict situation:
- Acknowledge the pain behind opposing positions
- Listen for the intention, not just the demand
- Focus on shared futures, not just current disagreements
I signed up to Women Waging Peace as my action for a peaceful world. I’ll teach more about peaceful dialogue in conflict, a skill essential for any leader wanting to turn division into collective action.
What will be your action for a peaceful world?
#InternationalDayOfPeace #PeaceThroughDialogue #FacilitationForPeace #Togetherness