ASEAN-IPR Women in Peace Processes: Regional Symposium and Capacity Building
5-8 May 2025, Jakarta, Indonesia
The ASEAN Institute for Peace and Reconciliation (ASEAN-IPR), with generous support from the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs through Norway-ASEAN Regional Integration Programme (NARIP), convened a Regional Symposium with the theme ‘Her Stories, Our Peace: Women’s Journey in ASEAN Peace Processes’ followed by a Capacity Building activity, both under the ASEAN-IPR Programme on Women in Peace Processes, from 5 to 8 May 2025 in Jakarta, Indonesia.
The two activities, while under the same programme, served different objectives. The Regional Symposium provided platform for presenting and sharing findings from the past 6-8 months of national-level research spearheaded by the ASEAN Women for Peace Registry (AWPR) and their respective research teams. Moreover, the Capacity Building activity focused on empowering women peacebuilders by offering targeted support through training sessions and workshops to enhance their work and/or advocacy on peacebuilding.
The Programme brought together over thirty participants from all ASEAN Member States. Such participation consisted of members of the ASEAN Women for Peace Registry (AWPR), AWPR national research team members, and the women peacebuilders who have been working at the grassroot level. Members of the AWPR present also contributed as trainers in the capacity building portion of the Programme.
The opening of the Regional Symposium was officiated by Mr. I Gusti Agung Wesaka Puja, Executive Director (ED) of ASEAN-IPR. In his opening remarks, the ED emphasised that while peacebuilding efforts of women at the grassroots level are often overlooked, they are, in fact, the foundation of lasting peace. Furthermore, the ED underlined that the programme aimed provide a platform for grassroots women peacebuilders in sharing their experiences, enhance their skills, and strengthen their networks.
Following, H.E. Kjell Tormod Pettersen, Ambassador of Norway to ASEAN, highlighted the importance of inclusive peace processes in his welcoming remarks. He shared that Norway’s extensive experience in peacebuilding and mediation has consistently demonstrated the value of involving women early and at all levels. He highlighted that “Women bring unique perspectives to the table. There is also a fundamental right (for women) to participate.”
Echoing previous speakers, H.E. Sarah Al Bakri Devadason, Permanent Representative of Malaysia to ASEAN and Chair of the ASEAN-IPR Governing Council, emphasised that women’s participation in peace processes is not merely an option, but a necessity. She highlighted that women’s participation bring unique perspective that promote inclusivity, fosters reconciliation, and address the essential needs in communities, including access to education, healthcare, and social cohesion.
Regional Symposium (5-6 May 2025)
The Regional Symposium highlighted research findings and compelling personal stories of women who have played significant roles in peace processes–particularly at the grassroots level.
Panel discussions during the Symposium addressed four critical thematic areas, based on the relevance found in the research findings: (1) Gender-Based Violence and Human Security; (2) Conflict Transformation; (3) Peacekeeping and Monitoring; and (4) Emerging Security Issues. These were complemented by focused group discussions that fostered cross-country dialogue, mutual learning exchange, and collaborative reflection.
On the second day (6 May), a special panel session was convened with H.E. Andreas Motzfeldt Kravik, State Secretary of the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), who engaged directly with participants through an open dialogue session. The discussion highlighted Norway’s unique approach to peacebuilding, which centres on inclusive dialogue, sustained engagement, and strong support for locally driven solutions. During the panel, the State Secretary underscored Norway’s commitment to the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda, emphasising that women’s participation in peace processes is not only a matter of rights, but also essential to achieving just and durable peace.
At the culmination of the Symposium was launch of the Digital Database/catalogue of ASEAN-IPR Women in Peace Processes – showcasing profiles and stories of grassroots women peacebuilders from across the region. The digital database, which was housed as a microsite under the ASEAN-IPR Website, was officially launched by the State Secretary of the Norwegian MFA, accompanied by the ED of ASEAN-IPR, a Representative of the AWPR, and a representative from grassroots peacebuilder participant. The digital database is envisioned to serve as a living archive of regional efforts and a valuable tool for policymakers, academics, and practitioners.
To know more about the digital database, please visit and explore the site at www.womeninpeace.asean-aipr.org, or through our website www.asean-aipr.org.
Capacity Building (7-8 May 2025)
The Capacity Building programme offered practical workshops and interactive sessions tailored to the needs and realities of grassroots women peacebuilders. Over the course of the programme, Trainers touched upon the topics on gender mainstreaming in peacebuilding, peace diplomacy, independent fundraising, and sustainability strategies. These sessions were designed to equip participants with actionable skills and tools to enhance the effectiveness and reach of their peace initiatives within their communities.
Ms. Luz Divina Canave Anung, a grassroots peacebuilder from the Philippines, reflected on the programme’s impact, highlighting the strong sense of connection and encouragement among women working for peace across the region. “The event is truly inspiring and uplifting. Hearing the stories of courage and resilience from fellow peacebuilders made me proud to be part of this journey. It renewed my strength to keep pushing forward for sustainable peace, no matter the odds and challenges,” she noted.
Throughout the capacity building programme, participants also engaged in networking activities to learn from one another’s country-specific challenges and successes. This regional exchange allowed participants to identify adaptable strategies and build cross-border alliances for continued support and solidarity.
“It has not only broadened understanding of the crucial role women play in peace processes across the region but also provided a collaborative space to share experiences, discuss challenges, and learn strategies,” said Dr. Ambon Rizzard Jemmi Talakua, a male peacebuilder participant from Indonesia. As a supporter of women’s participation in peacebuilding, he hopes that the programme would continue to expand and make a meaningful impact across the region.
Additionally, Ms. Puan Hajah Norah, a peacebuilder participant from Brunei Darussalam shared that the programme strengthened her skills and supported her work as a Gender-Based Violence counsellor. She expressed that “this event gave me great opportunities to connect with others and opened doors for collaboration across borders. I also learned practical tools to better support survivors, especially those affected by online abuse.”
This initiative reaffirms ASEAN-IPR’s commitment to fostering a more inclusive region for all. It highlighted the invaluable contributions of women in peacebuilding – often made quietly but leaving an enduring impact. By amplifying their voices and supporting their work, we take meaningful strides toward a peaceful, united, and resilient ASEAN.
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