Women’s Peace Leadership Programme: Farangis Davronova (Tajikistan) and Ana Nemsadze (Georgia)
“When I was first told that I hold strong feminist values, I laughed and said, ‘Oh, I'm not a feminist’,” recalls Farangis Davronova. Coming from Tajikistan, a country with strong patriarchal influences, Farangis initially did not strongly embrace the idea of women’s rights, peace, and security.“There are many stereotypes surrounding feminism, and because of my preconceived notions I used to think there was nothing good about it," she says.
However, her early exposure to the unequal treatment of girls within society, particularly in education, sparked her interest in advocating for gender equality.
Empowering through knowledge
"My journey into advocating for gender equality began with my involvement in the international network of volunteers Y-PEER in Tajikistan, where I gained deeper insights into gender issues and started sharing this knowledge through peer-to-peer interactions. A pivotal influence on me was Vesna Ivanovic – Kastared, who previously worked with the OSCE and now serves as the Head of UN Women in North Macedonia. Vesna's guidance was transformative. She broadened my perspective on gender equality,” recalls Farangis. “She helped me articulate my beliefs and made me realize that I am indeed a feminist, something I had always known but hadn't fully acknowledged.”
Inspired by this realization, Farangis was looking for a hands-on engagement. Soon she joined the Network of Youth for Gender Equality under the Programme Office of OSCE in Dushanbe. Here, she deepened her understanding and contributed to several projects advocating for gender equality across various regions of her home country. Additionally, she became actively involved in journalism, raising awareness and advocating for women's rights and their more active role in peacebuilding through her work. Her engagement with the Women’s Peace Leadership Program (WPLP) brought more multifaceted knowledge and learning, allowing her to see herself in the roles of those leading peace and equality efforts.
“I was motivated to be a part of the OSCE WPLP because I believe in the immense potential of women in leading and sustaining peace processes. Joining the program was like finding the perfect puzzle piece for my career. Here, I see a mirror reflecting my future self. A vision where I am not just observing the world but shaping it, creating ripples of change that begin in Tajikistan and extend far beyond its borders,” Farangis says.
“I am very grateful for the opportunity to be part of this strong global network of women peacebuilders, mediators, scholars and activists. The WPLP's focus on leadership, security, peacebuilding and gender equality has given so many new perspectives and opportunities. I had a chance to learn and work with experienced women professionals, expanding my professional network. The programme has given me the chance to do more and go further,” she concludes.
From witness to advocate
If Ana Nemsadze could be said to have experienced a moment of profound realization of herself as a feminist, it was more gradual. Ana bore witness to the critical roles women undertake in sustaining resilience and instigating change amid turmoil, as she was raised in Georgia during a period of conflicts and instability.
“Witnessing the struggles of women, including family members, friends and colleagues who endured the ravages of war, fuelled my determination to advocate for change and foster an inclusive environment for all.”
Ana found inspiration in the resilience of the women in her community and began to dedicate herself to peace-building, conflict resolution, and advocating for women’s rights. Soon she ventured into more leadership roles, advocating for gender equality and spearheading initiatives for peace and inclusivity.
Her journey started in Lithuania with an immersive stint in the European Solidarity Corps (ESC) volunteering program that soon blossomed into a year of self-revelation. Ana started to see peacebuilding as a vocation. A valid and worthy career choice. This brought her into the orbit of women-led initiatives in Georgia, reflecting her values and eventually propelling her to lead the Women, Peace, and Security initiative.
“My motivation to join the WPLP stemmed from a desire to collaborate with young women activists working in conflict-affected countries.
The program itself is an invaluable tool for young women leaders in peacebuilding. The high-level conferences, meetings with ambassadors, and the support we receive from this program are priceless,” she says.
“I truly believe that such a strong network can contribute significantly to peacebuilding initiatives and collaborative work at regional and local levels. From this network, I expect to build lasting connections that will foster collaboration across borders, enabling us to collectively address and resolve conflicts more effectively. I hope to gain access to a wealth of knowledge, resources, and best practices that will enhance my capacity as a peacebuilder. Additionally, I look forward to contributing to a supportive community where we can uplift and empower each other,” Ana underscores.
Leading change in male-dominated fields
By virtue of their elevated presence and active, unapologetic participation, Ana and Farangis are at the vanguard of change, challenging the status quo of a male-dominated field, and seeking to redefine the role of women in peace processes.
“Navigating a male-dominated field is a significant challenge, but the support I have been receiving from peers, mentors, and my senior colleagues has also been a source of strength and resilience,” Ana says.
Farangis adds that perseverance and strong reserves of steely determination are key, “As a woman leader, your journey may not always be easy. You have to forge your path with extra courage, determination, and unwavering belief in yourself.”
Ana and Farangis’ experience shows how women act as actors of change, advocating for the dismantling of structural barriers and the empowerment of a wider set of voices in peacebuilding to achieve sustainable and inclusive solutions. Ultimately, they show us the future where women's voices are not only heard at the tables of conflict resolution but are pivotal at every level of peace initiatives.
Farangis Davronova and Ana Nemsadze are two of the 16 mentees from around the OSCE region and Afghanistan, participating in the OSCE Women’s Peace Leadership Programme 2023-2024, an initiative of the OSCE Secretary General Helga Maria Schmid. The Programme aims to strengthen the ability of women to meaningfully engage and influence peace processes at all levels. It is a part of the OSCE’s flagship project WIN for Women and Men, which covers the Networking platform for Women Leaders including Peacebuilders and Mediators. The WIN project works with OSCE-supported networks and gives rise to new networks, fostering women’s participation and leadership, as well as broader men’s engagement in achieving gender equality.