Women’s Peace Team Helps Reconcile Their Community After Years of Division

In Kharab Al-Kabir, a settlement near Tal Afar town, Nonviolent Peaceforce (NP) has been working with Women’s Peace Team (WPT) leaders to address protection and social cohesion needs.

More than a decade ago, a minor disagreement broke out between two families who happened to be from different sects, Shia and Sunni. Over time, the dispute escalated into broader conflict among community groups, leading to the spread of hate speech against sects, and weakened harmony in the community. It was rare for Sunni and Shia community members to be found in the same room together.

The local WPT wanted to bring peace to their community and heal this division. They started by building trust with their respective community leaders separately, which involved listening to historical grievances and present-day stressors. WPT members suggested the need for the community to engage across division again, and what steps they could take to get there. As Shia and Sunni community leaders and residents alike became more open to the idea of engaging with one another, the WPT proposed something special– an event that could foster healing and unity.

An Event to Embrace the True Spirit of Ramadan  

Since Ramadan was coming up, the WPT decided to host a special event to commemorate Ramadan iftar (breaking of the fast) and they invited the entire community! To prepare, attendees were asked to help organize the event, which provided community members with a sense of shared responsibility. 

They were beyond thrilled to see 95 people from various ethnicities and sects, including women, men, youth, and tribal elders in attendance. In an opening speech, the WPT invited the community to promote a culture of tolerance and unity in the spirit of Ramadan. 

While everyone appreciated the iftar meal, there was even deeper gratitude for having a designated safe space to engage in conversation, confront old grudges and break down barriers fueling division. 

Time was set aside for each of the conflicting parties to express their hopes and aspirations for overcoming this division. WPT members and NP staff in attendance moved around the rooms, monitoring the conversations to ensure the discussion remained constructive and the old conflict wasn’t inflamed again. 

As the event unfolded, there was a noticeable shift in the room as people began feeling more comfortable around one another, tensions eased, and doors for sincere and fruitful dialogues opened. By the end of the evening, an official reconciliation agreement was reached between the two disputing families, a remarkable step that ended a decade-long dispute and received full support from the entire community.

Lasting Impact

Kharab Al-Kabir is reaping benefits from this initiative led by the WPT. Social cohesion has improved, while hate speech and rumours have significantly reduced. Now that more people are getting along, the peace team is optimistic that the newfound unity will lead to the advent of additional community initiatives. Already Sunni and Shia community members have participated in a joint tree planting led by the WPT. The WPT is also hoping that the success of the event can be used as a model to inspire other women across Iraq by showing them what women are capable of.

“After this iftar, I feel that hearts were reconciled, our relations have become better, and we are keen to maintaining communication with one another.” -Iftar participant

The success of the WPT in Kharab Al-Kabir, demonstrates the impact that community-led efforts can have in bridging divides and cultivating peace.

--> Related: From Survivors to Leaders: Women Peace Teams in Nineveh, Iraq