# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Art and Culture strengthen interfaith solidarity in Garut and Tasikmalaya. Through the Tolerance Festival 2023 supported by JISRA, women from the elderly angklung group of the Catholic Church in Tasik express the spirit of inclusivity.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Tia Pramesti, emphasizes that young women often face a dual burden: adhering to traditional norms that constrain their roles and age. This burden frequently leads to young women losing their right to voice their opinions. Through the JISRA program, young women are encouraged to engage actively, contribute, and express their ideas in a safe and comfortable environment. With this support, they can discover their voices and roles within society.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
The women's movement is often overlooked in grassroots peacebuilding efforts. However, with support from the JISRA program, Ai Sadidah and Chotijah have successfully fostered solidarity among interfaith communities in Garut. Their collaboration highlights the vital role of women in creating a harmonious and peaceful environment while addressing societal differences.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Two female preachers, one from the Christian and the other from Islam, convene to discuss social issues during the Interfaith Social Discussion event in Singaparna, Tasikmalaya Regency.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Neima Abdi Kedir, a 24-years Ethiopian young gender mainstreaming expert based in Harar, Shenkor Woreda, recently participated in a comprehensive training, panel discussion, and workshop facilitated by the JISRA. The program focused on Gender-Based Violence and Harassment (GBV&H) within an Islamic religious framework, as well as conflict resolution and management strategies aimed at promoting religious tolerance and peace. This engagement significantly enhanced Neima's understanding and equipped them with valuable resources to address these critical issues in their community.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
In Arsi Negele,Ethiopia, two religious institutions located close to each other experienced conflict due to simultaneous spiritual activities. The clashing sounds of the Azan and religious songs disrupted the community's historical peaceful relations. To address this, the Participatory Grant Making (PGM) youth team, supported by the JISRA program, initiated dialogue with religious leaders and local government officials. Through discussions and emphasis on values like respect and tolerance, the religious leaders reached a mutual agreement to respect each other's practices and ensure their activities wouldn't interfere with one another.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
This powerful image captures the strength, resilience, and unity of women from diverse faith groups in Bakin Kogi and Dangoma, Jema’a LGA of Kaduna State. Dressed in the same uniform (Asoebi), these women come together despite religious divides to promote religious tolerance and social cohesion. Through the Tearfund-SUWA JISRA project, they have found a common voice, demonstrating that unity transcends religious differences. By fostering dialogue, mutual respect, and collaboration, they are amplifying the message that peace, inclusion, and solidarity are possible when women stand together. This gathering is a testament to the power of women as peacemakers, bridge-builders, and advocates for a more harmonious and inclusive society. 

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Through the JISRA project, women from Angwan Rogo, Congo-Russia and Jebbu Bassa of Plateau State have gained confidence and a stronger voice in interfaith dialogue. We celebrate the resilience and unity of women who actively contribute to fostering peace, mutual understanding, and social cohesion. This photo captures Mallama Amina Muhammed from Angwan Rogo courageously sharing her perspective during an interfaith gathering, highlighting the importance of inclusivity, respect, and collaboration across religious and cultural communities. Her voice is a testament to the power of dialogue in building bridges and promoting harmony among people of diverse faiths.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
In Ethiopian Oromo culture, a "Hadha Sinke" is a woman who has received a "Sinke" stick on her wedding day, signifying her legal marriage and the respect she is due. Hadha Sinke Hawi Defo actively works to ease religious and ethnic conflicts in her community. Through volunteerism training from JISRA, she helped raise funds and support for an ill woman. She believes that continuing this work depends on educating the youth.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Faith should never divide, it should inspire compassion. These women are painting more than a mural; they’re crafting a future where faiths coexist and communities thrive. Their unity is a testament to what’s possible when we focus on what unites us. #IWD2025 #JISRA4Peace #FaithAndFreedom #InterfaithWomen #FoRB4All #WomenLeadPeace

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
In a world often divided by differences, the Women’s Interfaith Council (WIC) chose unity. Coming from diverse religious backgrounds, they stood together, proving that peace begins with understanding. Their interfaith dialogue is not just a conversation—it’s a commitment to healing communities. Let’s amplify voices like theirs. Together, we can foster harmony. #WomenForPeace #IWD2025 #InterfaithWomen #JISRA4Peace #WomenLeadPeace

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Women ensuring their voices are heard during a community dialogue meeting between farmers and herders and proffering solutions to the conflict situation between both groups. 
The meeting was initiated by the JISRA Interfaith Actors in Gidan Waya, Jema"a LGA of Kaduna State to  bridge relationship gap between both groups and ensure peaceful coexistence.  
Women when given the opportunity are positive drivers in conflict transformation processes.  

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Alfiya Kassim (who sits on the left in the above picture), was born in the Sidama region, Ethiopia, from a Muslim family. She married to revert man form protestant to Muslim.. His family excluded his wife because he changed his religion. we faced much exclusion from his family, even the family that celebrates holidays. Alfia was invited by JISRA on diversity management and communication skill ToT training After she took the training She manages her communication skills with her husband’s family, and then she starts performing her skills diversity management with different religions on the teaching of the Qur’an and Hadith. Alfia pushed her husband to visit his family and bring gifts for his family on Christian holidays, through time, his family understood her commitment to live with his family with religious diversity. Now all family will meet and spend their weekends and holidays together.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Women were almost sidelined in my community but at the coming of JISRA, women now actively participate at the traditional council and political levels. Personally, my level of communication and relationship with people of other faiths has increased because of JISRA.              -Benardette Julius Bakura, Manchok, Kaduna State, Nigeria.             

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
I am Martha Isa. I live in Kaura LGA, Kaduna, Nigeria. I'm the only biological daughter in my family with two brothers. My family faced economic hardship after my father passed. Farming was impossible due to conflicts, and job opportunities were scarce. I was financially incapacitated and lacked self confidence. Through JISRA, I took out a loan from the VSLA initiative and approached my mother with confidence to release the family land to me for farming. I planted sunflower seeds and harvested 10 bags last season, using the proceeds to support my family and send a relative’s daughter to school. Beyond financial independence, JISRA has also helped to boost my confidence. 

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
JISRA equips me and other women in my community with knowledge to teach our children about peace - Rukkayyah Musa, Muslim Women Leader, Zankan, Kaduna State, Nigeria.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Alice Abba, a women's leader in Zankan, Kaduna State, Nigeria, speaking out and freely expressing her views in a monthly interfaith gathering in her community. JISRA ensures the voices of women are heard. 

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
In Zaruma, Plateau State of Nigeria, women had no representation in leadership. JISRA, through its local partners, introduced leadership and gender equality training. As a result, Constance Onye became the first-ever female leader in Zaruma. Empowered by her training, she led advocacy efforts, engaging the traditional council to push for greater female inclusion. Constance’s advocacy led to the appointment of 15 more women leaders, bringing the total number of female leaders in Zaruma to 16. These women now participate in decision-making, ensuring that issues affecting them and their families are addressed.