Peace trailblazer: “Women hold the key to lasting and sustainable peace – and we must support their efforts every step of the way”

Damira Tukhtasinova, 66, from Uzbekistan, is a Director of the Center for Social and Legal Support for Women and Their Families “Kalb Nuri”, Fergana Region. She has led efforts to bring together diverse ethnic and cultural groups and confront discrimination and conflict in Uzbekistan’s tense border areas. Her work directly supports the Women, Peace and Security agenda by empowering women as local peacebuilders.

1. What inspired you to take on your peacebuilding role?

Everything begins in childhood. I was raised in a multicultural environment where no one was ever judged based on their ethnicity. This early experience shaped my deep belief that diversity is a source of strength – not division. We share one small planet, and despite our differences, we must find ways to connect, to listen and to build a shared future.

My journey began with small, determined steps to foster mutual understanding in the border areas of Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan through community infrastructure projects. It is no secret that we share resources in the region – and opening dialogue around their use became the first step towards longer-term cooperation. Over time, these conversations evolved into sustainable initiatives.

I believe that every meeting, every dialogue is like a bridge – connecting people across divides. And my mission is to help ensure these bridges are strong, inclusive and lasting.

2. The women’s initiative groups you helped create have been pivotal. What makes these groups effective in reducing tensions and fostering cooperation?

Working in border communities, we came to a realization: women are a tremendous force for change. When women in border villages come together, they form a collective strength with the potential to transform entire communities. This understanding inspired the creation of local women’s initiative groups. These groups possess a unique power – rooted in genuine care for their families and communities. Their effectiveness in easing tensions stems from the fact that women are often seen as agents of peace and cohesion. They know how to build dialogue, seek compromise and bridge divides.

Women-led groups use approaches grounded in empathy and trust – qualities that help break down stereotypes and foster understanding. In addition, these groups build local networks of support and cooperation, making communities more cohesive. When women unite for peace, it is more than an initiative. It is a call from the heart and soul – a collective voice for a more peaceful, inclusive future.

3. What are some of the most significant challenges you’ve faced in facilitating dialogue across historically divided communities, and how have you overcome them?

One of the greatest challenges we faced was overcoming the deep-rooted prejudices and mistrust that had built up over years of tension and conflict. For people who had recently experienced conflict – many of whom were at its very heart – it is not easy to believe that dialogue can lead to real change, especially when the past has left painful scars.

To address these challenges, our team focused on creating safe and neutral spaces – places where participants could speak openly and listen to one another without fear of judgment. Facilitation methods became a key tool in building dialogue based on mutual respect and empathy. At the same time, we gradually introduced joint projects that demonstrated the tangible benefits of cooperation. Through patience, genuine engagement and consistency, we were able to break down barriers of mistrust and build bridges that now connect previously divided communities.

4. In your view, how can national and international actors better support women-led peace efforts in border areas and places affected by conflict?

National and international actors play a vital role in supporting women’s initiatives – especially when they do so with respect and sensitivity to the local context, not just by providing resources. The international community must work to dismantle barriers and challenge harmful stereotypes – by providing training, mentorship and protection – so that women can fully realize their potential as true agents of change.

It is essential to create platforms for exchange and peer learning among women peacebuilders from different regions. Such connections strengthen their skills and reinforce their confidence in the critical work they are doing to preserve peace and stability. Women must be engaged not only as participants in peace processes, but as decision-makers and leaders – with real opportunities to shape strategic outcomes.

It is my personal belief that women hold the key to lasting and sustainable peace – and we must support their efforts every step of the way.

5. Based on your experience, what lessons would you share with peacebuilders working in regions like the Fergana Valley, where historic agreements have been reached but trust between border communities still needs to be built?

After many years of working in the Fergana Valley region, I have identified several key lessons for those engaged in complex and sensitive contexts:

Building trust is a long and continuous process – one that requires genuine consistency and integrity. There can be no rush for results. The focus must remain on creating sustainable channels of communication, where people feel safe to share their fears and hopes without fear of judgment.

Informal platforms – such as cultural exchanges, joint projects and community events – play a crucial role. They allow people to see one another as individuals, not merely as members of opposing sides. These moments create understanding and connect hearts.

It is also essential to invest in strengthening local leadership and collaboration. Trust is built from within – not imposed from above. And when thinking long term, we must remember: even the most modest achievements are bricks in the foundation of a peace that is being built slowly but surely.

This story is published as part of "The Past, Present, and Future of Women, Peace, and Security" campaign, commemorating the 25th anniversary of UNSCR 1325, to celebrate the power of peace. The campaign aims to foster a deeper dialogue on equality, justice and peace, honoring the legacies and amplifying the voices of 25 trailblazing women from across Europe and Central Asia whose significant contributions have transformed their communities, societies, and beyond. The content reflects the personal views and experiences of the author(s) and does not necessarily represent the official position of UN Women, its partners, or the United Nations.