June 28, 2025
Shamil’s Corner
In the last month, we’ve witnessed violence take many forms, from a regional war breaking out in the Middle East to the assassination of a U.S. State Representative and her husband. One of the most insidious things about violence is that it not only destroys lives, it spreads fear among those who survive it and, in so doing, increases the likelihood of more violence. While fear drives some to act in harmful ways, it immobilizes and silences others—leaving the most extreme among us to fill the void and set the temperature for everyone.
If we want to break this cycle, we must refuse to give into that fear. We must refuse to see existential threats where in fact there are resolvable political disagreements. We must refuse to dehumanize others, which makes violence against them more likely and less disturbing to us. We must refuse to wish upon others what we would refuse for ourselves and for our loved ones.
Few of us face the choice of whether or not to launch missiles or pull triggers, but each of us contributes to the atmosphere within which these decisions are made: what policies and rhetoric we tolerate from our political leaders, what information we share on social media, how we treat those with whom we disagree. It can be hard to draw the connections between these everyday decisions and the presence—or absence—of peace in our communities, let alone in the world at large. But in fact, the connection couldn’t be more direct. What we each do creates the world in which all must live.
Now is not a time to stand on the sidelines while others turn the heat up around us. We can speak out against the dehumanization and delegitimization of others, even when—especially when—its victims are those whose views we oppose. We can refuse to contribute to media’s constant amplification of violence and hate and instead choose to share the stories of those who help, protect, and uplift one another. (Search’s teams and partners around the world are creating more of these stories every day.) And we can demand that our political, religious, and community leaders reject dehumanizing and violent rhetoric, even when they are “on our side.”
If you are unhappy—as I am—with the state of the world today, consider that this is not the result of what others have done to us. It is the direct result of what we have all created for ourselves. This is not an indictment, but an invitation. We can name what is, so that together we can commit to creating a better tomorrow.
International Program Highlight
One of the most effective ways to transform violent extremism is to include women in policy development and decision-making processes. This has proven challenging in Pakistan, however, where historically women have been excluded from such spaces. Even when the government invested in educational reforms and media campaigns aimed at combating extremism, these programs lacked wide, robust engagement with women, youth, and marginalized ethnoreligious communities—leaving major socio-economic and political grievances unaddressed.
To overcome this gap, Search partnered with local organizations to design “SHE: The Peacebuilder.” The project addressed the exclusionary nature of government agencies, as well as harmful, deeply ingrained gender norms and cultural taboos that prevent women from making essential contributions to transforming violent extremism. Additionally, the project addressed internal barriers that hinder women’s participation, bolstering Pakistani women’s confidence to engage in policy and decision-making processes.
Our team identified 75 women to form a cohort of Women Peace Architects. Representing varied backgrounds and identities, the women were trained in conflict management and the Common Ground Approach. They were also provided with seed grants to implement projects in their own communities that combat violent extremism. Through these projects, the Women Peace Architects reached more than 13,200 women and men across Pakistan. One such initiative centered on a groundbreaking girls’ hockey match in a region where cultural norms often restrict women’s participation in sports. The event leader credited its success to her participation in “SHE: The Peacebuilder”:
“I had always dreamed of creating opportunities for female athletes in our community, but until I joined the project, I didn’t have the confidence or the network to make it happen. This project has shown me that peacebuilding doesn’t rely solely on financial support or external resources; it’s about empowering communities to take ownership of their own development and peace initiatives.”
Another participant highlighted how the opportunity to network and form local circles of women peacebuilders enabled greater coordination and collaboration:
“This project not only empowered us to stand for peace and work toward a future free of violence, but it also united us. This sisterhood has become a movement, and together, we are redefining what it means to be a woman in our community.”
As the women developed their communication skills and understanding of political rights, they were better able to increase both their representation in and influence on various governmental institutions, taking initiative for a women-oriented agenda. As one woman shared:
“Integrating peacebuilding with gender-focused initiatives has been transformative. By applying a gender lens to every conflict, I’ve gained insights into the root causes of issues and the unique needs of different genders. This approach empowers me to effectively address gender inequalities and foster peace within my community.”
As Pakistan continues to transform violent extremism, they are led by a well-equipped cadre of women who can design and implement the kinds of comprehensive and sustainable solutions that build peace.
Want to hear more about the Women Peace Architects and the projects they initiated in their communities? Watch these powerful videos.
Planning for Peace
Imagine making a gift that fuels peacebuilding around the world while unlocking smart financial benefits for yourself. Sounds like a win-win, right?
At Search for Common Ground, we offer flexible ways to give that go beyond writing a check. Whether you’re into stocks, crypto, or clever giving tools like donor advised funds and IRAs, there’s a way to support peace and feel good about your financial future.
Here’s how you can make your generosity work harder for both you and the world:
Donor-Advised Funds (DAFs):
Got a DAF? Simply recommend a gift to us from your fund. It’s an easy way to give with impact without the extra paperwork.
Stocks & Securities:
Donate appreciated stocks or securities directly and skip the capital gains tax, all while making a meaningful impact. It’s a savvy move for your portfolio and for peace.
IRA Charitable Distributions:
If you’re 70½ or older, you can send up to $100,000 from your IRA directly to support our work. This smart strategy lowers your taxable income and fuels peacebuilding efforts globally.
Cryptocurrency Gifts:
Donating crypto like Bitcoin or Ethereum can be a cutting-edge way to give and potentially reduce your tax burden while supporting global harmony.
Curious about what fits your style?
Send us an email at [email protected] or visit sfcg.org/planned-giving to learn more. We’ve also partnered with FreeWill, which makes it easier to give. We’re happy to help you find the perfect way to give back that aligns with your goals.
