The Anna Lindh Foundation Cyprus Network member, Center for Gender Equality and History (KIIF) leads the “Women Making Peace: Grassroots Interventions for Reconciliation in Cyprus” initiative. This project funded by the European Union under the Aid Programme for the Turkish Cypriot community, represents a vital effort to center women’s voices and experiences within the ongoing reconciliation process in Cyprus, addressing the persistent gender gap in formal peace-building efforts across the Euro-Mediterranean region.

A landmark moment of the project was the bicommunal gathering held at the Ledra Palace in the Nicosia Buffer Zone. This event served as a high-visibility platform where women from across the divide shared their perspectives and advocated for a more inclusive, gender-sensitive approach to peace. The initiative successfully demonstrated that sustainable reconciliation is only possible when it is built from the ground up, honoring the lived experiences of all community members.

By fostering these grassroots connections, KIIF is equipping a new generation of peace ambassadors with the tools for mediation and intercultural dialogue. We believe this model of inclusive intervention offers a valuable blueprint for other ALF National Networks working toward social cohesion in divided or post-conflict societies.