Roula Chami: Lebanese Social Worker and Mediator's Story of Peacebuilding
Roula Chami, a 54-year-old social worker from Beirut, is part of a network of over 130 women changemakers dedicated to preventing and resolving local conflicts in Lebanon. Motivated by the loss of her mother during the 1984 war, Roula joined the UN Women’s project “Women, Peace and Security in the Arab States,” implemented by International Alert. She underwent training in conflict management and leadership to become a local mediator. Her work focused on bridging divides in areas like Shiyah and Ain El-Rummaneh, where tensions from the civil war persist. Roula facilitated dialogue sessions for youth from opposing sects to break cycles of inherited conflict and build trust. However, the 2024 war disrupted these efforts, causing communities to retreat into sectarian affiliations and renewing fears. During the recent conflict, Roula shifted her focus to emergency support, assisting displaced persons in schools acting as shelters. Her story highlights the resilience of Lebanese people and the critical role of women in peacebuilding amidst recurring violence and societal fragmentation.
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Roula Chami: Lebanese Social Worker and Mediator's Story of Peacebuilding
Roula Chami, a 54-year-old social worker from Beirut, is part of a network of over 130 women changemakers dedicated to preventing and resolving local conflicts in Lebanon. Motivated by the loss of her mother during the 1984 war, Roula joined the UN Women’s project “Women, Peace and Security in the Arab States,” implemented by International Alert. She underwent training in conflict management and leadership to become a local mediator. Her work focused on bridging divides in areas like Shiyah and Ain El-Rummaneh, where tensions from the civil war persist. Roula facilitated dialogue sessions for youth from opposing sects to break cycles of inherited conflict and build trust. However, the 2024 war disrupted these efforts, causing communities to retreat into sectarian affiliations and renewing fears. During the recent conflict, Roula shifted her focus to emergency support, assisting displaced persons in schools acting as shelters. Her story highlights the resilience of Lebanese people and the critical role of women in peacebuilding amidst recurring violence and societal fragmentation.
International Alert