Diaspora communities have long played critical roles in peacebuilding efforts in their countries of origin, yet the contributions of women within these communities remain significantly underexplored and underappreciated. This report seeks to address this gap by focusing on the unique roles, challenges and contributions of women in diaspora-led peacebuilding initiatives. Women in the diaspora — often navigating complex identities and facing distinct challenges — are vital actors in promoting peace, reconciliation and social change in their homelands.

Drawing on a comprehensive review of literature, research interviews, and detailed case studies, this report provides a nuanced understanding of how diaspora women contribute to peacebuilding efforts, particularly in conflict-affected regions. The case studies highlight the experiences of Afghan women peacebuilders in the UK, women peacebuilders from Burma/Myanmar in the US, and Iranian women working to advance societal change and progress, currently based in Iran and Australia, offering concrete examples of how these women overcome significant obstacles and contribute to peace.

The report identifies several key findings. First, it highlights a significant research gap in the study of womenled diaspora peacebuilding, particularly regarding how intersecting identities such as gender, age and immigration status shape their contributions. Second, the report underscores the complex challenges these women face, including safety concerns, online and offline threats of violence, lack of funding, time scarcity, and entrenched patriarchal norms — all of which hinder their ability to engage in peacebuilding fully. Third, despite these challenges, diaspora women employ a range of innovative strategies to contribute to peacebuilding. They engage in advocacy, lead mobilization and grassroots initiatives, document human rights violations and use digital platforms to raise awareness and build international support. Their visions for peace and the future are deeply informed by their experiences as diaspora members; many had engaged in activism in their homelands, and some have experienced being a refugee, asylum-seeker or in exile. These leaders envision peace not only as the absence of violence but as a nurturing environment for all people — including women and girls — by emphasizing inclusive governance, justice and social well-being.