Zahra Ismail's Page

What motivated you to become involved in peace and conflict resolution?

All the choices I have made in my life, my reason for studying peace, and my desire to work for peace stemmed from my belief in non-violence. I feel that these beliefs have been part of what defined me, and how I wanted to live my own life. I believe that if we think about how we want to react to conflict, if we really reflect on what action can get us the results we desire, and if we really look at the results of reacting through violence, these are based on dealing with our fears and not thinking about what it is that we actually want, and really thinking about how best we can get there. I am of the opinion that this is true in all types of conflicts including within ourselves and the way we choose to live.

Please feel free to provide a short bio about yourself (no more than 3 paragraphs)

I started on this path while doing my BA in International Relations & Human Rights at Carleton University. After graduating I worked with the Aga Khan Foundation Canada as a research associate on pluralism. My research included looking at specific country case studies, doing a comparison analysis on pluralism globally, and creating a database of organizations/individuals working in the area of pluralism in Canada and abroad. With a desire to work on human rights issues on the ground I moved on to work with an organization called The Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (Forum-Asia) based in Thailand. While there I developed an interest in peacebuilding and post conflict rehabilitation (more specifically trauma healing, reconciliation and dialogue). So following my work with Forum Asia - which included Advocacy (specifically in relation to human rights defenders), kick starting the creation of a program on development as a human right, and overseeing the organization and coordination of a high level conference on UN-CS relations, I went back to school to do a MA in Peace & Conflict resolution at the European University Centre for Peace Studies.

During my MA I continued to cultivate my interest in postconflict rehabilitation, but also developed a very strong interest in peace education/training-specifically the incorporation of principles of pluralism and dialogue in education. My thesis, which I recently completed is focused on children born of rape in conflict zones: looking specifically at addressing trauma and healing through a peace education lens.

In recent years I have been working with Nonviolent Peaceforce (NP)-an international organization engaged in the creation of a group of trained civilians who can be mobilized at a moments notice to go into a conflict zone to protect human rights, deter violence, and create space for local peacemakers to carry out their work. With NP I worked specifically in communication and capacity building, and also trained as a civillian peacekeeper.

Currently I am working as a Program Coordinator with the Mediation and Restorative Justice Centre-an Edmonton (Canada) based Mediation and Restorative Justice program whose work focuses both on service provision, public education and community development. I am also the chair of the Edmonton chapter of the Canadian Department of Peace initiative.

In the future I would like to find my way into peace education/training and peacebuilding projects for post conflict/violence situations. As far as regions of interest go I am particularly interested in the Middle East and Asia, although due to family history, and recent exposure I am developing a strong interest in East Africa.

Please list the countries and/or regions in which you have direct and significant expertise

Thailand
Kenya
Austria
Canada

What is your current country of residence?

Canada

What is your current job (and organization) and/or where and what field are you studying?

Program Coordinator with the Mediation and Restorative Justice Centre (Edmonton, Canada)

What is your personal or organizational website?

http://www.mrjc.ca

What is one of your favorite websites in the field? (please provide one answer per box)

http://www.aspr.ac.at/epu/index.html

What is one of your favorite websites in the field? (please provide one answer per box)

http://www.pitt.edu/AFShome/c/h/charli/public/html/childrenbornofwar

Which are your primary sectoral areas of expertise?

Peacebuilding, Conflict Resolution, Humanitarian Relief, Youth, Education, Civil Society, Health

Which are your primary skills areas?

Training, Program Design, Program Administration, Advocacy, Research

What are some of your current areas of research (if any)?

Children Born of Rape in Conflict
Civilian Peacekeeping
Fair Trade
Pluralism