The “Peace Begins with Her” event was part of the broader “Peace Begins with Me” campaign, specifically adapted to promote women’s equal and meaningful participation in peace processes, spotlighting the essential role women play in peacekeeping and peacebuilding.
The “Peace Begins with Her” Inside Out Activation was held in front of the United Nations Headquarters on the day of the annual UN Security Council Open Debate on Women, Peace and Security, 25th October 2023. 50 large portraits of women peacebuilders and peacekeepers were pasted in front of the UN with a constant stream of visitors participating. Over 200 portraits were taken throughout the day and added to the mosaic pledging to the global push for women's participation.
This creative event was an opportunity to showcase the importance of replacing women’s voices and experiences at the heart of peace efforts – especially at a time when male and militaristic narratives prevailed. Using the power of a people-driven action helped us share important advocacy messages on the importance of the Women, Peace, and Security agenda.
During the event, visitors were invited to have their portraits taken and added to the collection, symbolizing solidarity with women peacebuilders. The global audience was further engaged through social media, using hashtags #PeaceBegins and #WomenPeaceSecurity.
A similar activity took over the glass facade of the University of Geneva to mark International Women’s Day on 8 March 2024 with a photobooth allowing over 200 students, teachers, media and the public to join the global call for women's participation.
The strategy for the "Peace Begins with Her" events was designed to amplify the role of women in peace, aligning with the broader objectives of the “Peace Begins with Me” campaign. The approach centered on uniting diverse stakeholders—Member States, UN partners such as UN Women, and civil society—in a collaborative effort to promote peace and gender equality.
A key part of the strategy involved strong partnerships, and by engaging Member States, the campaign fostered global participation and support, ensuring that the message resonated not only within UN corridors but across international borders. These collaborations also strengthened the campaign’s reach by pooling resources, expertise, and networks.
With the 23rd anniversary of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 (2000) on Women, Peace, and Security as a backdrop, the events emphasized the critical role of women in peace processes. The strategy focused on highlighting their participation and leadership in peacekeeping efforts and conflict resolution, a message that was especially relevant given the current global challenges to women’s rights.
The events in New York and Geneva were designed to tell the stories of women peacebuilders through impactful visuals. Over 50 large portraits of women peace mediators, activists, and peacekeepers were displayed to symbolize their tireless work in conflict zones. This visual representation served not only as a tribute but also as a powerful tool to raise awareness among the public, policymakers, and students.
The strategy extended beyond the physical space with interactive elements. Visitors were invited to add their portraits to the growing collection, allowing them to become part of the global movement. This interactive feature helped build a sense of personal connection to the cause, reinforcing the message that peace is a collective responsibility.
Social media was a central component of the strategy. The use of hashtags #PeaceBegins and #WomenPeaceSecurity invited global audiences to participate virtually, expanding the campaign’s reach. Each week throughout the month of October, 16 women featured in the Inside Out activation were highlighted through stories, quote cards and portraits on our digital platforms. Influencers, celebrities and UN partners helped spread the message, ensuring a continuous presence across digital platforms. This digital strategy complemented the physical events, engaging younger and more global audiences who might not be physically present at the events.
Another element of the strategy was linking public and political advocacy tools through a high-level event at UN Headquarters on 25th October 2023. This gathering of international leaders, peacebuilders, and advocates provided an opportunity to discuss women’s roles in peacekeeping and advance gender equality in line with the campaign’s objectives. A video-loop featuring women from the “Peace Begins with Her” activation was put on display in the Security Council Chamber, allowing the UN Secretary-General to call on global leaders to support women’s participation as they viewed these giant portraits. The event underscored the urgency of the cause while aligning with the goals of both the UN and its partners to promote gender-inclusive peace efforts.
The events had a profound impact by engaging global audiences and bringing attention to the vital role of women in peacebuilding. Through both social media and in-person events, such as the Inside Out activation in Geneva and the high-level event at UN Headquarters on October 25, 2023, the campaign honored real-life women peacekeepers, introducing their stories to a wider audience.
The October campaign “Peace Begins with Her” and hashtags #PeaceBegins and #WomenPeaceSecurity were mentioned 7.6K times by 3.8K unique authors, generating a total of 34.4K engagements. With a potential reach of 748.4M, the campaign experienced a 154.6% increase in engagements compared to the previous month and spanned across various geographical locations including United States, Pakistan, India, France, Canada, the Netherlands, United Kingdom, Spain, France and South Sudan.
In his Council address, Secretary-General António Guterres called the outdoors mosaic “a snapshot of the immense contribution women are making to peace and security around the world and a testament to the power of women’s leadership,” calling on countries to “urgently bridge the gap between rhetoric and reality."
A YouTube video and web story gained traction through Africa News and Pass Blue. MS Magazine ran a reportage on the event, elevating the voices of the women portrayed and pledges from officials at the event. Also, local media profiled young activist Meltem Burak from Cyprus, a Kosovo-Albanian mountaineer, Uta Ibrahimi, and a New Zealand peacekeeper deployed in South Sudan and part of the 50 portraits in the Inside Out art installation.
