This research documentary film is the result of a participatory filmmaking process and presents three projects conducted in Guatemala, Nigeria, Sri Lanka and Indonesia within the Social Conflicts module of the Swiss Programme for Research on Global Issues for Development (r4d programme). It features  the research context and findings of the Gender Centre's project on The Gender Dimensions of Social Conflicts, Armed Violence and Peacebuilding.

In Jos (Nigeria) and Aceh (Indonesia), social divisions have degenerated into violent conflicts that broke up communities. Yet through a micro-level approach, the project identified an abundance of efforts at peacebuilding in various communities in Nigeria and Indonesia.

The project found that women and men disrupted traditional gender roles and reached out across differences to share perspectives, de-escalate violence and build mutual trust.

Researchers have found that peacebuilding programmes are more likely to foster sustainable peace if they address inequalities and if they are strategised inclusively, involving all religions, minorities, and both women and men.

A gendered bottom-up approach to peacebuilding can make a significant contribution to promoting peaceful societies.

Photo: Amina Ahmed, peace activist and researcher, Nigeria. © Jeanine Reutemann