May 27, 2025 — We are thrilled to announce that the Global Taskforce for Youth Combatants (GTY) will host its online event on the 29th of May. In this event, a survivor of Conflict-Related Sexual Violence (CRSV) during the Bosnian War and a returnee from a group labelled as an Islamist extremist organisation in East Africa will share their personal experiences, including their background, their lived experiences and how, as women from diverse backgrounds, they can contribute to peacebuilding.
[Date & Time]
11:00 a.m. to 12:30 a.m. (BST: GMT+1), Thursday, 29th May 2025
[Venue]
Zoom platform *An archive will be made available later.
[Speakers]
- Mirsada Tursunović, President of Naš Glas (NGO supporting and advocating for survivors of sexual violence), Survivor of Conflict-Related Sexual Violence (CRSV) During the Bosnian War
- Aisha, Returnee from a group labelled as an Islamist extremist organisation in East Africa
[Background]
In recent years, the role of women in peacebuilding has gained increasing attention through international agendas such as the Women, Peace and Security (WPS). While the importance of women's participation is now widely acknowledged, the voices and contributions of those with firsthand experience, including Youth Associated with Non-State Armed Groups (YANSAG) and survivors of violence, still deserve greater focus in efforts toward conflict resolution and sustaining peace.
This event welcomes a woman from East Africa who was abducted and lived under a group labelled as an Islamist extremist organisation, as well as Ms. Mirsada, a survivor of violence during the Bosnian conflict. They will share their personal stories and discuss the difficulties faced by returnees and conflict survivors when trying to reintegrate into society. The conversation will also reflect on the different challenges faced in distinct conflict settings and explore the unique and powerful role women can play in building a more peaceful world.
Through this event, the Global Taskforce for Youth Combatants (GTY) seeks to shed light on the often overlooked realities of youth combatants, returnees, and survivors. By fostering meaningful dialogue and elevating their voices, the initiative aims to raise awareness about their critical roles in peacebuilding. Listening to their experiences is essential to deepening global discussions on their rights and the kind of support they need for successful reintegration and empowerment as Agents of Peace.
