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Women of faith need to be recognised for crucial role in peacebuilding and social cohesion

Professor Jagbir Jhutti-Johal reflects on the Women Leading the Way conference and how women of faith address the global challenges of conflict and division.

27 March 2025•Long read
The members of the Women Leading the Way conference.

Monday, 24th March 2025, marked the 125th anniversary of the University of Birmingham receiving its Royal Charter. To commemorate this milestone, a groundbreaking conference, Women Leading the Way: Dialogue for Peacebuilding, Reconciliation, and Social Cohesion, was held to elevate women’s leadership in peacebuilding efforts. 170 women from diverse faith backgrounds—including Sikh, Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Jewish, Buddhist, Bahá'í, and those of no faith – gathered to demonstrate the transformative power of leadership grounded in faith, showcasing how their efforts in peacebuilding have led to profound societal changes.

Organized in collaboration with Laura Marks CBE, co-founder of the Women’s Faith Forum, this conference was not just a gathering—it was a call to action. With the theme of International Women’s Month, Accelerate Action for Gender Equality, it highlighted the urgency of dismantling the systemic barriers that prevent women from fully participating in decision-making, particularly women of faith, whose contributions to peacebuilding and social cohesion are often overlooked.

The global challenges of conflict, division, and social fragmentation demand inclusive, compassionate leadership, and women of faith have long been at the forefront of peacebuilding, reconciliation, and social cohesion efforts. Despite their significant contributions, their voices remain underrepresented at the highest levels of decision-making. Women of faith bring a unique perspective to politics, guided by moral convictions rooted in compassion, justice, and equality—values urgently needed in today’s complex world. Their inclusion in political spheres is essential for creating more equitable, humane, and resilient societies.

The global challenges of conflict, division, and social fragmentation demand inclusive, compassionate leadership, and women of faith have long been at the forefront of peacebuilding, reconciliation, and social cohesion efforts. Despite their significant contributions, their voices remain underrepresented

Professor Jagbir Jhutti-Johal, University of Birmingham

Women of faith are also natural bridge-builders, fostering interfaith dialogue and cross-cultural understanding, both crucial elements for global peace and unity. Their participation challenges traditional gender dynamics, empowering women and promoting gender equality in religious and political spheres. Moreover, they are deeply involved in grassroots peacebuilding efforts, often addressing the underlying causes of conflict and division within communities. These experiences make them invaluable assets in shaping policies that reflect the realities of marginalized communities, including issues like poverty alleviation and community welfare.

A central theme of the conference was the critical need for women’s voices in decision-making processes. Despite the proven impact of women’s leadership in long-term conflict resolution and fostering social cohesion, women remain underrepresented in political and policy arenas. This underrepresentation leads to policies that fail to address the complex realities of global conflicts, rising national tensions, and community fragmentation. Inclusive leadership, where women are integral to decision-making, is essential for fostering unity and countering divisiveness in societies around the world.

The event also addressed the challenges faced by women in faith-based leadership roles. Despite significant resistance, these women continue to challenge the status quo, redefining leadership and showing how faith can serve as a source of empowerment, not limitation. Stories shared by panellists illustrated the importance of continued advocacy to elevate women’s leadership across all spheres—religious, political, and societal.

Through workshops, actionable strategies were provided for women aspiring to leadership roles. Sessions covered topics such as overcoming barriers for young women in leadership, groundbreaking models of social cohesion led by women of faith, and fostering mental, physical, and social resilience. These workshops underscored the urgent need to create pathways for leadership that can extend beyond the conference space and accelerate change.

As global conflicts intensify and national divisions deepen, the work of women of faith in peacebuilding and reconciliation is crucial. The path forward is clear: we must ensure that women’s voices, perspectives, and leadership are at the heart of policymaking, shaping a more inclusive, just, and peaceful world.

Professor Jagbir Jhutti-Johal, University of Birmingham

The Right Revd Dr. Dagmar Winter, Bishop of Huntingdon, delivered a keynote address which reinforced the importance of a gender-inclusive approach to peacebuilding. Dr. Winter spoke about the changes in gender equality within the church and in a difficult world, the need for hope, and emphasized how women’s unique perspectives are indispensable for crafting solutions to social justice, governance, and conflict resolution challenges. She called for the continued elevation of women’s voices in leadership, stressing that sustainable peace requires the active participation of women at every level.

As global conflicts intensify and national divisions deepen, the work of women of faith in peacebuilding and reconciliation is crucial. The path forward is clear: we must ensure that women’s voices, perspectives, and leadership are at the heart of policymaking, shaping a more inclusive, just, and peaceful world. This is just the beginning—the work accelerates from here.

If we are to create a society that embraces a shared vision, fosters belonging, and strengthens community cohesion, then women must have a seat at the policy table. Their leadership and lived experiences must inform and shape government strategies, particularly in community cohesion policies.

Visibility leads to influence, and influence leads to change.

Featured staff

  • Professor Jagbir Jhutti-Johal

    Professor of Sikh Studies

    Biographical and contact information for Professor Jagbir Jhutti-Johal in the Department of Theology and Religion at the University of Birmingham.

    Phone: +44 (0)121 41 58338
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