Mossarat Qadeem

A Pakistani activist who has deradicalized nearly 1000 young potential extremists. At a side event of the UN Commission on the Status of Women conference.

To her left the unbelievably articulate Egyptian journalist Rana Allam and, wearing the watch, a leader in conflict prevention and researcher into gender, peace, and security issues, Sanam Naraghi-Anderlini.

This was an incredibly compelling evening of film (previews of the Trials of Spring, on women activists in North Africa and the Middle East) and discussion. Hosted by Peace is Loud, a group that created Pray the Devil Back to Hell (on the role of women peacemakers in Liberia - watch it, it is incredible) and the series Women, War & Peace. 

Opened my eyes to how extremism, which is rising everywhere, is having such a terrible impact on girls and women worldwide; how extremist groups exploit poverty and the lack of social status to attract youth (by handing them cash, a gun, a mobile phone, and meaning/status); and how women have already played major roles in peacemaking and must give voice to the stories of women who suffer and fight against extremism and militarism.

Ever so lucky to have the chance to go.