Creators of Peace is a global movement to empower women to be radical peace-builders, starting with themselves. It supports women to: 

• Engage in the creation of peace at every level of society
• Share responsibility for their part in conflict and in its resolution

• Create opportunities for healing themselves, their relationships, their communities 
• Build networks of friendship across racial, religious and social divides

In India, we recognise that we live in a context of dominance, violence, patriarchy and oppression based on caste, gender, religion, etc, which especially affects women and vulnerable communities. At the same time, we see that women bring a very different perspective and strength to address these very issues - the power of listening, empathy, authenticity and inclusion. The intention is for more women to recognize and step into their potential and calling as creators of peace, from a place of being deeply connected to themselves, to each other and the earth.

One of the key offerings of Creators of Peace is a Peace Circle (otherwise referred to as ‘circles’ on this page). 

Peace Circles are small, localized gatherings of women, spread over a few days. The process involves sharing our life stories and being heard in an atmosphere of trust and respect that deepens our understanding of each other. We also explore our understanding of peace and build our peace creating capabilities through exercises and practices done together. The guided processes include: 

• Exploring our understanding of peace, what supports and what destroys it
• Becoming aware of our pains and concerns, in our lives and communities
• Building our capacities for inner listening and listening to each other
• Identifying possibilities for action, on our own and together

Specific details: 

• Group sizes are between 8-12 women
• Circles are held in a safe, intimate space
• Duration of circles is usually about 20 hours - for example, over 3 days/two weekends in-person, or 6-8 online sessions
• Resources required to hold these circles are organized collaboratively with participants
• Most circles are being facilitated in English and Hindi; we hope to hold circles in local languages 

By the end of the process, we hope that those taking part are nourished and more equipped with resources to walk the path as creators of peace. A Peace Circle could culminate in the group identifying issues with a potential for conflict in their context and then resolve to take individual or joint action that they can take to meet the needs of their families or community.

Participants may choose to further engage with Creators of Peace by: 

• Staying connected with the community of women committed to peace through regional gatherings online
• Training as a facilitator of Peace Circles and engaging in more circles 
• Engaging in the planning, designing and growth of CoP India work in multiple ways 
• Collaborating with CoP to organize Peace Circles in their communities