“We are working together to prevent violence against women and to bring about positive change in the community, which remains of great importance to us. Observing Peace Day inspires us to strengthen unity and harmony, and reminds us that lasting peace begins in our homes and neighbourhoods. Together, we can build a safer and more respectful future for all,” said Majona Begum, a 24-year-old SASA! Together community leader.

To mark the International Day of Peace, ActionAid Bangladesh’s Gender-based Violence Project, with support from UNHCR Bangladesh, organised a Peace Festival at Rohingya Refugee Camp 26 on 21 September 2025. Under the theme “Act Now for a Peaceful World”, the festival called on every member of the community to take immediate, collective action to promote peace and to prevent gender-based violence.

The Peace Festival formed part of the SASA! Together programme, an activist approach to preventing violence against women developed by Raising Voices in Uganda. The approach supports communities to examine and change harmful power dynamics and to work together to prevent violence and promote equality. 

Creating safe, inclusive spaces is essential in the Rohingya camps, where women and girls frequently face heightened risks of violence and exclusion. The festival aimed to strengthen awareness of gender-based violence and to promote peacebuilding through participatory activities that highlighted women’s leadership and celebrated Rohingya culture and resilience.

More than 500 community members took part in the day’s programme, which included:

• Art for Peace and Positivity — Women expressed their hopes for a peaceful future through artwork on the theme “Peace and Positivity”, conveying visions of safety, dignity and equality.
• Poetry for Peace — Community leaders, activists and role models presented poems entitled “With a Hope for a Peaceful World”, reflecting on non-violence and solidarity.
• Open Letters — Written pieces under the heading “My Peace, Our World” invited participants to share their aspirations for a violence-free community and eventual peace in Myanmar.
• Aarar (Our) Heritage Stall — Cultural artefacts, photographs and traditional items were displayed to honour Rohingya history and identity during displacement.
• WELP Corner — Participants from the Women Empowerment and Leadership initiative and SASA! Together activists exhibited handmade items such as sarees bearing Peace Day messages, bangles, diaries and hand-stitched quilts that symbolise women’s leadership.
• Tree Planting — Trees were planted as a visible sign of growth and unity, with short peace messages placed beside them to serve as lasting reminders of the community’s commitment.

Throughout the day, small group discussions brought together camp leaders, Men and Boys’ Engagement role models, women, men and transgender community members to reflect on non-violence and shared responsibility. These conversations were designed to deepen local ownership of peacebuilding efforts and to encourage sustainability beyond the project cycle.

SASA! Together activist Shanjida Begum described the personal impact of the event: “As I read my open letter about building peace before my community, I felt honoured and empowered. I experienced a peace in my heart that I had not felt before. Through SASA! Together I found the courage and strength within me. Observing Peace Day reminded me that true peace begins within us and grows when we share it with others.”

Voices from the festival underlined that peace is both a principle and a daily practice rooted in equality, respect and solidarity. The event provided a safe, joyful space in which women and men participated equally, challenged gender norms and strengthened community bonds.

The Peace Festival ended with the distribution of symbolic Peace Tokens and closing remarks from the camp-in-charge, ActionAid Bangladesh representatives, partner agencies and community leaders. The final pledge reinforced that peace is built through small acts of respect, kindness and fairness.

More than a celebration, the festival was a call to action. SASA! Together encourages communities to recognise gender-based violence, to challenge harmful norms and to assume shared responsibility for creating safer, more inclusive futures for everyone.

Written by:
Luthfunnahar Shancyi
Coordinator, GBV Prevention
ActionAid Bangladesh