How do you build a feminist movement, a space, a network?
“Investing in women's leadership is the way we are going to change a world from one of conflict and violence to one of peace and hope”- Leymah Gbowee.
Nobel Women's Initiative (NWI) recognizes the indispensable role of women in peace-building, a role that has historically been overlooked and marginalized in formal peace processes. This understanding, coupled with firsthand experiences of NWI’s Nobel Peace Prize laureates in facing and overcoming challenges through solidarity and collective efforts, underpins our commitment to empowering women peacebuilders.
Sister-to-Sister Program
Meet the 2025 Sister-to-Sister Cohort here!
For over a decade, the Sister-to-Sister Program has been a cornerstone of Nobel Women's Initiative's strategy to foster a world where feminist peace and security prevail. Initially running from 2012 to 2019 as a six-week residential program in Ottawa and Antigonish in partnership with Coady Institute, it offered an immersive mentorship experience.
Caption: (l-r) Mairead Magure, Nobel peace laureate; Neesa Medina, Honduras; Htet Htet Aung, Burma; Shirin Ebadi, Nobel peace laureate; Riya William, South Sudan; Jody Williams, Nobel peace laureate in Ottawa, Canada. Sister to Sister Mentorship Program, 2015. Credit: Susanne Ure/Nobel Women's Initiative
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, the Sister-to-Sister Program was relaunched as an intensive virtual learning space, expanding its reach to feminist leaders from diverse backgrounds. This shift enabled participation from those in conflict zones, areas under states of emergency, and regions affected by natural disasters—women who would otherwise face barriers to attending in-person programs.
To date, over 100 young women leaders from 31 countries have participated in the Sister-to-Sister Program.
Building on the program’s success, NWI established the Sister-to-Sister Alumni Network to foster long-term connections, provide opportunities for advocacy and visibility, and strengthen feminist leadership. Now, NWI is further expanding this initiative to deepen alumni involvement in strategic activities while cultivating a continuous learning environment centered on capacity building, skill development, and mutual support.
In 2025, NWI introduced the Sister-to-Sister Regional Program, bringing together 15 Afghan women activists for virtual sessions on feminist political economy, advocacy, digital security, and movement building. Through mentorship, peer learning, and discussions with inspiring global women leaders, participants developed collective solidarity and strengthened their ability to advance peace and gender equality.
Since its relaunch, the Sister-to-Sister Program has equipped young feminist peace activists with the tools to:
- Deepen their understanding of feminist leadership, philosophy, and practice.
- Challenge and reshape public narratives and policies around peace, social, and environmental justice.
- Expand feminist networks for collective action and support.
- Gain insight into the diverse ways feminist leaders drive social change through principles, methodologies, and innovations.
Participants describe the program as more than a series of sessions—it’s a powerful community where they find belonging, solidarity, and a lifelong network of support. Beyond learning, it offers a safe space for reflection, collaboration, and even moments of joy amidst the challenges of feminist activism.
"I was expecting a program that would help me learn and expand my network, and this program exceeded those expectations.” — Sister-to-Sister Participant, Cohort 2023
In a world where feminist activists often feel isolated and struggle against systemic violence, Sister-to-Sister provides a brave and trusting space. Here, women collaborate, learn, and amplify their voices. Most importantly, they see their struggles and triumphs reflected in one another, reinforcing the power of sisterhood in activism.