Gulalai and Saba Ismail

In 2002, Pakistani sisters Gulalai and Saba, aged 16 and 15, founded Aware Girls to counter the culture of violence and the oppression of women while providing ‘a platform for learning and advocacy so [young women] could act as change agents in their communities [and] receive an education.’

One of its attendees in 2011 was Malala Yousafzai. As a result of their trailblazing work, the sisters have faced threats of death and arrest, particularly Gulalai.

In 2019, she was forced into hiding before escaping Pakistan to join Saba in the US. Inspired by her ordeal, the sisters launched Voices for Peace and Democracy to ‘build and strengthen protection mechanisms for women peacebuilders.’

International Activists

As we mark the 25th Anniversary of the Belfast/Good Friday Agreement, this exhibition is an introduction to the women who worked for peace.

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