Reconciliation The initial meeting inspired a series of formal and informal follow-up sessions in different locations, both inside and outside the region. Through their perseverance and engagement in the process, the women conveyed a message of peace and reconciliation. This change of narrative made the initiative resilient to political turmoil and empowered actions that went beyond the limits of daily politics. The initiative was then extended to other groups of women so they, too, could exchange views. Attention was paid to younger women in both societies as drivers for peace. The empowerment of young women, such as activists from civil society and youth organizations, through education and dialogue was promoted and supported by the OSCE. This included OSCE-supported education opportunities for young women from both societies, for which they could apply in an open call. To empower them to advocate for the advancement of women’s rights and reconciliation in the wider region, the women were trained in mediation, negotiation, and women in politics. The young women who took part created an alumni network that continues to design and implement activities with the support of the OSCE. Among these were workshops and debates that targeted youth, women, and men living in rural areas. The initiative contributed not only to the establishment of direct communication and the building of confidence between women from both societies, but also to the creation of personal and professional networks that can be leveraged for peace in the region. 81