Everyday Peace: Husseina’s Story of Resilience and Change
By Anna Zaros
In the heart of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao, we had the privilege of meeting Husseina, the president of the Early Warning Early Response group in her community. Her leadership and dedication to peacebuilding were nothing short of inspiring.
As the daughter of an Moro Islamic Liberation Front commander, Husseina commands respect. But she is also the president of the Early Warning Early Response group in her community.
She welcomed our group at Bulubudtua Falls, expressing her excitement that we were only the second international visitors to experience this beautiful and historically significant site. Just a year ago, this area was unsafe due to ongoing clan conflicts. However, with the help of Nonviolent Peaceforce (NP), peace agreements have been brokered, allowing the community to now move about safely and find healing.
Everyday Peacebuilding
Husseina’s work is a testament to the power of community-led peace efforts. Just days before our visit, she and her team intervened to prevent a potential cycle of violence. When a local family sought revenge after a young woman was seen with a man on a motorcycle—a serious social offense—Husseina mediated the situation. She spoke to the family, urging them to find a peaceful resolution instead of resorting to violence.
In another instance, rumors of rebel activity had villagers on edge, with many preparing to flee their homes. Rumor control is an essential part of unarmed civilian protection (UCP) and a concept that NP staff has trained EWER monitors to partake in. With this is mind, Husseina decided to investigate the claims. But, this type of investigating required a higher vantage point— a viewpoint that could only be achieved from a high elevation.
Husseina opted to ride a horse into the mountains to assess the situation further. After reaching a high peak, she was able to look down on nearby towns. This viewpoint led her to discover that the alleged rebels were actually located in a different province. Husseina quickly rode back home to reassure her community that they could stay safe in their homes.
Women for Peace
Husseina’s leadership is vital, especially in a region where women often have unique access to communication and resources during times of conflict. During conflict men often don’t move about as much because they are at greater risk of being caught up in the violence. As a woman, it's easier for her to connect with other women about their private concerns and threats to safety. Her work exemplifies how women can be powerful agents of change and peace.
Alongside her, we met members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Women’s Auxiliary Brigade, a group transitioning from combatants to civilians. They are now focused on creating cooperatives to support their families in peacetime, showcasing the community's resilience and adaptability.
A Reminder of Resilience
Our visit also included the city center of Marawi, where reconstruction efforts are still underway after a violent five month urban conflict raged in 2017. A new structure stands proudly alongside a bullet-riddled minaret—a stark reminder of the violence that has marked this area. This juxtaposition symbolizes both the scars of the past and the hope for a peaceful future.
Husseina’s story is a powerful reminder of the ongoing efforts to build peace in challenging environments. Her dedication, along with the support of organizations like NP, is making a difference in the lives of many.
Together, they are interrupting cycles of violence and fostering a culture of peace. The journey toward reconciliation is ongoing, but with leaders like Husseina at the forefront, there is hope for a brighter future.