The United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus (UNFICYP) will mark International Women’s Day 2026 with the launch of a powerful photographic exhibition spotlighting the role of women in global peace efforts this Wednesday, 4 March. The exhibition, “Through Her Lens,” will show in Cyprus, offering the public a first look at a global UN initiative that captures the lived experiences, leadership, and resilience of women peacebuilders around the world.
The exhibition, hosted at the Ledra Street crossing point in the UN Buffer Zone, showcases intimate and previously unseen images of women serving as community leaders, peace negotiators, humanitarian responders, and peacekeepers in conflict and post-conflict regions. The collection aims to challenge long‑standing narratives that often overlook women’s fundamental role in shaping peace.
Following a walkthrough of the exhibition, UNFICYP will host an interactive panel discussion titled “Women Rising for Peace” at the Info Shop. The conversation will bring together peace practitioners, researchers, and activists to explore critical questions on women’s participation in peacebuilding processes. The discussion will examine the unique obstacles women face in conflict settings, the strengths they bring to peace negotiations, and the importance of amplifying young women’s voices in political decision-making.
International Women’s Day 2026 focuses globally on accelerating gender equality and strengthening women’s leadership. UNFICYP’s event aligns with the broader UN agenda to increase women’s meaningful participation across peace and security sectors, in line with UN Security Council Resolution 1325.
The event is open to the public, with the aim of encouraging broader community engagement with peace processes on the island and beyond.
Event Agenda – 4 March 2026
- 17:00 – Exhibition viewing
- 17:15 – Welcome & opening remarks
- 17:30 – Panel discussion: “Women Rising for Peace”
- 18:15 – Audience Q&A
- 19:00 – Networking reception
Members of the public are invited to attend and take part in the discussion.
Those interested can RSVP at: https://forms.office.com/e/gcKZJXNUVk.