A supportive training series for peace activists and human rights defenders
Facilitator: Esset Samatova – Mental Health and Resilience Expert, Sean MacBride Peace Prize Laureate
Why this program
In emotionally demanding activist work, communication can become a quiet source of strain. From the inner pressure we put on ourselves, to misunderstandings within our teams or difficult dynamics with power holders – these invisible patterns can wear us down, harm collaboration, and lead to burnout.
Women human rights defenders in particular often face these challenges across multiple layers:
- Internally – harsh self-talk, imposter feelings
- Among peers – unspoken tensions, fractured trust
- From authorities – pressure, manipulation, or silencing
- From communities – blurred boundaries, emotional overload
This course offers a clear, step-by-step and compassionate roadmap to help participants notice, understand, and shift difficult patterns in communication, while protecting well-being and strengthening collective resilience.
Course Details
- Schedule: Every Thursday – September 18, 25, October 2, 9
- Duration: 90 minutes per session
- Format: Practical, tools-based, trauma-informed
- For: Women human rights defenders, peacebuilders, and activists worldwide
- Language: English
- Register: https://bit.ly/PeaceCommsTools
Session Topics
Session 1. Rebuilding the inner voice
How inner self-criticism and shame impact resilience and what we can do to restore a kinder, more grounded inner dialogue.
Session 2. Strengthening trust in our teams
Exploring subtle dynamics among peers and learning how to work through tension with clarity and care.
Session 3. Responding to power with integrity
Navigating challenging communication from donors, institutions, and hierarchical actors with confidence and strategic calm.
Session 4. Holding boundaries with compassion
How to support communities without draining ourselves and how to care for our limits while staying committed to justice.
What you’ll gain
- Grounded tools to navigate difficult conversations
- Practices to protect your energy and psychological safety
- Strategies for healthier team dynamics
- Contribution to IPB’s mission of peace and gender-responsive activism
By participating, you’re also supporting IPB’s broader work on peace and sustainable disarmament.
Participation packages
To ensure access and sustainability, we offer multiple options:
Basic package – €30 (full course)
- Access to all 4 live sessions
- Group interaction during sessions
Standard package – € 50
- All benefits from Basic Package
- Access to session recordings (available for 30 days)
Downloadable PDF summaries of tools and practices
Premium package – € 80
- All benefits from Standard Package
- Individual written feedback from Esset on one personal communication challenge or question
Solidarity Packages
We believe financial barriers should not prevent access.
Solidarity Package A – Any amount
“I want to support another participant.”
Your contribution helps someone else access the course.
Solidarity Package B – € 0
“I’d like to request a scholarship.”
Limited scholarships are available. Please briefly share your motivation and how you hope to apply what you learn (in the registration form).
Certificate of Completion
Available for participants who attend the full course.
How to Pay
You can pay your course fee by:
- Bank transfer (to IPB’s account in Germany)
Account Holder: Unterstuetzung des Internationalen Friedensbueros e.V.
IBAN: DE23 1005 0000 0190 6331 58
BIC (SWIFT): BELADEBEXXX
Bank: Berliner Sparkasse
- PayPal
Send through this link: https://bit.ly/paypal-peacecommscourse
Or scan this QR code for Paypal:
After payment, please email a copy of your receipt along with your full name to: info@ipb-office.berlin
Your registration will be confirmed after we receive your payment.