We are delighted to announce that Peace Direct has been selected for a BBC Radio 4 Appeal! A prestigious, weekly programme highlighting the urgent work of a UK-based charity.
This was a wonderful opportunity to share our work with new people, and raise vital funds for local peacebuilders in communities around the world.
Our appeal was broadcast on Sunday 9th and Thursday 13th August. It was presented by triple Nobel Peace Prize Nominee and our founder − Dr Scilla Elworthy.
In August 2026, triple Nobel Peace Prize Nominee, Dr Scilla Elworthy, presented the BBC Radio 4 Appeal on behalf of Peace Direct − the charity she founded in 2002. In it, she shares the remarkable story of two local peacebuilders, Catherine and Marwanatu, who together overcame unimaginable adversity to transform their community.
Scilla spoke to the urgent need for us all to help fund‚ promote and learn from local peacebuilders today. She recently told us:
Since Scilla first founded Peace Direct in 2002, we’ve been working hand-in-hand with local peacebuilders around the world. The work they do is difficult and often dangerous. It can be messy, but these people are saving and changing lives every day.
If our BBC Radio 4 Appeal resonated with you at all, please help us be there for even more peacebuilders with a donation today. It’s the fastest, most direct way you can support local people making our world a fairer, safer place.
Scilla shared the remarkable story of two local peacebuilders, Catherine and Marwanatu. Together, they overcame unimaginable adversity to transform their community.
In 2018, their lives changed forever.
Catherine and Marwanatu were friends and neighbours who were caught up in fighting near Kaduna, Nigeria. Both blamed each other’s religion for their losses.
But our partner, LEGASI, was able to bring them back together. They helped Marwanatu and Catherine share their experiences with each other, and gave them the support they needed to begin healing.
Catherine and Marwanatu now co-lead the only women-led interfaith group in their community. They call it the Zumuncin Alheri − which means Fellowship of Grace.
Both women are widely recognized as influential community leaders, who have contributed significantly towards growing tolerance, understanding and harmony across religious divides.
Their dedication to peace has earned them the affectionate nicknames of Maman Zaman Lafiya − Mothers of Peace − among many young people whose lives they have touched across their community.
It's not too late to directly support local peacebuilders like Catherine and Marwanatu. Your donation will help us be there for even more people who are saving and changing lives for the better. It’s the fastest, most direct way you can support local people making our world a fairer, safer place.
