‘When women come together, there is power and strength,’ These were the words of one of the women who attended the Creators of Peace Circlre re-union in Nakuru, Kenya. It has been six great years since the ‘simple and yet transformative’ programme of Creators of Peace Circles was introduced in Kenya by Jean Brown back in mid 2007. Since then, hundreds of women’s lives from all over Kenya have been directly touched and transformed by the programme while thousands have been reached and transformed indirectly. On the 16-18 May, 2013, 56 of the women who have been part of the programme over the years came together for a re-union- to re-new their commitment, get re-energised and get refreshed as creators of peace in their homes, communities as well as in our country Kenya. The theme was ‘Enhancing Women’s Capacity in Peace Building’.
‘Creators of Peace Circles is a life transforming experience. It is a simple but very touching experience’ said Joy Mbaabu, the Director of Amani Communities Africa, during the opening ceremony. She also challenged women to create personal space during the three days and reflect on what hinders them from being peace creators and what can make them better creators of peace. ‘This re-union is a rare opportunity for us women to have space since we as women are always very busy taking care of others’ she added. Joy Mbaabu has run several circles through her organization.
The women took their time to share, connect and encourage each other collectively and at personal levels. They shared their life stories, their successes, their challenges, their hopes and aspirations for the future as mothers, and as creators of peace. The re-union incorporated personal story sharing, which is a vital tool of learning and encouragement, throughout the programme. There were moments of laughing together and moments of crying together. 
‘The story sharing has changed my mindset and has encouraged me to continue introducing the creators of peace circles to my family, church and community.’ said Mrs Wachira. ‘I have also learnt that once I deal with my unfinished business I will be able to understand others and be able to stop the blame game and take responsibility towards healing our society.' she added.
Shoshana Faire, who had graciously joined us all the way from Australia, took the ladies on a Conflict Transformation workshop. It was a good learning exercise for the women on how to respond to conflict in their daily lives. ‘Conflict is an opportunity,’ she said. She left the women with an interesting phrase that one can always say to themselves whenever faced with a conflict; “Ah...Conflict …. what an opportunity.”
The women took time to reflect on their lives and renew their commitments as makers of homes and creators of peace in the society. ‘The re-union has really changed my life. I have learnt from people from all over the country, different cultures and faith,’ commented Rose. Rachael, another participant, shared, ‘The re-union has healed some of my wounds in my heart and I look forward to forgiving my father and his second wife for the hatred and neglect of me and my two sons after the death of my grandson.’ 
For others it was a moment of insight.... ‘I learnt that without peace, it would be difficult to make it in my work and achieve my goals.’ said Mary.
As we came to the end of the re-union, many of the women made decisions to reach out to more women in their communities through Creators of Peace Circles. ‘I have been encouraged to take initiative to organise and run a peace circle in my community.’ These sentiments were echoed by many at the re-union. The women also made a resolution to start a Women Council of Peace so that women can also have a voice in matters of peace building in the society.
The re-union was followed by a three days (18-21 May, 2013) facilitation training for 15 participants- one of them being a man! 
We are very grateful to Shoshana Faire and Joy Mbaabu who engaged the future facilitators of Peace Circles interactively throughout the whole period. We now celebrate a pool of trained Creators of Peace Circles facilitators who are willing to reach out to other women all over Kenya. As Juliana put it, peace involves sacrifice and she encouraged all to sacrifice our time for peace building.
Our heartfelt appreciation to IofC Australia, Sydney Creators of Peace ladies, Friends of Africa fund, Silvia Zuber fund and IofC Kenya for their generous financial support for these two worthwhile events.
