For the second year running, CEDR has been proud to co-sponsor a five day festival celebrating girls, championing equality and tackling gender-based violence.
From 17-21 February, this high-energy event brought together young women from diverse backgrounds to break barriers and amplify their voices. The Festival is run by Girls Human Rights Hub, a ground-breaking organisation launched in 2023 by Sultana Tafadar KC and her daughter Safiyah Tafadar to bring the championing of women’s rights to the next generation.
The festival wasn’t just about inspiration; it was about action - plenary sessions, fireside chats, and hands-on leadership labs designed to equip young leaders with the skills to drive real change.
Leadership isn’t just about big ideas - it’s about knowing how to navigate tough conversations, resolve conflicts, and make things happen. That’s why we were honoured to co-sponsor this festival for the second year running, providing both training sessions and facilities to support this powerhouse initiative.
We are committed to equipping the next generation, using our experience in the fields of dispute resolution and conflict management, with the fundamental skills to engage with and tackle challenges they will face in leadership, at work and in life more broadly.
On 19th January Frederick Way and I led two interactive workshops at Hogan Lovells for 40 young women, focussing on:
Like with all of CEDR's training, this wasn't a sit-and-listen lecture. We got the young women to practice the skills, to start to embed them into their thinking and behaviour.
It was extraordinary to see their confidence grow in real time.
The more you practice these skills, the more confident and credible you become - not just as an advocate for change, but in any career or endeavour you pursue.
On 20th January, CEDR opened up its offices to host a lobbying masterclass for a group of 50 students led by Sultana Tafadar KC, exploring the way people can express advocacy on behalf of others.
In this interactive session, participants learned “What is Lobbying?”, “Why Lobby?”, and “How to Lobby?” Through a hands-on exercise, they gained hands-on knowledge on building coalitions, effective policy communication, and ethical lobbying practices.
Conflict is inevitable - whether it’s in work, relationships, or leadership. If you don’t know how to handle tough conversations, negotiate solutions, or manage disagreements effectively, you’re always going to be at a disadvantage.
In today’s uncertain world, young leaders need the right tools to navigate uncharted waters - and conflict resolution is one of the most powerful skills they can have in their toolkit.
We were thrilled to be part of the Girls' Human Rights Hub Leadership Festival again this year, and we can’t wait to see how these incredible young leaders put their new skills into action!
To learn more about the Girls Human Rights Festival 2025, visit their LinkedIn or visit their website here.
Our aim is to provide a safe and welcoming platform where girls can learn to use advocacy, leadership and litigation to become strong advocates for their own rights, as well as the rights of their peers.
At the core of our mission is the advancement of gender equity and the eradication of gender-based violence, driven by the power of girls themselves. We hold the belief that every girl is entitled to a life free from oppression, discrimination, and violence, and that girls' rights are fundamental human rights.
We recognize that girls are essential stakeholders and architects of their own futures, and that their inclusion and participation at all levels of decision-making are critical. We are deeply committed to promoting gender equality, challenging harmful social norms and practices, and working towards a world where every girl can achieve her full potential.
Learn more here.