Hand Across the Divide (HAD)

Hand Across the Divide (HAD) Αρχείο:Placeholder Logo.png

Abbreviation HAD Type Bicommunal women's NGO Purpose/focus Promote peace, gender equality, and intercultural dialogue in Cyprus Headquarters Nicosia, Cyprus Region served Cyprus Founder Turkish Cypriot and Greek Cypriot women activists President N/A Past Officers Sevgul Uludag; Gulay Kaser; Cemaliye Volkan Main organ Volunteer coordination committee Staff Volunteer-based Website Official website

Documented by UNFICYP and Tech4Peace

Hands Across the Divide (HAD) is a bi-communal non-governmental organization founded in 2001 in Nicosia, Cyprus, by a group of Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot women committed to peacebuilding and gender equality. It is the first officially registered women’s NGO in Cyprus that brings together both of the island’s main communities with a shared goal: to overcome historical divisions and work towards an inclusive and peaceful society.

Born out of the post-conflict context in Cyprus, HAD uses intercultural dialogue, community action, and feminist activism as tools for reconciliation. The organization actively advocates for the meaningful participation of women in peace processes and political decision-making spaces, in line with UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace, and Security.

Through educational projects, workshops, public events, and awareness campaigns, HAD supports efforts for sustainable peace while highlighting the specific impacts of conflict on women. It also works to address structural forms of violence, including domestic abuse, gender discrimination, and social exclusion.

HAD collaborates with international partners such as the United Nations (UNFICYP), Cities4Peace, and various local initiatives committed to social justice, reconciliation, and human rights in Cyprus.

Primarily volunteer-run, Hands Across the Divide represents the strength of human connection and collective action in a politically divided society. Its ongoing efforts help to bridge communities and strengthen the role of women in shaping a shared future for the island.