Speaker: Paveen Yaqub, Peace Campaigner and Humanitarian Aid Worker.

Almost 5 years ago now, Paveen participated in the Gaza Humanitarian Flotilla as a volunteer for the Turkish NGO ‘IHH’. She was aboard the Mavi Marmara, the lead ship taking humanitarian aid to Gaza in 2010 when the Flotilla was brutally attacked by commandos from the IDF (Israeli Defence Forces), resulting in 10 civilian deaths. She herself was threatened, imprisoned and criminalized. As a survivor and eye witness of that attack, Paveen’s journey into peace work thus began in a dramatic and compelling way. Although her journey to Gaza was tragically prevented in 2010, Paveen is making plans to travel to Gaza this year. In the memory of the ‘brothers’ killed on the Mavi Marmara ship, she is determined to complete her journey and honour those that perished.

The  Mavi Marmara

Paveen will also speak about her journey to becoming a pro-Palestinian Peace Advocate. She has worked in the UK, managing extensive community based services with a strong emphasis on community cohesion, equalities, and social justice. Paveen has operated both in grass roots settings and within senior management positions in the public sector – providing services for ethnically diverse populations. Currently she is a freelance community consultant and trainer, and has recently delivered training for women on peace building, leadership, conflict resolution and citizenship.