ICAN Celebrates Mobina Jaffer’s Service as she Steps Down as Board Chair

23 May 2025

Mobina Jaffer at 2015 Forum - International Civil Society Action Network (ICAN)

As Senator Mobina Jaffer concludes 23 years of distinguished public service in the Canadian Senate, we extend our deepest thanks for her steadfast leadership as Chair of ICAN’s Board of Directors from 2014 to 2024. Senator Jaffer was the first South Asian woman to practice law in Canada and the first Muslim, African-born, and South Asian senator.

We are incredibly proud of what we have achieved during her tenure on ICAN’s Board—from the creation of the Innovative Peace Fund and the Women’s Alliance for Security Leadership (WASL) network, to the launching of the She Builds Peace Campaign. Senator Jaffer’s unwavering support has been instrumental in championing inclusive and sustainable peace and in amplifying women’s voices in conflict prevention and resolution—both within ICAN and across the WASL network.

“It is with immense gratitude and love that I and our entire team at ICAN bid farewell to Senator Mobina Jaffer, our longstanding ally and Chair of the ICAN Board of Trustees, as she stood down from her position in 2024.

Senator Jaffer—Mobina—has been an extraordinary force in the global movement of women peacebuilders. As a founding member of the ICAN Board from 2006 and Chair since 2014, she believed in the vision of ICAN and had faith our ability to realize it. She was, and remains, a mentor and friend, strategic adviser, and all-around fairy godmother to me and to the countless members of our Women’s Alliance for Security Leadership (WASL).

Mobina joined us for many of our ICAN Forums. But she did not come to make speeches; she listened and advised, rolled up her sleeves, and got involved.

No one in our alliance forgets the trainings she provided on how to improve their political advocacy and three-minute presentations. She gives from her heart, sharing her time, her expertise, and experiences so generously.

In difficult times, she helped many seek protection, and she offered comfort to many.

There is a world of women peacebuilders who love Mobina. She remains a role model to many. On behalf of ICAN and WASL, we wish her the very best in retirement.

We love and thank you Senator Jaffer from the bottom of our hearts, from every corner of the world.”

– Sanam Naraghi Anderlini, MBE, ICAN CEO and Founder

“Senator Mobina has been more than a mentor; she has been a mirror reflecting the courage we often forget we hold. Her legacy is not just a chapter in our shared story but a timeless echo, calling us to dream bolder, act braver, and leave behind a world more just and luminous.”

– Mossarat Qadeem, Co-Founder, PAIMAN Alumni Trust, Pakistan

“It has been an honor to know and meet Senator Mobina Jaffer, whose unwavering dedication to peacebuilding and advocacy for inclusivity has been truly inspiring.”

– Esther Omam, Executive Director, Reach Out Cameroon

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