The ICAN staff consists of experienced trainers in peacebuilding and secuirty issues particularly the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325. We offer workshops that are tailored to the specific needs of government- and UN agencies as well as NGO groups; have extensive experience in action and policy oriented research and analysis; and undertake independent programme evaluations and assessments.
Sanam Naraghi-Anderlini, Executive Director
Sanam is co-founder of the International Civil society Action Network (ICAN). She has been a leading international advocate, researcher, trainer and writer on conflict prevention and peacebuilding for over a decade. Since 2005 she has provided strategic guidance and training to key UN agencies, the UK government and NGOs worldwide. In 2008 she was appointed as Team Leader for a newUNDP global initiative on the “Men and the Gendered Dimensions of Violence in Crisis Contexts”.
As a Senior Policy Advisor to the UK-based NGO, International Alert between 1999-2000, she was a leading advocate and drafter of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on women, peace and security. In 2008 she was a contributor to the US-sponsored resolution SC 1820 on women, peace and security. Between 2002-2005 as Director of the Women Waging Peace Policy Commission Ms.Anderlini led ground breaking field research on women’s contributions to conflict prevention, peace processes, governance, transitional justice and post conflict disarmament and reintegration issues in 12 countries.
She has taught at Georgetown University and is a Research Affiliate at the MIT Center for International Studies. In 2009 she was appointed as a personal representative of the UN Secretary General to the Advisory Board of the UN Democracy Fund (UNDEF). Her latest book, Women Building Peace: What they do, why it matters was published by Lynne Rienner in 2007. Ms. Anderlini is Iranian, lives in Washington DC and has twin daughters.
Mavic Cabrera-Balleza, International Coordinator / Program Director GNWP
Mavic is the international coordinator of the Global Network of Women Peacebuilders (GNWP), a program of ICAN. She is responsible for the overall coordination and implementation of projects and programs developed through direct consultation with GNWP members.
Prior to joining ICAN, Mavic was the coordinator of the International Women’s Tribune Centre’s Women’s Human Rights, Human Security and Peacebuilding Program. Mavic also serves as the president of the World Association of Community Radio Broadcasters – Women’s International Network. She is also a member of the Executive Committee of the UN NGO Committee on the Status Women – New York and concurrently a member of the Coordinating committee of the Global NGO Forum on Beijing + 15. Additionally, she is a member of the Oversight Panel for UNDP’s Information Disclosure Policy. Mavic has a master’s degree in Communication Research with cognate on women’s studies. Her masteral thesis on Communication Strategies and Action on UNSCR 1325 in the Philippines was selected best thesis at the University of the Philippines College of Mass Communication.
Helena Gronberg, Program Associate
Helena joined ICAN in January and primarily focuses on the Global Network of Women Peacebuilders program. She administers a comprehensive activity program that will meet the needs and interests of the members of the GNWP. She coordinates the information and communication tools of the network and is responsible for the overall administration. Before joining ICAN and this dynamic network, Helena conducted research for a number of projects, including a handbook on international law and reconstruction, at the International Women’s Tribune Centre in New York. Helena has her roots in Finland where she escapes occasionally to enjoy the fresh air.