On 29 September, the Peaceful, Secure and Empowered Societies Interdisciplinary Research Cluster (PSES IRT) and the Glasgow Latin American Research Network (GLARN), in partnership with the Scottish Peace Platform, hosted an interactive workshop, “Weaving Stories, Weaving Peace: Sharing Experiences from Colombia and Scotland,” at the Glasgow University Union. Bringing together practitioners, researchers, textile collectives and members of the public, the event explored the intersections of peacebuilding and social enterprise with a focus on textiles.

The workshop marked ten years since Colombia signed its Peace Agreement. It offered an opportunity to reflect on the lessons of a decade of peacebuilding and community reconstruction, particularly the importance of collective and community work in building everyday peace. Participants engaged directly with Manifiesta, a women-led Colombian social enterprise that uses clothing production to support the reintegration of former combatants, create sustainable livelihoods for conflict-affected communities, and promote reconciliation through creative practice. Involved in the conversation were also Scottish social enterprises focused on textiles, social cohesion, and conflict resolution.

Through interactive activities, participants explored how textile production can foster dialogue, trust-building, and social cohesion across diverse communities, while drawing connections between Colombia’s experiences and Scotland’s growing interest in sustainable textiles and the circular economy. Participants reflected on the importance of collective, creative work in building peace and creating spaces to come together with others. The event concluded with a fashion show featuring Manifiesta’s work alongside pieces participants created during the workshop, highlighting fashion and textiles as tools for peace, social justice, and social transformation.

The workshop was the first in a series of events to be co-delivered by PSES IRT and GLARN during 2026–27, in partnership with the Scottish Peace Platform, exploring lessons from a decade of peacebuilding in Colombia and their relevance for Scotland and the wider international community. You can read more about this partnership and keep track of other events in the series via this link.

Manifiesta fashion show. Credit: Esteban Zapata Páez

Weaving peace. Credit: Esteban Zapata Páez