As every year, the Women Peacemakers Program celebrates the International Women’s Day for Peace and Disarmament on May 24. This day is important to us, as it highlights a key component of UNSCR 1325: It pays tribute to the important work of women peace activists all over the world, who work in difficult environments as agents of change for peace in their communities.
Working together for peace
On the occasion of this year’s May 24, we also think about all the violent conflicts in the world – some make the headlines; some don’t – and commend the women who work in these violent environments for nonviolent solutions and simultaneously strive for gender equality, often at the expense of their own safety. In their work, they bravely challenge social norms that promote the use of violence and militarism to settle conflict.
The message of May 24 is not only by and for women and the women’s peace movement –it is a message about creating sustainable peace for all. And as allies of women activists, men have an important role to play – and much to gain – in sharing and promoting this message.
In 2009, WPP started with a pilot Training of Trainers (ToT) Cycle, entitled “Overcoming Violence: Exploring Masculinities, Violence and Peacebuilding” to train male peace activists in the field of gender-sensitive active nonviolence and integrating a masculinities perspective in their work for peace and gender justice. The training focused particularly on the importance of men working together as allies with the women’s peace movement. This year’s edition of the annual WPP May 24 publication features the stories of the male trainees, who reflect on the impact of this training cycle on their personal lives and professional work. The men’s testimonies pay tribute to the power of transformation that lies in gender-sensitive active nonviolence.
On May 28, the WPP, in cooperation with Humanity House in The Hague, will launch its publication during a public event, called ‘Peace: Men & Women working as Allies’.
WPP partners from all over the world will be sharing their experiences in the field of gender-sensitive peacebuilding and working together as allies for the Women, Peace, and Security agenda. Over 70 people will be present, including representatives of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs and civil society representatives of the Dutch Women, Peace and Security field. You can find more information on the event here.
Sneak Preview May 24 publication
The activists will also participate in the WPP Global Consultation Meeting in The Hague, which takes place between 26 and 29 May. A selection of trainees and trainers of the 2009-2010 ToT Cycle, as well as the recent Middle East and North Africa (MENA) and Asia ToT Cycles (2011-2013) will share their views and experiences during the Consultation. The Consultation aims to assess the longer-term effects of the 2009-2010 pilot Training of Trainers and integrating a masculinities approach in gender-sensitive peacebuilding. Based on this joint analysis, a strategy forward will be created as to further develop this area of work during upcoming years.
Of course WPP is not the only organisation celebrating May 24. We are happy to highlight the public event of Women Making Peace, our partner in South Korea, which is organizing an event on UNSCR 1325 on May 22, together with UN representatives and representatives of civil society. In our next CtL you will be able to read more about this event. Another event will take place in Leicester, where civil society is organizing an anti-drones protest march on May 24. We look forward to hearing from you what you are planning to do for this year’s May 24, and wish you an inspiring International Women’s Day for Peace and Disarmament!
WPP In Action 