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Examples of IFUW Activities for Peace
Following are examples of IFUW projects related to peace education and conflict resolution at the national and community level.
Netherlands - Peace and Power
The Netherlands Association (VVAO) hosted the 25th Anniversary meeting of the funding of the University Women of Europe in October 2006, bringing together memebers from all over Europe to discuss questions related to Peace and Power, the role of women in peace building.
Presentation from women servin on the ground highlighted the need for implementation of the United Nations Security Council Resolutions 1325, which calls for full participation of women in all aspects of conflict resolution and peace building from the negotiating talbe to the ground-level peace keeping forces in countries like Afghanistan and Iraq. Raising Women's Voices - Peacebuilding
In 1995, the Japanese Association presented the International Federation
with a donation Peace Education. Part of the funds were used for a special
1998/99 IFUW/JAUW Peace Studies Fellowship of 10 000 US dollars, awarded
jointly to two American researchers, Susan McKay and Dyan Mazurana. The
initial report prepared for IFUW, "Raising Women's Voices - Peacebuilding",
provides important insights into how women around the globe are using information
technology to foster peacebuilding in their communities and nations.
Armenia: Culture of Peace - Culture of Democracy
Since 1999, the Armenian Association of Women with University Education (AAWUE) has linked the culture of peace to the building of a democratic society. AAUWE members have organized a series of workshops throughout the country looking at different facets of this question - democratic methods of resolving civil conflict, the importance of political dialogue, the role of NGOs in overcoming intolerance, rights and human dignity, and citizen participation. The programme has involved political scientists, philosophers, sociologists, lawyers, psychologists, educators and economists. One example was a three-day international Conference in Tsakhkadzor on "Dialogue Among Civilizations": Democracy & Peace", looking at issues of "Globalization as a humanitarian issue", "Globalization among cultures as a way to overcome threats to humanity's peace and progress", "Civil society: evolution of democratic values in transforming societies" and the "Protection of human rights and freedom as an imperative of modern civilization".
Cameroon: The Role of Women in Conflict Resolution
The importance of the role of women in conflict resolution can be seen in a Cameroon Association of University Women (CAMAUW) project for the women from Banfaji and Balikumbal, two villages with long-standing conflicts. The project began with a one-day sensitization workshop for women and leaders from the two villages, examining the possible causes of conflict in a community, the consequences for society and the important role of women as peacemakers. This was followed by an intensive five-day workshop looking more in depth at conflict, conflict resolution and peace-making; the socio-economic and psycho-medical impacts of tribal conflict and alternative means of dispute management. In the third phase, reconciliatory meetings were held in both villages. At the end of the project CAMAUW members made field visits to assess what they consider to have been a very successful project.
Conflict resolution is also a key focus for the Nigerian Association. |
