CONFERENCE: The YWCA Gives a Voice to Women Living in Countries of Conflict
On Thursday 3 March 2011, the YWCAs of Palestine, Sudan and Sri Lanka presented a parallel event at the fifty-fifth session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), to provide their perspectives on living in a conflict country. The presentation focused around women, education and peace building, and the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1325. World YWCA Global Programme Manager SRHR and HIV and AIDS, Hendrica Okondo, was also one of the members of this panel.
The YWCA of Palestine discussed issues such as the loss of land, the high level of population density and the separation wall, and the impacts this has had for women and girls in relation to education, training and employment. Throughout their presentation they identified the ways in which the on-going conflict has negatively affected women and children. In particular, the YWCA of Palestine explored the negative and restrictive impact of the separation wall. In relation to education, issues explored included the physical barriers created by the requirement to go through checkpoints, the re-distribution of limited resources towards men, increased sexual violence and the emerging issues of physiological and post traumatic disorders. The YWCA's work in women's economic empowerment, children's cognitive development, advocacy and education were highlighted, as was the need to work specifically with women and to keep hope alive.
The situation of Southern Sudan was also highlighted. The YWCA of Sudan shared how the many years of conflict and devastation have impacted women. Discussion was generated around the huge challenges and the commitment of women who have to travel long distances in perilous conditions to access English classes and other forms of education. The story of the YWCA of Sudan was shared, and how the association was born in 1997 at the height of conflict. The work of the YWCA around creating safe spaces for education, providing classes and working to assist the peace building process was inspiring to all.
Sri Lanka was also discussed, and the panelists concentrated on the impact that 30 years of internal conflict has had on the lives of women. The war has had a disastrous impact on women and families, with over 1 million people displaced or separated. Maternal and infant health has also been negatively affected and employment is scarce and often only found in the informal economy. The YWCA of Sri Lanka said that a way to address this problem is to get a stronger representation of women parliament. The conflict has also meant that there has been no opportunity to look at gender equality within the country. However, now that the war is over it is hoped that there will be an opportunity to address this, and the YWCA of Sri Lanka has been exploring ways to use UN Resolution 1325. The YWCA is looking at a grass roots approach, and at this time three local associations that had been impacted by years of conflict, have been revitalised.
The presentations generated a lively discussion and exchange of ideas. The audience asked many questions and the members of the panel provided them with their perspectives on key issues and challenges. In responding to questions, Hendrica Okondo drew on the Cairo document which was developed by the World Council of Religions, and which preaches the doctrine of love.