As an activist-scholar, I have always been interested in the intersections between the two apparently separate worlds and have worked to ensure knowledge produced serves societal change towards equality and justice. I was thrilled to see this intersection in action at the World Congress for Middle Eastern Studies in Spain where several academics and grantee sisters showcased their collaborative efforts.
GENDER equality must be promoted in disaster risk reduction activities.
This was the call made by the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights gender and conflict adviser Indai Sajor while addressing regional participants at a workshop by Fiji Women's Crisis Centre on eliminating violence against women.
Nine years ago, Swanee Hunt and Cristina Posa wrote an article for Foreign Policy called “Women Waging Peace.” They wrote,
“You can't end wars simply by declaring peace… Fundamental social changes are necessary to prevent renewed hostilities. Women have proven time and time again their unique ability to bridge seemingly insurmountable divides. So why aren't they at the negotiating table?”
“War ripples on,” said guest lecturer Dr. Cynthia Enloe, who spoke Friday on the ramifications that the three wars in one and a half generations have had on Iraq's social fabric.
Her lecture, “The Invisible Costs of War,” focused on women's access to paid work during wartime and traced the saga of Iraqi women's history in order to describe the social consequences of the Iraq war in human terms.
Walter Kalin: Many of them have found a kind of acceptable way of life but as many are living in very, very difficult conditions particularly in Baghdad there because there was no alternative they had to squat on the public land where they are illegally occupying public buildings. They are threatened by eviction.
Congratulations to the Good Governance and Gender Equality Society, Penang (3Gs Society) for two days of excellent presentations and stimulating discussions! The ‘Gender Mainstreaming: Justice for All' Conference held in Penang on 31 July and 1 August 2010 drew almost 200 participants from all races and ages. Although a majority of participants were women, considerable numbers of men were present.
"Women are very insightful on how to run a city, ensure its improvement and cleanliness and take care of supporting women, children and families, through cultural centers, parks, and social projects."
As the Israeli-Palestinian talks stall, the United States should consider this opportunity to reassess the negotiation process more broadly. Previous talks have suffered from lack of both transparency and inclusiveness: for most of the past 20 years, an extremely small group of high-level political leaders has met behind closed doors, rarely sharing information with or seeking input from their stakeholders.
