Colloquium 2002 Policy Day Closing Plenary

Swanee Hunt, the founder and Chair of Women Waging Peace, concluded this year's Policy Day by inviting participants to comment on their impressions of the day. Pumla Gobodo-Madikizela, a former member of South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission, commented that the day had been filled with stimulating discussion. The hope is "to continue having these discussions after today."

Jendayi Frazer, Special Assistant to President George W. Bush and Senior Director for African Affairs to the National Security Council, remarked on the depth of experiences and expertise in the room, and how touched and inspired she was to incorporate what was happening on the ground with policymaking at the top. "This is important when we, in Washington, are deciding on our policies and on what will make a difference on the ground. A United Nations mandate on the Democratic Republic of the Congo is pending with decisions on increasing funding. They want to ensure that the money is not wasted," she told the audience. "Now I have a better understanding of what needs to be done."

Turning to the role of international assistance, Krishna Kumar, Senior Social Scientist in the Bureau of Policy Program Coordination at the US Agency for International Development, traced the importance of incorporating women in rebuilding war-torn societies. Explicitly outlining the ways women are survivors, active peacemakers, and society builders, he argued that unprecedented opportunities exist for women's groups to participate in post-conflict elections, civil society, and real humanitarian empowerment. "I came hear to listen, learn, and reflect…I have heard very powerful voices and I am going back inspired," he commented.

Monica McWilliams, a founding member and representative of the Northern Ireland Women's Coalition, closed the event by reminding all the participants "when sleeping women awake, mountains will move…We have everything we need to make change."

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