Policy Highlights in Asia

The role of women in the mitigation of conflict in the Philippines was the topic of a recent forum with Waging network member Amina Rasul-Bernando and Senator Senandina Rasul. A women’s peace advocacy program on the island of Mindanao has been effective in issuing “early warning” signs, diverting attacks against civilian sites, and negotiating with rebels for the release of hostages.

In January 2003, a high-ranking US State Department official traveled to Kabul to announce a commitment of $2.5 million in support of the creation of “women’s centers,” which focus on increasing women’s political participation. The trip ensured two women were appointed to Afghanistan’s Human Rights Commission, including the chair. The State Department contacted Waging prior to the trip to obtain a list of Afghan women’s organizations for the meeting in Kabul. Another high-level official explained to one of our network members that President Bush and Secretary Powell have requested that all State Department and USAID efforts in Afghanistan include women at all stages—as planners, implementers, and beneficiaries of US programs.

Asia Regional Meeting
The Inclusive Security: Women Waging Peace network held its second regional meeting in Kathmandu, Nepal, on June 28-31, 2001. An orientation for incoming local partners was held, followed by a meeting of the network's core members from Asia...

"Mapping from the Margins" Concept Introduced at Nepal Conference
A critical component of the four-day conference was the introduction of the concept of "mapping from the margins."

Waging Representatives Attend G8 Foreign Ministers Meeting
In July 2000, Waging representatives traveled to Japan for the G8 Foreign Ministers meeting. In Miyazaki and Tokyo, network representatives met with local and international media as well as G8 government officials, resulting in widespread coverage of the initiative in the printed press and on Japanese TV. US Deputy Secretary of State Strobe Talbott and officials from other G8 countries called for the inclusion of women throughout peace processes worldwide. Related meetings have been held with foreign ministries in Berlin, London, Moscow, Paris, and Tokyo.

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