WOMEN FROM WORLDWIDE CONFLICT AREAS TALK PEACE TACTICS WITH US POLICYMAKERS

Countries include Iraq, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Guatemala

Cambridge, MA Inclusive Security: Women Waging Peace is convening women from conflict areas around the world to brainstorm negotiating tactics, grassroots action, and political and legal maneuvers to create social change and stop the cycle of war. The fifth annual Colloquium, being held from November 3-7, 2003, also includes key policymakers from the United Nations, the US Agency for International Development, the US Departments of State and Defense, and the World Bank.

The 40 women participating in the Colloquium have dodged bullets, ethnic cleansing, political isolation, and social discrimination. Each has overcome tremendous odds to pursue peace and social stability in their respective countries. They are civic leaders, human rights lawyers, scholars, grassroots organizers, and investigative journalists, all deeply involved in efforts to bring peace and stability to the most violent areas of the world. These women will share their expertise with 120 policymakers, and together they’ll hammer out strategies for concrete policy change.

What: Inclusive Security: Women Waging Peace Fifth Annual Policy Day

Who: Women peace builders from conflict areas including Iraq, Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, Israel, Palestinian Territories, Guatemala. Speakers include Ala Talabani, Iraqi Women’s High Council; Dr. Paula Dobriansky, Under Secretary of Global Affairs, US Department of State; Dr. Noeleen Heyzer, Executive Director, United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM); Ambassador Swanee Hunt, Chair, Hunt Alternatives Fund and Inclusive Security: Women Waging Peace; Dr. Vjosa Dobruna, Former Minister, United Nations Mission in Kosovo

When: Friday November 7, 2003, 10 AM - 11:30 AM

Where: Charles Hotel Pavilion, Kennedy Room, Cambridge, Massachusetts

Additional Press Availability: 11:30-12:00 noon for interviews of women delegates and policymakers

Inclusive Security: Women Waging Peace, a network of women peace builders from conflict areas around the world, advocates for the full participation of women in peace negotiations and all phases of reconstruction. The Waging network includes women from conflict areas ranging from Iraq to Sri Lanka, Colombia to Sudan, the Middle East to South Korea. Waging was launched in 1999 to connect these women with each other and with policy shapers. For more information visit www.WomenWagingPeace.net.

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