International Day of Peace
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The International Day of Peace, commemorated each year on 21 of September, is an occasion to salute those around the world working to provide security and strive toward peace in some of the world's most volatile and dangerous environments. In the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH), the Bangladeshi contingent is composed entirely of women. Leading by example, more than 100 women contribute to restoring peace and security in the Caribbean island, with a specific focus on ending violence against women.
Similarly in the African nation of Mali women have come to the negotiating table as the country battles physical insecurity anf food shortages. In Afghanistan too, women have a critical role to play in bringing peace and security to the country. Colombia's battles have left women marginalized and stranded. With new national plans for gender equality, women in Colombia will have the peace and justice they deserve.
Sexual violence in Liberia was used as a tool during Liberia's civil war leaving many women there with both the stigma of rape and also of contracting the HIV virus. Survivors now are coming forward to spread awareness and break the vicious cycle of gender-based violence. which has torn apart families and entire communities, women in Liberia
Related Stories
- Q&A with peacekeeper Sahely Ferdous, Superintendent in the Bangladesh Formed Police Unit, Haiti
- Women come to the negotiating table for Mali's Peace and Transition Process
- Truth, justice and reparation for women survivors of Colombia's battles
Related Videos
Side by side: Women, Peace and Security
Jointly developed by the Australian Civil-Military Centre and UN Women to highlight the role of women in peace and security worldwide, “Side by Side: Women, Peace and Security explores how the international community has met and can meet its commitments regarding women and conflict. The 30-minute video features an introduction by UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, as well as interviews with Ms. Bachelet and other United Nations personnel, among them peacekeepers, mediators, humanitarian actors, policy makers and survivors of conflict.
Lilly Be'Soer - Voice for Change
Lilly Be'Soer Kolts is the founder of the women's human rights NGO, Voice for Change, in Papua New Guinea. She has been a victim of tribal conflict and also a survivor of polygamous marriage. She is currently raising six children alone. She defines herself as “a women's human rights defender and has taken a lead in facilitating mediation in tribal conflicts and wars. In 2010, she was awarded a Pacific Human Rights Defenders Award. This year, she successfully coordinated a peace reconciliation to resettle 500 internally displaced families and is also facilitating a drug surrender programme for youth in her local district.