Category Archives: WOMEN’S EQUALITY

Ugandan Journalist Wins Luxembourg Peace Prize

. WOMEN’S EQUALITY .

An article from Peace News

A Ugandan journalist recently won the 2025 Luxembourg Peace Prize for outstanding peace journalism. On June 27, journalist Gloria Laker Adiiki Aciro accepted the prestigious award. Aciro is the founder of the Peace Journalism Foundation (PJF), and has reported on people building peace in the midst of the crisis surrounding the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA).

Starting with its founding in 1987, the LRA devastated northern Uganda and neighboring countries by killing and abducting thousands of civilians, capturing child soldiers, and displacing hundreds of thousands. Aid agencies have worked to provide psycho-social support to help reintegrate people who were abducted by the LRA as child soldiers.

Aciro herself was a victim of the LRA when she was displaced during the LRA  war as a young girl in 1997. She started journalism with no training or experience, facing sexual harassment and sex-based discrimination in a society that considered journalism a man’s job. Aciro went on to found the PJF, which works to promote conflict-sensitive journalism. There, she has trained and mentored over 700 journalists across Africa as the director and media trainer. 

Two of Aciro’s articles have been featured in Peace News Network (PNN). The articles made up a two-part series about how two women, Judith Obina and Nora Anek, confronted LRA leader Joseph Kony and ended his brutal war in Northern Uganda. 

(Article continued in right column)

Questions for this article

Can the women of Africa lead the continent to peace?

African journalism and the Culture of Peace, A model for the rest of the world?

(Article continued from left column)

In part one  of the series, Aciro interviews Obina and details how Obina, a private secretary to President Yoweri Museveni, was entrusted with a the responsibility of caring for Joseph Kony’s elderly mother, Nora Anek Oting. In 2007, when Anek wanted to see her son, Obina saw this as a chance for Kony to abandon the violence that had devastated so many lives.

In part two, Aciro dives into Obina’s life inside the jungle with the LRA. There, she spent 14 days with Joseph Kony, the LRA’s leader, in a hideout in Ri-kwamba in 2007. After nine days of negotiations, a key moment arrived when Anek spoke to her son about ending the war. Obina said that Kony “said that he would never step foot in Uganda again to fight, kill, or abduct.” Aciro reports on the power of Anek’s relationship with her son. 

An Inspiration to Women in Journalism

Aciro received her award at the 13th Luxembourg Peace Prize ceremony amongst peacebuilders from around the world, journalist Cinderella Ayebare-Kalita reported. Esther Omam, the Chairperson of the Women Building Peace African Network (WBPAN), called on women to celebrate Aciro’s achievement.

“Dear sisters and colleagues, it is with immense joy that we celebrate our own Gloria… This recognition honors her work covering the LRA war and promoting peace journalism in Africa. We are proud of you, Gloria! Your achievement is a testament to the power of courage, commitment, and truth-telling in building peace.”

Aciro said, “I look forward to continuing my efforts in promoting peace and journalistic excellence.”

In light of Uganda’s upcoming election, she also announced announced the PJF’s future plans: launching a peace journalism initiative designed to detect, reject, and remove hate speech and misinformation, and training female journalists ahead of elections to amplify diverse voices in media. 

She urged journalists to demonstrate the “utmost responsibility… ensuring that our platforms are not used to spread hate speech.”
Aciro invited people to partner with and support the PJF.

– – – – – –

If you wish to make a comment on this article, you may write to coordinator@cpnn-world.org with the title “Comment on (name of article)” and we will put your comment on line. Because of the flood of spam, we have discontinued the direct application of comments.

Africa, FREE FLOW OF INFORMATION, WOMEN'S EQUALITY

Niger: Maradi’s Traditional Leaders Equipped to Promote Women’s and Children’s Rights

. WOMEN’S EQUALITY .

An article by Abdourahamane Salifou from Agence Nigérienne de Presse

The Governor of the Maradi Region, Police Comptroller General Mamane Issoufou, opened the orientation workshop for traditional leaders on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, as part of the “Child-Friendly Sultanates and Cantons” initiative, led by UNICEF.

During this capacity-building session for traditional leaders, guardians of ancestral values, several themes related to the well-being of children, women, and families will be addressed.

These include, among others, vaccination and early access to health services for childhood illnesses; childbirth attended by skilled personnel; exclusive breastfeeding and good child nutrition; protection of young girls from abuse and early marriage; environmental hygiene and sanitation; community conflict management through a culture of peace and social cohesion; and youth involvement in community development.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Cyriaque SOBTAFO, Head of the UNICEF Maradi-Zinder Zone Office, acknowledged that the role of traditional leaders is essential and has always been decisive in community life. “Because,” he said, “you are the first point of contact for the population, the mediators of conflicts, the promoters of peace, and the natural link between institutions and citizens.”

(continued in right column)

(Click here for the original French version.)

Questions for this article

Prospects for progress in women’s equality, what are the short and long term prospects?

(continued from left column)

He recalled that UNICEF maintains a long-standing partnership with the chiefdom in Niger, a partnership that has been very successful and has enabled local populations to support previous campaigns, including the fight against polio, the prevention of early marriage, and child education.

Regarding the themes chosen for this workshop, the UNICEF Maradi-Zinder Zone Head of Office believes that these are not just topics for discussion, but are central to the daily lives of the communities.

Dr. Cyriaque Sobtafo finally encouraged the traditional chiefs to redouble their efforts because, he emphasized, “your voice carries weight, your example inspires.”

In his opening speech, the Governor of the Maradi region stated that the main concern of Niger’s highest authorities, foremost among them HE General Abdourahamane Tiani, President of the Republic and Head of State, and HE Ali Mahaman Lamine Zeine, Prime Minister and Minister of Economy and Finance, is the promotion of the socio-economic development of the population through the State’s own efforts and the support of technical and financial partners.

“That is why,” he said to the traditional leaders, “this meeting is of paramount importance because it aims to strengthen your capacities in advocacy, mobilization, and community engagement to contribute to the promotion of social norms and positive behaviors in favor of children’s rights in our region, a guarantee of harmonious, balanced, and sustainable development for our valiant people.”

He maintained that the objectives assigned to this meeting and the cantonal forums which will soon be led by the honorable canton heads for their communities are perfectly aligned with the orientations of the National Refoundation Policy and are part of the mission carried out collectively in the region by the highest authorities.

– – – – – –

If you wish to make a comment on this article, you may write to coordinator@cpnn-world.org with the title “Comment on (name of article)” and we will put your comment on line. Because of the flood of spam, we have discontinued the direct application of comments.

Africa, WOMEN'S EQUALITY

Violence Against Women: West Africa at a Time of Decisive Choices

. . WOMEN’S EQUALITY . .

An article from Burkina 24 (translation by CPNN)

The adoption last February of the African Union Convention on the Elimination of Violence against Women and Girls was hailed as a major milestone for women’s rights on the continent.

However, the Alliance Droits et Santé, a regional collective committed to defending women’s human rights and health, warns that this progress risks remaining symbolic without rapid, effective, and funded implementation.

The organization particularly calls on the governments of Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Niger, and Senegal (members of the alliance), as well as all African countries, urging them to translate this continental commitment into concrete national actions.

“Every day of delay exposes more women and girls to unacceptable violence. The time for promises is over, but for action,” the Alliance insists.

(Article continued in right column)

(click here for the original article in French.)

Question related to this article:

Protecting women and girls against violence, Is progress being made?

What role should men play to stop violence against women?

(Article continued from left column)

To prevent the Convention from remaining a dead letter, the organization makes three strategic recommendations to policymakers and civil society actors:

1. Strengthening legal frameworks and survivor protection: This involves harmonizing national laws with regional and international standards, criminalizing all forms of gender-based violence, and ensuring simplified and secure access to justice.

2. Sustainable financing for the fight against gender-based violence: Alliance Droits et Santé calls for the allocation of multi-year national budgets, the involvement of the African private sector through corporate social responsibility, and the creation of dedicated, transparent, and rigorously monitored funds.

3. Strengthened coordination and data sharing: The establishment of inter-stakeholder cooperation mechanisms, the digitization of data, the strengthening of specialized centers, and the training of field professionals are essential to ensure a coherent and effective response.

The organization emphasizes the need to build a collective response. Governments, technical and financial partners, feminist movements, civil society and the private sector must work hand in hand to guarantee every woman and girl a free, safe and dignified life.
 
– – – – – –

If you wish to make a comment on this article, you may write to coordinator@cpnn-world.org with the title “Comment on (name of article)” and we will put your comment on line. Because of the flood of spam, we have discontinued the direct application of comments.

Africa, WOMEN'S EQUALITY

France: Thirty Years of Service to Immigrant Women

. WOMEN’S EQUALITY .

An article by Geneviève Roy in Breizh Femmes (translation by CPNN)

Immigration today represents 3.7% of the world’s population, or around 300,000 people, 48% of whom are women. Catherine Wihtol de Wenden introduced her topic with a few figures.

The CNRS researcher, political scientist, and lawyer, who teaches at Sciences Po Paris, came to Rennes to shed light on migration on the occasion of the 30th anniversary of Déclic Femmes.

An anniversary that the founder, Fatima Zédira, wanted to celebrate by retracing the history of an association directly serving immigrant women, striving to provide solutions that meet each individual’s needs.

Women are leaving their countries in ever-increasing numbers, and they are increasingly doing so alone. In Europe, they are even more numerous than the global average, representing 51% of immigrants. Often invisible in society, they hold undervalued jobs working with the elderly, as caregivers, or in the clothing industry.

For researcher Catherine Wihtol de Wenden, this situation is nothing new. “Migration is world history!” she exclaims, praising the remarkable work that the association Déclic Femmes
has been doing for three decades in welcoming these migrant women to Rennes. “We’re in a very paradoxical context,” she continues, “since in Europe we need immigration in many professional sectors and to increase the demographics of different countries, but at the same time we are pursuing increasingly restrictive policies for welcoming migrants.” Surprisingly, since the 1990s, it has never been easier to leave one’s country, but it has never been more difficult to enter another. In France, for example, the refugee status recognition rate has peaked at 35% of applications.

(continued in right column)

(Click here for the original French version.)

Questions for this article

Prospects for progress in women’s equality, what are the short and long term prospects?

(continued from left column)

A Priority: Learning French

The global vision of the situation of migrants around the world, provided by the guest expert, allows Fatima Zédira, founder of Déclic Femmes, to situate the history of her association within French society. In 1995, she chose to support immigrant women through “dignity, family, social, and professional autonomy, and access to citizenship.” Drawing on a quote from Gisèle Halimi, stating that women’s economic independence is their freedom, she outlines thirty years of association life largely focused on employment and vocational training.

“The association focused its activities on welcoming and listening,” recalls Fatima Zédira, remembering the small 13m² space on Rue de Picardie in the Villejean neighborhood where women lined up on the sidewalk. Currently, at 7bis rue d’Armagnac, a few blocks from the original location, the premises are much more spacious and allow for a wider range of activities, welcoming more women, and also exhibiting some of their work. At the same time, branches have been established in other neighborhoods—Blosne and Maurepas. Each year, Déclic Femmes welcomes between 300 and 500 women, and in total, more than 90 nationalities have crossed paths at the association.

“Learning French is the key for us to escape isolation, regain self-confidence, and integrate into the host society,” explains Fatima Zédira. It is therefore natural that this learning is at the heart of all the activities offered by the association. From discussion groups to language classes, it has taken a lot of energy from the association’s volunteers and employees over the years to find the right balance. Training sessions are also provided to help people learn how to learn. A Positive

Process of Integration into Society

One of Déclic Femmes’ priorities is to offer individualized pathways that take into account the individual and their background. For example, there’s no question of mixing people with diverse educational backgrounds in French classes. There are those who have hardly ever attended school, those with a primary school education, sometimes a secondary education, and those who already have a university degree in their own language. Some come from French-speaking countries, others not. Some are comfortable speaking, but not at all writing… But none of them have “time to waste.” They often held jobs, sometimes responsibilities, in their countries of origin. They have obtained diplomas that France does not recognize. They need—and want—to return to working lives as quickly as possible in France. Fatima Zédira emphasizes a real “aspiration for emancipation” for all of them.

For all these women, the association has chosen to co-develop its proposals, tailored as closely as possible to each woman’s immediate needs. And in collaboration with numerous partners. Beyond efficiency, the association also strives to foster civic engagement, offering a variety of visits, trips, participation in activist activities, raising awareness of women’s rights, gender equality, political culture, and cultural and artistic initiatives.

It’s difficult to measure the impact of the work accomplished over thirty years. However, when a woman leaves the association fluent in French and with a better understanding of the culture and institutions of the host country, Fatima Zédira believes that “it’s an entire family that is drawn into a positive process of integration into society.”

– – – – – –

If you wish to make a comment on this article, you may write to coordinator@cpnn-world.org with the title “Comment on (name of article)” and we will put your comment on line. Because of the flood of spam, we have discontinued the direct application of comments.

Europe, WOMEN'S EQUALITY

Final declaration of NADA (Regional Democratic Women’s Coalition in the Middle East and North Africa) congress

. . WOMEN’S EQUALITY . .

An article from Women Defend Rojava

The first congress of the Regional Democratic Women’s Coalition in the Middle East and North Africa (NADA) took place in Suleymaniya [Iraq] on May 15th, 16th, and 17th, 2025. Around 200 women from 19 different countries participated, including representatives from Kurdistan, Afghanistan, Palestine, Iran, and others.

This congress was a strategic event for women and society in the Middle East and North Africa, as well as an important step toward building a global women’s confederation. Below is the final declaration of the congress.

“We are currently undergoing a period of significant transformation, marked by dramatic changes in all areas and unfolding amid intense developments at both the regional and international levels. While unjust policies and practices have deepened the devastating impact of these transformations on women, they have also opened up new and significant opportunities.

In this context, the NADA Alliance held its first post-foundation congress on May 15–17, 2025, in the city of Sulaymaniyah in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, under the slogan ‘Towards a Democratic Society Based on Women’s Revolution.’ The congress brought together hundreds of women activists, organizations, and institutions from across the Middle East and North Africa (including Palestine, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, Somalia, Sudan, Yemen, Mauritania, Iraq and the Kurdistan Region, Turkey, Iran, Syria, and Afghanistan). The participation of women from Arab, Kurdish, Syriac, Assyrian, Armenian, Amazigh, Persian, Afghan, and Yazidi (Êzidî) communities represented the unity of women across the region’s immense cultural diversity.

The congress sessions focused on core theoretical issues related to the exclusion and injustice faced by women in the Middle East. The third world war currently unfolding in the region was described as a silent genocide against women: massacres, forced displacement, abduction, and the use of women as tools of war, as seen in the atrocities committed against Yazidi women in Shengal in 2014, or in the ongoing devastation in Palestine over the past year and a half. Similar atrocities are taking place in Sudan and Yemen. These brutal wars are not only the product of democracy-deprived nation-states, but also the result of global capitalism’s alliance with local political-religious powers. These dynamics, compounded by patriarchal laws, constitutional frameworks, and regressive social values, have further marginalized women.

The congress also addressed the historical legacy of women’s resistance and their struggle to uphold this legacy amid today’s crises. Women have never stepped back; on the contrary, they have forged a powerful connection between the matriarchal culture of the past and the goals of contemporary struggle. The women’s revolutions in Rojava, Sudan, Yemen, and Tunisia, as well as the “Jin, Jiyan, Azadî” (Woman, Life, Freedom) uprising in Iran and Eastern Kurdistan (Rojhilat), are vivid examples of this continuity. The congress emphasized that a society based on women’s freedom must be built upon a shared life rooted in equality between men and women.

Participants thoroughly evaluated the current state of the women’s struggle, the challenges it faces, and the opportunities that lie ahead. The discussions emphasized the importance of seizing available resources and historical openings to strengthen efforts toward building peace and establishing a democratic society rooted in the women’s revolution. It was also stressed that regional alliances among women must be reinforced, and the need for collective resistance against patriarchal and anti-woman neoliberal coalitions was highlighted. The congress further underlined that women must have access to legal, constitutional, and security-based protection and defense mechanisms, particularly in times of war and conflict.

(Article continued in right column)

Questions related to this article:

Do women have a special role to play in the peace movement?

(Article continued from left column)

The congress emphasized that in response to the political dynamics of the third world war, it is essential to develop a unified political struggle led by women and to build global women’s networks that can carry forward the universal legacy of women. The NADA Alliance was highlighted as a driving force in continuing the passionate women’s revolution under the slogan “Jin, Jiyan, Azadî”.

On the third day of the congress, participants reviewed the past activities of the NADA Alliance, defined its strategic objectives, and established seven specialized committees to implement the alliance’s projects.

Participants reached a consensus on the following points:

– To strengthen the NADA Alliance as a comprehensive women’s platform grounded in human rights, embracing the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), the Istanbul Convention, United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security, and relevant regional protocols.

– To adopt the Rojava and North and East Syria Women’s Revolution Document and the Charter of the Global Democratic Women’s Confederation as core references of the NADA Alliance, thereby reinforcing international solidarity among women.

– To enhance women’s organization and resistance for a society based on freedom, a life shared in equality between women and men, democracy, and social justice.

– To struggle for a democratic society and peace built on individual freedom, free from extremism, and from ethnic, religious, or sectarian divisions.

– To support Abdullah Öcalan’s Call for Peace and Democratic Society, which centers on women’s freedom.

– To demand the release of women prisoners held in the jails of occupying forces and authoritarian regimes.

– To stand in solidarity with the resistance of Yazidi women and offer support for their struggle.

– To provide both national and international support to women’s resistance in the face of war, occupation, genocide, displacement, demographic engineering, and sexual violence occurring across the Middle East and North Africa, particularly in Palestine, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen.

– To establish networks among women’s organizations, promote the sharing of ideas, visions, and experiences, and address women’s issues as a transnational human cause.

– To ensure women’s active participation in political decision-making processes and to strengthen their intellectual and social capacities.

– To expand the work of the NADA Alliance through its local committees in each country and to reinforce joint actions on both local and regional levels.

– To build a women-centered, independent media that amplifies women’s issues and counters the male-dominated media narrative that degrades women.

Long live the free women’s struggle in the Middle East and North Africa!

Long live the women’s revolution! (Woman, Life, Freedom – Jin, Jiyan, Azadî)

Regional Democratic Women’s Alliance (NADA Alliance)”

– – – – – –

If you wish to make a comment on this article, you may write to coordinator@cpnn-world.org with the title “Comment on (name of article)” and we will put your comment on line. Because of the flood of spam, we have discontinued the direct application of comments.

Mideast, WOMEN'S EQUALITY

Urgent Call for Peace Launched by Indian and Pakistani Feminists

. . WOMEN’S EQUALITY . .

An article from Presse Gauche (translation by CPNN)

We, feminists of India and Pakistan, unequivocally welcome the ceasefire declared by our two nations today. The tension and escalation of the past two weeks remind us how fragile peace is. The ceasefire also vindicates the calls for de-escalation and peace made by thousands of ordinary people on both sides of the border. While we hope for an absolute cessation of hostilities, we are mindful of recent events.

From Between the lines and the words

The ceasefire is only the first step in the long march towards justice and peace.

We condemn the Pahalgam terrorist attack that killed 25 tourists from different parts of India and one from Nepal who came to visit Kashmir. A local person also lost their life in the Pahalgam attack. These targeted attacks have widened the communal divide between Muslims and Hindus in India and have been exploited to incite hatred, fear, and collective punishment.

In the aftermath of the Pahalgam attack, it is women—including mothers, daughters, sisters, and wives—who bear the unbearable burden of grief. Instead of respecting and sharing it, it has been weaponized and subjected to police surveillance—especially when people refuse to follow the script of hate.

Himanshi Narwal, the young widow of one of the slain victims, is among the survivors who, despite unimaginable pain, found the strength to call for peace. She asked people not to direct their rage at Kashmiris and Muslims who, like her, are trapped in a cycle of violence they did not create. For this simple act of humanity, she was trolled, vilified, and attacked by lurking nationalists more devoted to bloodlust than truth.

Linking the terrorist attack to Pakistan, India immediately suspended the Indus Waters Treaty and resumed hydroelectric projects and dam construction previously restricted by the treaty. Both sides canceled short-term visas for visitors. We witnessed heartbreaking scenes at the Attari-Wagah border, where Indian and Pakistani women with the “wrong” passports were forced to hand over their children to their husbands before crossing into “their countries,” causing unfathomable distress for the women themselves, their children, and their families. Fourteen days later, India carried out airstrikes and Pakistan retaliated, followed by drone strikes from both sides.

Disinformation campaigns on both sides made the truth difficult to ascertain. One thing is certain: the loss of life, widespread fear, and escalating violence add to the potential terror of the grave and irreversible consequences that tensions between the two nuclear powers could have for populations throughout South Asia.

As feminists, we are fundamentally against war and militarism. We denounce the war economy that thrives on violence and destruction, as well as the deeply patriarchal structures that fuel and sustain it. The fact that the Indian operation was dubbed Sindoor, a deeply patriarchal gesture, is a stark reminder of the misogynistic propaganda employed by both sides. Between loved ones, there are also many other private and specific symbols, of which Sindoor, for some women, could be one. But when Sindoor becomes a battle cry, it erases and weaponizes pain, and reduces women to bodies upon which masculinist nationalist fantasies of conquest, violence, and rape are constructed.

(Article continued in right column)

(Click here for the original article in French).

Questions related to this article:

Do women have a special role to play in the peace movement?

(Article continued from left column)

The past year has been marked by a surge in violence around the world, with devastating images from Gaza and other conflict zones becoming a daily occurrence, tragically desensitizing many to the true horrors of armed conflict. The Indian and Pakistani governments and opinion makers appear oblivious to the catastrophic consequences of war and the immense devastation it would cause. Only those who manufacture and sell weapons systems to our governments will profit from war. War reinforces, exacerbates, and perpetuates existing inequalities, disproportionately affecting women, sexual and religious minorities, and children. These hostilities distract from what people really need: education, health, employment, social protection, security, and well-being.

We, feminists from India and Pakistan, firmly believe that war is never a solution. We call for the dismantling of power structures that fuel violence. The logic of war—rooted in nationalism, toxic masculinity, and colonial-era borders—must be rejected. In both countries, women activists, journalists, and peacebuilders have long advocated for dialogue, de-escalation, and diplomacy. Yet our voices are consistently sidelined and overwhelmed by the inflammatory rhetoric and assertive militarism that dominate the public sphere.

We call on the governments of India and Pakistan to:

* Consolidate the May 10 ceasefire, renounce cross-border violations, and defuse rising tensions by keeping channels of communication open;

* Jointly launch an investigation, with international representatives, into the Pahalgam attack to bring the perpetrators to justice.

* Refrain from unilateral actions such as the termination of the Indus Waters Treaty;

* Prioritize and engage in dialogue and diplomacy to resolve differences;

* Work towards resolving the central political issue of Kashmir, which is at the heart of the conflict.

We urge feminists around the world to raise their voices in solidarity and join us in resisting war and building peace. There is no time or space for complacency.

Saheli Women’s Resource Centre, New Delhi, India; Women’s Action Forum (WAF), All Chapters, Pakistan; Aurat March, Lahore, Pakistan; All India Democratic Women’s Association, India.

Individual endorsements (in alphabetical order): Abha Bhaiyya, Aisha Gazdar, Amar Sindhu, Amrita Chhachi, Anita Pinjani, Anuradha Banerji, Arfana Mallah, Avantika Tewari, Ayesha Kidwai, Beena Sarwar, Chayanika Shah, Devangana Kalita, Elaine Alam, Farrah Taufiq, Farida Shaheed, Gulbadan Javed, Haseen Musarat, Huma Ahmed-Ghosh, Humaira Rahman, Iram Hashmi, Kalyani Menon Sen, Kavita Krishnan, Kausar Khan, Khawar Mumtaz, Lalita Ramdas, Madhu Bhushan, Maimoona Mollah, Malka Khan, Maria Rasheed, Mariam Dhawale, Meera Sanghamitra, Nageen Hyat, Naheed Aziz, Najam Panhwar, Natasha Narwal, Naseem Jalbani, Nasim Jalbani, Nasreen Azhar, Neelam Hussain, Nighat Said Khan, Nivedita Menon, Nuscie Jamil, Nuzhat Shirin, Pamela Philipose, Pratiksha Baxi, Raheema Panhwar, Rashida Dohad, Riffat Aziz, Rita Manchanda, Ritu Menon, Roshmi Goswami, Rozina Junejo, Rukhsana Rashid, Saba Gul Khattak, Safia Noor, Salima Hashmi, Samina Jabbar, Samina Omar Asghar Khan, Shabnam Hashmi, Shad Begum, Sheeba Chhachi, Shahnaz Rouse, Simi Kamal, Smita Gupta, Soonha Abro, Sumaira Ishfaq, Syeda Hamid, Tahira Abdullah, Tasneem Ahmar, Uma Chakravarti, Urvashi Butalia, Uzma Noorani, Vani Subramanian, Vanita Mukherjee.
– – – – – –

If you wish to make a comment on this article, you may write to coordinator@cpnn-world.org with the title “Comment on (name of article)” and we will put your comment on line. Because of the flood of spam, we have discontinued the direct application of comments.

South Asia, WOMEN'S EQUALITY

Turkey: Peace Mothers to mothers of soldiers and police officers: “Let there be no tears on either side”

. . WOMEN’S EQUALITY . .

An article from Bianet

Following the PKK’s decision to disband and lay down arms, the Mothers for Peace Assembly issued a statement regarding the “Peace and Democratic Society Process.”

The announcement, made at the Diyarbakır branch of the Human Rights Association (İHD), was attended by numerous lawyers and human rights defenders alongside the Peace Mothers.


Photo: Diyarbakır İHD / X

Who are the Peace Mothers?

The Peace Mothers are a women’s civil rights group in Turkey, mainly Kurdish women, who advocate for peace between Turkey’s different ethnic groups, especially regarding the conflict between the Turkish state and the Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). Many of these mothers have lost children or other relatives in the conflict, or have children in prison, and they use non-violent means like protests and vigils to call for an end to the fighting.

(Article continued in right column)

Questions related to this article:

Do women have a special role to play in the peace movement?

(Article continued from left column)

“No more dead bodies”

Havva Kıran, spokesperson for the Mothers for Peace Assembly, called for a bilateral ceasefire: “A ceasefire cannot be one-sided – it must involve both parties. As mothers, we appeal to the state, the president, and leaders – everyone must act. This process has given hope to both Kurds and Turks. Let their planes stop bombing Kurdish lands. No more dead bodies. Let the tears of Turkish and Kurdish mothers cease.”

“Let there be no tears on either side”

Kıran noted that “the state has yet to take a promising step” and addressed mothers of soldiers and police, urging them to join hands for peace:

“Only the Kurdish side has taken steps. They’ve laid down their arms, held their congresses. They’re ready for peace. As Peace Mothers, we call on the mothers of soldiers and police – hold hands with us. Let no more mothers’ hearts ache. Let us hold hands and bring peace.  Let there be no tears on either side. Let us bring peace to Turkey and live together. Let us strengthen those who are willing to shoulder the responsibility for peace.”

“You too must take a step”

“The end of war is now peace. War leads nowhere. There’s no alternative – peace must prevail. A grieving mother doesn’t say, ‘I’ve given one child, I’ll give another.’ Let us live freely and in peace in this country. Everyone has the right to live and speak their own language – but Kurds are denied this right. We opened the path for this process – now you must take a step. We want not war, but calm and peace.”

– – – – – –

If you wish to make a comment on this article, you may write to coordinator@cpnn-world.org with the title “Comment on (name of article)” and we will put your comment on line. Because of the flood of spam, we have discontinued the direct application of comments.

DISARMAMENT & SECURITY, Europe, WOMEN'S EQUALITY

Pope Francis tried to change the Catholic Church for women, with mixed success

. . WOMEN’S EQUALITY . .

An article from The Conversation

Pope Francis, the head of the Catholic Church, died on Easter Monday at the age of 88. On Easter Sunday, he used his message and blessing to appeal for peace in Middle East and Ukraine.

Pope Francis will be remembered as a pastoral leader who cared deeply about the environment and those impacted by migration, poverty and war.

During his Pontificate, he did make important changes to the patriarchal structure of the Catholic Church – but did he go far enough?


Pope Francis meets a group of nuns at the Vatican. Andrew Medichini/AP

A pope for all?

Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis highlighted the struggles of women  in society. He took important steps to expand opportunities for women in the church and address its patriarchal structure.

This was showcased by his inclusion of women in the 2024 synod  (a global meeting of the whole church, represented by bishops) and his granting of voting  rights for 57 women out of a total of 368 attendees.

His appointment of around 20 women  to positions of authority in the Vatican is unprecedented.

This includes the recent 2025 appointment  of an Italian religious sister, Simona Brambilla, to lead a Vatican department.

During his papacy, Pope Francis also strongly supported the ongoing involvement of women in positions of leadership in the Roman Curia (the governance body of the church).

At local levels, in parishes, he made it possible for women to be formally appointed to the positions of catechist and lector  – roles previously reserved for men.

He also emphasised a need for more women to study and teach theology.

An ‘urgent challenge’

However, these changes barely scratched the surface  of securing full equality for women in the Catholic Church.

Pope Francis himself stated  women still encountered obstacles, and opportunities for women to participate were under-utilised by local churches.

In his autobiography, published in January this year, he wrote of the “urgent challenge” to include women in central roles at every level of church life.

He viewed this move as essential to “de-masculinising” the church and removing the problem of clericalism.

Importantly, the reasoning that underpins women’s limited role in the life of the church remains unchanged.

In particular, Pope Francis referred to gender stereotypes and supported the theology of complementarianism (a view that women are different but equally valued, where their central contribution is to motherhood, femininity and pastoral care responsibilities).

(Article continued in right column)

Questions related to this article:

Prospects for progress in women’s equality, what are the short and long term prospects?

(Article continued from left column)

While Pope Francis was genuinely committed to dialogue about and with women, his legacy remains contradictory.

Equality is still lacking

Women have been appointed to administrative and management positions, but decision making and ministry still largely rest with clerical men.

Pope Francis’ emphasis on the “feminine nature” women bring to roles, rather than their gifts and talents, limited women.

And although he called out discrimination against women in broader society, he expressed opposition to contemporary feminism, which he titled “gender ideology” and “machismo with a skirt”.

Moreover, despite ongoing discussions, Pope Francis appeared to be unresponsive to calls for a greater role for women in ministry.

Women cannot preach during Mass or be ordained to the priesthood or deaconate, despite multiple attempts by Catholic reform groups to advocate for women’s inclusion.

The 2023  International Survey of Catholic Women, which surveyed more than 17,000 Catholic women from 104 countries and eight language groups, found women across the world were keen for church reform that recognises women’s leadership capacities and ongoing contribution to church communities.

More than eight in ten (84%) of the women surveyed supported reform in the church. Two-thirds (68%) agreed women should be ordained to the priesthood, and three-quarters (78%) were supportive of women preaching during Mass.

The survey reported  on the deep frustration and despair women experienced for not having their gifts and talents recognised.

Women also stated they are dissatisfied with the burden of labour they carry in the church.

In this regard, Pope Francis did not address the financial burdens and exploitation of Catholic women who work for the church without adequate recognition or pay. This leaves women, particularly those working in parishes, open to exploitation.

More worryingly, decades after cases of abuse  were reported to the Vatican, Pope Francis publicly acknowledged  that women, particularly nuns, were significantly affected by spiritual and sexual abuse.

While this recognition is important, church responses to abuse remain inadequate and more needs to be done to safeguard women in pastoral settings.

With regard to sexual and reproductive decision-making, the International Survey of Catholic Women found the majority of respondents wanted more freedom of conscience around such issues. This is because when they are denied by church law, women’s agency was diminished and their vulnerability to situations of gendered violence increased.

The papacy of Pope Francis has made no reforms in this area, leaving many Catholic women frustrated and disappointed.

Hope for the future?

More than 60 years ago, Vatican II generated hope for change among Catholic women.

Pope Francis reignited that hope, and listened. But responses have been too slow and Catholic women are still waiting for genuine reform.

– – – – – –

If you wish to make a comment on this article, you may write to coordinator@cpnn-world.org with the title “Comment on (name of article)” and we will put your comment on line. Because of the flood of spam, we have discontinued the direct application of comments.

global, WOMEN'S EQUALITY

International Women’s Day: Europe

. WOMEN’S EQUALITY . .

A press survey by CPNN

Here are the photos from Europe.

BELGIUM, BRUSSELS

Organised by the feminist and anti-capitalist movement World Women’s March Belgium, the demonstration aimed to highlight the “alarming decline” in women’s rights and the “shift to the political right” in society.
(Brussels Times)

ENGLAND, LONDON

A woman carries a placard, on the day of the Million Women Rise march, during the International Women’s Day in London, Britain, March 8. REUTERS/Hannah McKay.
(Reuters)

FINLAND, HELSINKI

Women’s Day march in Helsinki calls for concrete action on gender equality. The event aimed to urge parliamentary parties to commit to advancing the rights of women, girls and minorities. (Yle)

FRANCE, MARSEILLES

A woman holds a sign reading “Serve men, everything for free!” during a demonstration demanding gender equality and an end to violence against women on International Women’s Day in Marseille. (REUTERS/Manon Cruz).
(Infobae)

FRANCE, PARIS

Activists behind a banner reading “your repression is our determination” as radical feminist organizations take part in a night march in solidarity with Palestinian women on the eve of the International Women’s Day in Paris, France, Mar. 7, 2025. EFE/EPA/CHRISTOPHE PETIT TESSON.
(EFE)

GERMANY, BERLIN

A woman holds up a placard during an International Women’s Day demonstration in Berlin, Germany, Saturday, March 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi).
(Associated Press News)

GREECE, ATHENS

Protesters shout slogans during a rally marking International Women’s Day, in Athens, Saturday, March 8, 2025. Photo:Yorgos Karahalis.
(Euronews)

ITALY, MILAN

In Milan, women dressed alike to protest this March 8th. EFE/EPA/MOURAD BALTI TOUATI. (Radio y Television Española)

ITALY, NAPLES

In Naples, women marched under the slogan “Not one less.” EFE/EPA/CIRO FUSCO.
(Radio y Television Española)

ITALY, ROME

People take part in a Transfeminist strike on International Women’s Day, outside the Colosseum, in Rome, Saturday, March 8, 2025 (Valentina Stefanelli/LaPresse via AP). (Euronews)

ITALY, TURIN

People march in a demonstration organized by movement ‘Non una di meno’ (Not one less) to mark International Women’s Day in Turin, Italy, Mar. 8, 2025. EFE/EPA/TINO ROMANO. (EFE)

NETHERLANDS, AMSTERDAM

Some 15,000 people have taken part in the Feminist March through central Amsterdam to mark International Women’s Day, carrying placards with texts such as “Abortion in the constitution” and “Keep your hands off my womb”.
(Dutch News)

NORTHERN IRELAND, BELFAST

Ending violence against women and girls was one of the main messages of the rally in Belfast. (BBC)

Question related to this article:
 
Prospects for progress in women’s equality, what are the short and long term prospects?

POLAND, WARSAW

Women took to the streets of cities of Warsaw to mark International Women’s Day with demands for ending inequality and gender-based violence.
(The Guardian)

RUSSIA, ST PETERSBURG

Honour guard soldiers present flowers to girls and women during International Women’s Day celebration in St. Petersburg, Russia, Saturday, March 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Dmitri Lovetsky)
(Associated Press News)

SERBIA, BELGRADE

People march in support of women on the International Women’s Day in Belgrade, Serbia, Saturday, March 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic). (Associated Press News)

SPAIN, BARCELONA

Dozens of people during the 8M Assembly demonstration in Barcelona organized by the 8M Assembly. ALBERTO PAREDES / EUROPA PRESS.
(Radio y Television Española)

SPAIN, GIJÓN

Thousands of people have filled the streets of Gijón with drum music, banners, and slogans in support of equality. EFE/Juan González.
(Radio y Television Española)

SPAIN, MADRID

Demonstrators rally during an International Women’s Day protest in Madrid, Spain, Saturday, March 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Bernat Armangue).
(Associated Press News)

SPAIN, MALLORCA

Mallorca, mobilization organized by the Transfeminist Coordinator on Women’s Day 2025.
(Radio y Television Española)

SPAIN, SANTA CRUZ DE TENERIFE

Hundreds of people participated in a demonstration this Saturday to mark International Women’s Day in Santa Cruz de Tenerife. EFE/ Alberto Valdés.
(Radio y Television Española)

SPAIN, SEVILLE

View of the demonstration organized by feminist groups that toured Seville this Saturday. EFE/Fermín Cabanillas.(Radio y Television Española)

SPAIN, TERUEL

Around 700 people demonstrated in Teruel with banners calling for equality. Among the banners were messages such as “They took so much from us that they took away our fear” and “Patriarchy affects us all.”
(Radio y Television Española)

SPAIN, TOLEDO

In Toledo, women have taken to the streets to demonstrate under the slogan “All women. All rights. Every day.”
(Radio y Television Española)

SPAIN, VALENCIA

Demonstration by the Valencia Feminist Coordinator on March 8. Jorge Gil / Europa Press. Among the banners, “We are the cry of those who no longer have a voice” or “We are half the earth, we want half the sky.”
(Radio y Television Española)

SPAIN, VALLODOLID

In Valladolid, this woman calls for equality in the Catholic Church at the feminist march. EFE/NACHO GALLEGO.
(Radio y Television Española)

TURKEY, ISTANBUL

Women attend a protest marking International Women’s Day in Istanbul, Turkey, Saturday, March 8, 2025. (AP Photo/Emrah Gurel).
(Euronews)

Europe, WOMEN'S EQUALITY

International Women’s Day: Canada and USA

. WOMEN’S EQUALITY . .

A press survey by CPNN

Here are the photos from Canada and United States.

CANADA, MONTREAL, QUEBEC

Hundreds gathered in downtown Montreal on International Women’s Day Saturday to protest U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial policies and views on women’s rights. (Canadian Broadcasting Company)

CANADA, TORONTO, ONTARIO

Torontonians marched in celebration of womens’ contributions to Canada and the world at large. The theme of this year’s march was to defy rising political agendas attacking the rights of women to choose freely and to succeed equally in the workplace. (Toronto City News)

CANADA, VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA

Vancouver hosts International Women’s Day march. (Global News)

USA, CHICAGO, ILLINOIS

Hundreds of people took to the streets in downtown Chicago on Saturday for International Women’s Day. They started with a rally at Daley Plaza, then marched in solidarity to Trump Tower, expressing rears the Trump administration will roll back rights for women.
(YouTube)

Question related to this article:
 
Prospects for progress in women’s equality, what are the short and long term prospects?

USA, EUREKA, CALIFORNIA

A few hundred celebrants and protestors gathered in front of the Humboldt County Courthouse to make statements about women’s rights and freedoms and the current political climate in Washington, D.C. (Times-Standard)

USA, LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA

Protesters gather at Pershing Square in Downtown Los Angeles during a march on International Women’s Day on March 8, 2025. “The goal of the day is to help people “build community” and “practice democracy,” particularly at a time when democratic resistance to President Donald Trump’s Administration presents as fractured.” Hence the sign “Stop Trump” Jen Osborne—Getty Images. (Time Magazine)

USA, NEW YORK, NEW YORK

A woman speaks to a group of demonstrators as they attend the International Women’s Day march on March 8, 2025 in New York City. Kena Betancur—Getty Images. (Time Magazine)

USA, SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA

Thousands of people participated in the Bay Area’s annual International Women’s Day. Among the signs visible in the video: RESIST No Oligarchs Save Democracy; NO KINGS NO TYRANNY; HELL HATH NO FURY LIKE 170 MILLION WOMEN SCORNED(CBS News)

North America, WOMEN'S EQUALITY