A conversation with two members of our international board - Sima Samar, Afghanistan, and Margo Okazawa-Rey, USA - about how patriarchal ideas shape our understanding of security, the contrast between military and human security, and feminist visions for peace.

How does a militarised state-centred concept of security manifest itself nationally and internationally? What can a feminist understanding of peace offer to current politics and practice to show a path to genuine peace for all people? How do women, indigenous peoples and marginalised people organise themselves to bring about changes that correspond to their visions of comprehensive security?

Afghanistan, the Pacific and beyond

The renowned Afghan human rights defender Sima Samar and the co-founder of the International Women's Network Against Militarism, Margo Okazawa-Rey, will address these highly topical issues at the event in Bern. US and European troops were stationed in Afghanistan until 2021. What impact did this military presence have, especially on women? How do their experiences differ from those of women in the Pacific region as a result of the long-standing presence of US military bases, which is understood by the indigenous population as an occupation?

Realities of and support for women

In conversation with the two women, we reflect on the realities of women and marginalised population groups in these and other conflict-affected countries and regions. We discuss the next steps and ask: How can we - in Switzerland and in the audience - support women on the path to comprehensive security?

Information

The event will be held in English without simultaneous translation. After the event an aperitif will be served.

As the number of places is limited, please register by 8 December: info@1000peacewomen.org.

Read the biographies of Sima Samar and Margo Okazawa-Rey.

• Moderator: Christina Stucky, Communications Manager PeaceWomen Across the Globe

• Music by the Swiss singer with Afghan roots, Freschta Akbarzada