Against colonialism and militarism: a cross-generational exchange

Ever since a team around our founder and president gathered the names of 1000 women peacebuilders from across the globe and nominated them collectively for the 2005 Nobel Peace Prize, we have understood how fundamental networks are to peacebuilding and specifically to women’s peace work. We also know: networks need to be cultivated and cared for. With this in mind, we invited 12 women peacebuilders to come together in Bern in February 2024.

This year’s International Day of Peace is a call to action. “Peace,” says United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, “is not automatic. Peace is a result of action.” On this International Day, the UN recognises that it is “our individual and collective responsibility to foster peace.” We agree. For us, this call to action is about recognising the transformative power of networks and about fostering and making effective use of the particular collective power of women’s networks to achieve a peaceful and just world.

As a feminist peace organisation based and rooted in Switzerland, we support the feminist strike and the concerns and demands of those striking. On 14 June and beyond. We do so because gender justice and feminist visions of peace are at the core of our work, both in Switzerland and around the world.