In February 2022, we had just finalised an interview with our programme coordinator Olena Zinenko in Ukraine. Two days later, the Russian army attacked. As the second anniversary of the war of aggression approaches, Olena recalls her state of shock in those early days and months of the war and the journey she has taken since then. She also explains why talking about peace in Ukraine can create divisions and how women need to be the driving forces for a forward-looking “life agenda”.
Feminists Connecting for Peace is our growing global network of peacebuilders. It grew out of the initiative “1000 Women for the 2005 Nobel Peace Prize” and has developed into a global community of peace activists. It aims to provide safety and solidarity; enable local, regional and global advocacy; give visibility to peacebuilders; ensure exchange, shared learning and knowledge sharing; and facilitate access to decision-making, resources and relevant actors. Through our Feminist Peace Initiatives (FPI), we provide technical and financial support to local, innovative and feminist peacebuilding initiatives and projects of our network members.
In May 2024, Our House, the Belarusian International Centre for Civil Initiatives based in Lithuania, organised three webinars for Belarusian women dissidents to network, engage and share on issues related to feminist peace, peacebuilding, conflict prevention, militarisation and security. A total of 53 women anonymously participated in the webinars to discuss peace, non-violence and the challenges faced by women peacebuilders in the region. This project, supported by our Feminist Peace Initiatives, helped build solidarity among the women.
Against colonialism and militarism: a cross-generational exchange
Our collaboration with WILPF Lebanon initially set out to spotlight the critical connection between small arms proliferation and violence against women in Lebanon. However, the conflict between Hezbollah and the Israeli army, that escalated in September 2024, altered the situation dramatically. The crisis demanded swift adaptation to ensure not only the physical safety but also to support the psychological and emotional wellbeing of the peacebuilders impacted by the conflict.