Women, War and Peace

This week PBS ran a two part story addressing the role of women in peacemaking on a national level.  More segments are to come.

Part I addressed the role of women in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland coming together to be involved in the peace discussions ending the many years of “The Troubles”.  Women leaders are interviewed in the documentary and their reflections on their roles brings an important perspectives to events.  Their efforts were minimized by the men in power who dismissed the suggestion that Sinn Fein be brought to the table.  Ultimately though, the women recognized that lasting peace would be impossible without the rebels at the table.  Even the Clinton administration “forgot” to invite the women to the White House when all parties to the talks were brought together.  Hillary Clinton met with the women and thanked them for their efforts.  Thereafter the women received acknowledgment as part of the peace talks.

Part II addresses women’s protests and fights for change in Egypt.  Women marched and protested before and during the Arab Spring but it was when the Arab Spring arrived that men were aggressively silencing women.  Of the women arrested for protesting, at least a third were subject to “virginity” tests.  One mob used a woman demonstrator’s headscarf to strangle her.  Despite the horrific tactics used to silence Egyptian women, many carried on underground.  

Additional documentaries are part of the series.  These are stories of courageous women.  Excellent models for being brave in challenging times.

Click here for a link to the PBS website on Women, War and Peace.