Talking about peace is controversial but still that is what we as women’s organisations hold as a core mission. Since the year 2000 our engagement for peace coinsides with the UN agenda of Women, Peace and Security, WPS. The agenda started with Security Council Resolution 1325 urging all actors to increase the presence and voice of women in peace and security efforts followed by several other resolutions.  The Beijing Platform for Action, BPfA, paved the way five years earlier in 1995 by presenting the critical area on women and armed conflict where action of states as well as NGO’s were addressed, for instance participation of women in decision making, protecting women in warzones, conversion of resources to peaceful purposes and women’s contribution to fostering a culture of peace. The Platform for Action also addressed rape in armed conflict as a war crime and crime against humanity. Rape and other degrading treatments of women in war and conflicts are dark examples of how lack of peace impact women, historically and today.

Talking about peace in times of unrest is necessary, how we talk might differ, but together we are building peace.

Gertrud Åström and Sandra Hagelin, Women’s Baltic Peacebuilding Initiative, at Tartu University Park exhibition of contributions from the workshop Pieces of Peace.