Women’s peace movements have always been labeled naïve. Until they’re proven right.
The women who organized against nuclear weapons in the 80s were mocked. Then their proposals became official policy.
The Madres de Plaza de Mayo (Mothers of the Plaza de Mayo) brought Argentina’s military repression to an end.
The Women’s League for Peace and Freedom gave us the ideas that led to the UN and a century of peace. History vindicates the peacemakers.
That’s why I was so excited to talk with Lorissa Rinehart, author of Winning the Earthquake, about the history of women’s courageous movements for peace around the world and what guidance they offer today.
Have a listen, and let’s strategize.
Some key takeaways:
Why stopping invasions in blatant violation of international law is a feminst issue.
World War 2 didn’t happen all at once—the violence built up step by step, and at every stage there were paths to peace not taken. Feminists were there, offering alternatives, but they were ignored. We can’t let that happen again.
We need a global women’s strike for peace—one day of solidarity globally.
As Lorissa pointed out, this is going to require sacrifice. I have so many things I would rather be doing than fighting for basic principles of international law settled more than a century ago, and I know you do too. But I believe this is a moment our grandchildren will ask about. They’ll want to know, what did we do?
