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| Colombian Women's Forum - Oct 22 |
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| The banner for the "Consenso de Mujeres Colombianas
del Barco de la Paz" adorning a wall in Arroyo de Piedra village,
Colombia |
A movement is growing in Colombia, swelled by the
voices of women from all political and cultural spheres, demanding
that women become involved in the political process to resolve the
violent conflict ravaging the lives of citizens. Recognising a need
to create a neutral space where women could come together to discuss
the causes of conflict and its resolution, the "Consensus of Colombian
Women" held its first forum onboard Peace Boat last year. Remaining
anonymous to protect themselves from reprisals on return to Colombia,
members of the second forum included individuals from the government,
NGOs, armed groups, trade unions, civil associations, indigenous tribes
and victims of abduction and violence. Presenting their work to Peace
Boat participants, representatives stressed the socio-economic roots
of the conflict and shared their plans to present a series of proposals
to the government concerning anti-impoverishment measures, the bringing
of war criminals to justice and reinforcement of social equality.
The women, who continued onboard discussions started in Cuba, stressed
the importance of dialogue and their devotion to the cause of peace,
while accepting the difficulty of diverse and opposing groups reaching
a consensus. They also called for international pressure to end the
violence and drug-trafficking and spoke of the importance of international
support and recognition of their struggle. |
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| Peace Boat's
39th Voyage index |
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PEACE BOAT is an NGO in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations. |
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