The Women’s Peace Table was created in the spirit U.N. Security Council Resolution 1325. Expanding on the Platform for Action that was established in Beijing in 1995, our goal is to weave the priorities of diverse women's organizations and communities across the U.S. into a single harmonized agenda for action: a prioritized list of policy changes and good practices that will prevent the U.S. from initiating and fueling future armed conflicts. Throughout the history of WILPF, the women in our organization have worked to create an environment of political, economic, social and psychological freedom for all members of the human community, so that true peace can be enjoyed by all. It is important that WILPF's efforts to be aligned with those of other women's organizations and communities so that U.S. women can develop a proactive peace movement that is resilient and unstoppable.

A harmonized women's policy agenda is the first step to intervene —strategically, effectively and systematically —in the negotiations that will set policies shaping the demobilization of U.S.troops in Iraq; UN resolutions and official statements shaping encounters with Iran and Syria; and our national budget. A harmonized agenda will be a tool and touchstone for elected officials, government appointees, and career public servants, if there are millions of women behind it!

We ask that sympathetic women everywhere convene these peace tables in their communities and in the organizations to which they already belong, using the format described in the materials provided below, adapted as necessary to fit the occasion. Send us your outcome document, or just your newsprint notes. The Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom, U.S. Section, will begin to analyze and harmonize these documents using a transparent and accountable process.

"Women are more likely to make an impact on negotiations when they convene as a constituency of women with a common agenda for peace" --Securing the Peace, UNIFEM 2005

Even as Congress debates exit strategies for Iraq, U.S. women hold the keys to preventing war. Women's political empowerment and the protection of women's human rights are the cornerstones of sustainable peace. By acting together in solidarity, we can prevent future wars. You are invited host a facilitated peace table discussion, where we will collectively envision a bold set of policies for the role of women in preventing future wars and in protecting human rights

Table of Contents

Introduction to Toolkit/Cover Sheet

Table of Contents

Customizable Flyer
Customize this flyer for your event! If you would like the print version, let us know and we will fill in the information for you. Copies included in print version.

A Guide for Facilitators
A tool to help facilitators

Coordinated Strategy Activity
Background information on the Peace Tables

Customizing your Toolkit
To assist you in planning activities for your discussions

Detailed Agenda
Outline of your discussion

Issue Briefs
Compiled agendas of WILPF campaigns and issues

Resource Sheet for Discussions
An exercise reflecting on conflict prevention

Annotated Security Council Resolution 1325
Report by UNIFEM to guide you in your discussion

MADRE Report
Report on the gender-based violence in Iraq since the US-led invasion. Read background on report here.

Women Engaging Globally
A fact sheet designed by WEDO on SCR 1325

CODEPINK Report
Briefing on the Iraqi women under siege

Sign Up Sheet

Sample Event Agenda

Download the entire toolkit as a compressed folder

Multimedia Tools for Your Roundtable

To Empower Women: The U.N. Women's Conference, Beijing China

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Description: Women at the Fourth U.N. World Conference on Women in Beijing, China 1995 tell about the need for economic development, education of girls and women, women's rights as human rights, reparation for comfort women survivors, trafficking in women, and the need for peace. Women were from Zimbabwe, Germany, Papua New Guinea, Iran, the Philippines, Israel, the Solomon Islands, and the United States. Feminists movingly tell of actions they are taking to address the problems of women in their countries and world wide. The late Bella Abzug, Congresswoman from New York, narrates. Feminism is alive and well. Margot Smith, Videomaker. www.offcentervideo.com. OffCenterVideo@aol.com

Reversing the Ripples of War

An unflinching fusion of poetry, spoken word, soulful music and personal testimony that exposes the cruelty of armed conflict and showcases the undeniable heroism of women peacemakers that are Reversing the Ripples of War.

This documentary is the third installment in the Leading the Way to Peace documentary series and features 4 women peacemakers from Uganda (Sister Pauline Acayo), Cambodia (Thavory Huot), Zimbabwe (Emmaculetta Chiseya) and the Phillippines (Mary Ann Arnado).

Watch video online or click here to download (right click and choose "Save Link as ...")