Inaugural Seminar – Women of Faith as Agents of Peace

Global Women of Faith Network

Religion, Women and Peacebuilding – This seminar was the first in an open series designed to connect multiple stakeholders with women of faith engaged in concrete projects on the ground.

Religious communities working together can be effective agents of building durable peace, protecting the earth and promoting just and harmonious societies. They have moral assets that can address the realities of violence and social assets to mobilize public action; they have durable presence and great reach at all levels of society. Particularly in situations of violence and impunity, multi-religious cooperation can create an environment for solidarity among religious leaders when political forces threaten to co-opt or divide religious groups.

But as religious peacebuilding gains prominence, the recognition of the roles and capacities of religious women (women of faith) as agents of peace is lacking.

Women of faith also lack sufficient knowledge and information on international peacebuilding mechanisms, policies and processes.

The Religions for Peace Global Women of Faith Network, in collaboration with United Nations Women, Princeton University Office for Religious Life, Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, The Ford Foundation, The Salvation Army International Social Justice Commission, The Committee of Religious NGOs at the United Nations and The Institute for Global Engagement, launched an ongoing seminar series on “Religion, Women and Peacebuilding” on Tuesday December 6th 2011 at the Church Center for the United Nations, New York. The theme of the inaugural seminar was “women of faith as agents of peace”.

The seminar aimed at:

  • Increasing knowledge of religious individuals, FBOs, as well as other seminar participants in matters relating to women, religion and peacebuilding.
  • Familiarizing seminar participants familiar with the UN Security Council Resolution 1325 and other relevant themes and policies, as they intercept with religion, women and peace.
  • Providing a forum for multi-sector partners to share good practices, working models and engaging in dialogue on religion, women and peace.

Religion, Women and Peacebuilding Seminar

The Seminar promoted the strategic engagement of women of faith as agents of peace and security within the framework of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325, and the UN Peacebuilding Commission.

Working papers generated from this seminar are designed to harvest and animate good practices of women of faith in peacebuilding around the world and link women of faith peacebuilding efforts on the ground.

The seminar report may be downloaded here (PDF)

The next seminar will be held on April 23rd 2012, at 777 United Nations Plaza. As recommended by participants in the last seminar, the theme for the next seminar will be Religion, Security and Violence Prevention. The seminar will include panel discussions, testimonials, reflections based on select documentary, group discussions, and a mini training. A detailed program will be sent to you in a few days. Registration for this seminar will open-up online in a few days as well.

We look forward to working with you again soon.

In Peace,
Jacqueline Ogega
Director, Women’s Mobilization Program

RELIGIONS FOR PEACE—the world’s largest and most representative multi-religious coalition—advances common action among the world’s religious communities for peace. Religions for Peace works to transform violent conflict, advance human development, promote just and harmonious societies, and protect the earth. The global Religions for Peace network comprises a World Council of senior religious leaders from all regions of the world; six regional inter-religious bodies and more than eighty national ones; and the Global Women of Faith Network and Global Interfaith Youth Network.

777 United Nations Plaza | New York, NY 10017 USA | Tel: +1 212-687-2163 | Fax: +1 212-983-0098 | www.religionsforpeace.org