Women, Peace and Security

Did you know that during World War II, the Japanese government systematically conscripted into “sex servitude” an estimated 300,000 poor and impoverished Taiwanese, Korean and other women through deception, abduction, and violence? If not, you are not alone; the existence of these sex slaves was only uncovered in 1992 when incriminating telegrams were discovered in the files of Japan's Defense...

The group volunteer project will be held in Amman before the Region 9 Meeting on December 3-4, with follow up on December 7. The project will involve painting, cleaning and organizing the community center of Collateral Repair Project (CRP),http://www.collateralrepairproject.org/, a small grassroots non-profit that supports refugees. Volunteers will work side-by-side with members of the refugee community and will be asked...

Mercy Corps http://www.mercycorps.org/ 

This international aid organization is providing humanitarian relief to Syrian refugees in Lebanon, Iraq and Jordan. 

International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) http://www.icrc.org/eng/ 

The ICRC provides water, food, medical materials and other essential items to Syrian refugees.

Save the Children http://www.savethechildren.org/ 

This organization is providing an array of services to young refugees in Iraq, Egypt, Jordan and Lebanon,

The Human Rights Team has identified groups of refugee women now in Amman, Jordan, who are seeking economic empowerment through handicraft projects, including traditional Palestinian cross-stitching, crochet, felt work and sewing. The Team invites FAWCO clubs to collect and donate the following items to assist these women: cotton embroidery thread, small mesh cross-stitch canvas, crochet thread, felt, fabric (including large...

Region 9 is holding its 2014 regional meeting in  December (contact for details) in Amman, Jordan in conjunction with a regional project to assist refugees in Jordan. Attendees will be invited to collect and transport, through club or personal initiatives, donations of clothing, shoes, small toys, abayas and small household items to be given to various groups...

by Therese Hartwell, Peace and Conflict Committee

Another encouraging development regarding women and conflict involves the formation of organizations to promote the development of women leaders. While war creates tremendous challenges for women and girls, the aftermath of war can create unique opportunities for females to take a greater role in their society. One shining example is Rwanda, a country...