Introducing the Colectivo de Mujeres Pazificas (Champion programme)

They come from all walks of life. Female academics, business leaders, NGO heads, students, some powerful in the community, others ordinary workers, mothers and housewives.

Colombia…and the bloody and sadistic conflict between guerillas, paramilitaries and government troops remains as violent as ever. Talks in 2002 broke up in a climate of mistrust and recrimination, and the cycle of violence, murder and kidnapping relentlessly turns. In Cali, the country’s third largest city, women began to question why they weren’t given an effective voice in those talks…

“We stand for a world without weapons, a world without war and a world without hate”

The Colectivo de Mujeres Pazificas [Peaceful Women of Cali] push for the participation of women in peace negotiations and promote the inclusion of women’s issues on the agenda. They are constantly looking for ways to take the message to a wider audience – including, when political circumstances allow, talking to female guerrilla leaders.

Now they need your help…

They’ve set up a Women’s Peace School. It gives 50 influential women from all sections of Cali society a chance to learn about and debate non-violent resistance, ways of influencing policy on human rights, and how to protect women from violence. They spread the message into all sections of the community.

They know that at some point the opportunity for talks will come again. And when it does they are determined to be ready.

Support the Women's Peace School by becoming a Champion. You'll hear about their work and be able to send messages of support back to them.

Click here to donate today

Peace Direct is a Registered Charity, Number 1123241