"The education and empowerment of women throughout the world cannot fail to result in a more caring, tolerant, just and peaceful life for all." - Aung San Suu Kyi, Nobel Peace Prize Winner and Burmese Leader
It is often cited that women in conflict areas are disproportionately affected by violence. They are targets for sexual violence and are often left taking care of extended family if their husband or parents are killed by war. This is true and tragic. However, it is also women who are powerful leaders for peace. Driven by a strong desire to see their family and community thrive, women are agents of change at all levels of society. I know this is true in the Play for Peace community where the majority of our members are women. When I think of strong women who have faced adversity and chosen to work for peace, I think of my staff; Imroz, Maria, and Amanda.
Our volunteer staff also includes talented women from around the world; artists like Deanna and Lorna, seasoned professionals like Anu and Lisa, or professionals just starting like Maggie and Palak. I think of my Board directors Lisa and Janet who have created their space in the business and artistic worlds. I think of supporters Sally and Barbara, who not only support Play for Peace, but also other women's and teen groups as well. These women often juggle work, family, and volunteering in a delicate but inspiring balance. On the ground, our trainers such as Swati, Jean, and Sarah travel to remote areas and bring Play for Peace to the world. Dian from Indonesia is blazing trails in research, Liv faces extreme insecurity in Mexico, Jes in Denver who has so much love for her work with teens. I'm inspired by Riya in South Sudan who lives in a beautiful country only recently born out of war. I think of young adults such as Neelam in India and Flor in Guatemala who are breaking down barriers and stereotypes.
The strong women's leadership in Play for Peace ensures we always have to present the importance of education and empowerment of girls and women. By focusing on inclusion and cooperation as key components of our Practice Peace Sessions, space is created and held for young girls to have a voice, companionship, and fun in a group setting. This is an experience they don't always have access to at home, in school, or sports.
Young women youth facilitators are given training, not just in the theory of leadership, but real leadership experience in their community. New doors of opportunity including networks of support and respect from their peers and elders often come with this experience. Girls and young women take their Play for Peace experience, confidence, and skills with them for the rest of their lives. There are too many inspirational women in our community to mention every one of them in this blog, but we are here, we are strong and we are changing the world.
