News
WILPF is showing its support and solidarity to the US flotilla travelling to Gaza. Specifically, WILPF would like to pay tribute to those who are on the flotilla and in particular to Hedy Epstein (87), the oldest member of the flotilla travelers. She is a WILPF member, holocaust survivor from St. Louis, MO. Others include; Alice Walker, Kathy Kelly, Medea Benjamin, and Ann Wright.
WILPF should give them every support in all ways open to us. Lobby your government, write directly to the Greek embassy in your country, get information into the media. Those on the flotilla should know that we are watching and supporting them in all ways possible.
The latest information and updates about the US boat Audacity of Hope, including a call for joint public action, can be found here.
Flotilla-member Alice Walker is documenting the current events through essays and poems which can be found on the following website.
Events
On July 30 until August 6 2011, WILPF Congress will be gathering in San José, Costa Rica
In 1915, at the height of the First World War, 1300 women from a wide range of countries and cultures came together in the Hague, brought together by a mutual horror of the consequences of war and a desire to live in peace. They formed the International Congress of Women to study, make known and eliminate the causes of war. Now known as the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom, the group continues to work for peace by pushing an agenda of disarmament and increased inclusion of women in all decision-making aspects of peace and security. In 2015 we will meet in Hague again, to celebrate our 100th Anniversary. For us to be able to have a real celebration, we need to work hard in the years to come.
The program of the Congress can be found here
If you would like to follow this year's international Congress, check out the blog, here
For questions, please contact the coordinator of the conference at congress@wilpf.ch