Korea is a uniquely divided country in the world. It is the last one to be still divided, so peace is the most important issue, especially for women and children.
The dialogue about unification is dominated by men, and there is no room for Track II initiatives. That’s why we held the North East Asian Women’s Peace Conference, our own Six Party Talks from a feminist perspective.I believe that peace between South and North Korea is closely related to peace in the larger North East Asia region. We believe the women’s perspective on life and peace, a tolerance-centered perspective, is the essence of the whole North East Asian peace process.

My friends, I hope you are enjoying your days.

a rotting smell
where the school once stood
a hungry shrill
where the guava tree grew
last night before the earth
ate port-au-prince
a bleeding orphan was
somebody's baby 

& that somebody
was pretty or plain
& that somebody
was saucy or shrinking
& that somebody
made love, made mistakes
& that somebody
ate mosquitoes, chewed cane 

& léogâne
served the lwa, praised the lord
& jacmel
danced well, clapped instead
& carrefour
had a temper, had a gift
& that somebody atop
a mass grave 

knew marie, dieudonne, tantee
knew yves-pierre, jean-jean, timarc
who will christen
those who named us
with intention?
a poet also
died
in the earthquake. 

© 2010 by Lenelle Moïse 
Reproduced with permission
 http://www.lenellemoise.com  

On hearing that an earthquake had destroyed Haiti, I felt indescribable pain. I’m connected to Haiti like a fetus to its mother. The earthquake shattered me into millions of pieces, and now I am trying to focus my energy on exploring ways I can contribute to reconstructing efforts. 

It’s no surprise that this disaster, like so many disasters, has become highly gendered and marked by the divisions of class and age that are intrinsic to Haitian society.  As I grieve, I worry most about the women and children in the newly established camps. I know all too well, after working in conflict and post-conflict countries for the past decade, that rape and other violence against women and children are often endemic in such camps. Not without reason, I fear that relief strategies are being developed with insufficient consideration of this danger.  

Most women in Haiti have suffered some form of violence, and 40% have experienced domestic violence. Sexual abuse of girls is highly common; according to a recent study by leading Haitian women organization, Kay Femm, an astounding 61% of abused victims are younger than eighteen. During the political turmoil that preceded this disaster, rape and other forms of violence against women were already widespread and overlooked. Camps can become breeding grounds for exploitation and abuse unless the Haitian government and the international community implement comprehensive strategies against it. Humanitarian efforts are currently providing food, water, shelter and medical care, but they must incorporate the protection of women and children.  

The women of Haiti are vulnerable, so the children of Haiti are vulnerable. No matter how poor people were before, they’re worse off now, on the streets or in camps with little control over their lives. Most have lost loved ones, and their grief will persist for years.  In rebuilding, I recommend prioritizing the two groups with the most potential to create a stronger Haiti: youth and women. People younger than 35 (70% of Haiti’s population) should be trained to rebuild Haiti. Women, who are the foundation of Haiti and have borne the burden of Haiti’s struggle, need empowerment and protection. This also requires changing the mentality of men and boys and allocating resources to these goals. 

Turning the tide will require profound cultural and political shifts. Is leadership up to the task? I hope so, for there’s no choice. People everywhere are calling for greater accountability from governments. Now, Haitians will demand more from all who claim to help. 

I wonder if this destruction is actually a long-awaited opportunity to reconstruct Haiti from scratch. Haitians will rebuild Haiti, with the support of the international community, which has been so gracious in its response. Perhaps this is the final price the country will pay before reclaiming its glory and ensuring the prosperous future of a brave and courageous people.  I believe it is.

I am a Muslim and a Peace-builder. The two things are in harmony in me, like being a professional and being a mother. 

I grew up in Wajir, in a mixed neighborhood of Christians and Muslims. My role model was my mother's mother, Makka. She was a strict trainer of character. She taught me to be ladylike. "Don't talk and eat." "Don't drag your feet." And so much more! I used to cut hair and fingernails and save the money to buy her a scarf or slippers. In 15 minutes she had given it away. "But I gave it to you, Grandmother!" I would say. And she would reply, “I have given it to a young mother who needs it more than I do, and I have blessed you. May Muslims and Christians be your friends." She lived for societal good; she valued relationships.  

I didn't get it at the time. Ten years later, in 1999, I was working in Birmingham UK. It was a winter day when I ran out of milk for the children and my washing machine broke down. A Christian neighbor, Lenora Wilson, came to my door unexpected. "Do you have any washing? Would you like milk from the supermarket?"  That was the blessing of my grandmother.