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Peace has no race: Embracing Diversity on International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination

This International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, Young WILPF champions the theme “Peace Has No Race.” Join us in affirming that peace transcends racial boundaries as we unite in our collective pursuit of peace and equality for all.

Image credit: Young WILPF
  • 2 min
Young WILPF Network
21 March 2024

In a world often divided by boundaries of race, ethnicity, and nationality, the pursuit of peace stands as a universal endeavour that transcends such divisions. The Young WILPF Network is thrilled to announce the “Peace Has No Race,” a rallying call for unity, solidarity, and the recognition of the inherent dignity and worth of all individuals, regardless of their background.

The essence of this campaign lies in its acknowledgment that peace is a collective effort that involves people from all walks of life. It highlights the fact that every individual, irrespective of their race, ethnicity, or cultural background, has the right to live in a world free from violence, conflict, and discrimination.

At its core, this campaign seeks to challenge stereotypes, combat prejudice, and promote inclusivity within the peace movement. It encourages dialogue, understanding, and collaboration among diverse communities to foster a culture of peace that celebrates our differences and embraces our shared humanity.

Through various initiatives, events, and advocacy efforts, Young WILPF aims to raise awareness about the intersectionality of peace and racial justice. We recognise that systemic inequalities and injustices disproportionately affect marginalised communities, and we are committed to addressing these issues as integral parts of our broader peace-building agenda.

By amplifying the voices of those often marginalised in discussions on peace and security, we strive to create a more equitable and inclusive world where everyone’s rights are respected and protected. Through education, activism, and grassroots mobilisation, we aim to dismantle structures of oppression and build a more just and peaceful society for all.

Join us in our journey towards a world where peace knows no boundaries of race, where diversity is celebrated, and where every individual has the opportunity to thrive in a climate of equality and justice. Together, let us work towards a future where the colors of our skin are no longer barriers to peace, but rather threads that weave together the fabric of a harmonious and inclusive world.

Scroll through a series of testimonials from WILPF and Young WILPF members below:

“On this crucial celebration, I stand with the Young WILPF Network committed to the principle that ‘Peace Has No Race’. As we reflect on the persistent scourge of racial prejudice and discrimination, this campaign reflects the energy, the optimism, and activism of WILPF: our diversity is not only our strength but also an essential component of building lasting peace. Today we reaffirm our dedication to fostering inclusivity and solidarity. Together, let’s create a world where each individual is valued and respected.”
Sylvie Jacqueline Ndongmo, WILPF International President
“There is no peace if it is not peace for all hence peace knows no race. The foundation and fundamentals to peace are non-discrimination, equality and justice.”
Edwick Madzimure, Africa Alternate Regional Representative
“The idea that peace has no race means that peace should be accessible to and embraced by all individuals, regardless of their race, ethnicity, or background. It means recognising that the desire for peace and harmony is a universal human value that transcends any superficial differences. In order to create a more peaceful world without discrimination, I believe we need to take a multi-faceted approach. Firstly, we must prioritise education and awareness-building around issues of race, privilege, and discrimination. This includes teaching the history of systemic racism and its impacts, as well as promoting empathy and understanding across different communities. Additionally, we must actively work to dismantle systems and structures that perpetuate discrimination and inequality, whether it be through policy changes, advocating for marginalised communities, or holding individuals and institutions accountable for their discriminatory actions. Building relationships and fostering connections across different racial and ethnic groups is also crucial in breaking down barriers and promoting a sense of unity and solidarity. This can involve promoting dialogue, collaboration, and mutual understanding between communities, as well as creating spaces for individuals to learn from and support one another. Overall, creating a more peaceful world without discrimination requires a collective effort and commitment to fostering inclusivity, empathy, and justice for all individuals, regardless of their race or background.”
Khatera, Young Activist
“Living in more peaceful societies means embarking on a path against racism and the culture of violence, to build policies of peace, human rights, non-violence, social justice and welcome. Peace is a right we all have based on the simple fact that we are all born on the same planet and with the same rights.”
Marta Durin, Campaign and Communication Co-coordinator, Young WILPF Network
“Discrimination is a complex and persistent problem that affects many people around the world. Discrimination is not inevitable, and it can be challenged and changed. As members of a worldwide movement, we have the power to drive systemic change and race-conscious leadership. Let’s change the narrative! Peace has no race! Peace is blind.”
Pauline Masylgeline Mbong, Campaign and Communication Co-coordinator, Young WILPF Network
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Young WILPF Network

Young WILPF Network is a global platform that unites individuals from different backgrounds under the age of 35, to create a powerful voice for peace, justice, and gender equality. In a world that yearns for transformation, the energy and perspective of young activists are indispensable. The Young WILPF Network celebrates the vital role that youth engagement plays in advancing peace and justice.

Matt Mahmoudi

Matt Mahmoudi (he/him) is a lecturer, researcher, and organizer. He’s been leading the “Ban the Scan” campaign, Amnesty International’s research and advocacy efforts on banning facial recognition technologies and exposing their uses against racialized communities, from New York City to the occupied Palestinian territories.

Berit Aasen

Europe Alternate Regional Representative

Berit Aasen is a sociologist by training and has worked at the OsloMet Metropolitan University on Oslo. She has 40 years of experience in research and consultancy in development studies, including women, peace, and security, and in later years in asylum and refugee studies. Berit Aasen joined WILPF Norway five years ago. She is an alternate member of the National Board of WILPF Norway, and representing WILPF Norway in the UN Association of Norway, the Norwegian 1325 network and the Norwegian Women’s Lobby. Berit Aasen has been active in the WILPF European Liaison group and is committed to strengthening WILPF sections and membership both in Europe and relations across continents.

Your donation isn’t just a financial transaction; it’s a step toward a more compassionate and equitable world. With your support, we’re poised to achieve lasting change that echoes through generations. Thank you!

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Melissa Torres

VICE-PRESIDENT

Prior to being elected Vice-President, Melissa Torres was the WILPF US International Board Member from 2015 to 2018. Melissa joined WILPF in 2011 when she was selected as a Delegate to the Commission on the Status of Women as part of the WILPF US’ Practicum in Advocacy Programme at the United Nations, which she later led. She holds a PhD in Social Work and is a professor and Global Health Scholar at Baylor College of Medicine and research lead at BCM Anti-Human Trafficking Program. Of Mexican descent and a native of the US/Mexico border, Melissa is mostly concerned with the protection of displaced Latinxs in the Americas. Her work includes training, research, and service provision with the American Red Cross, the National Human Trafficking Training and Technical Assistance Centre, and refugee resettlement programs in the U.S. Some of her goals as Vice-President are to highlight intersectionality and increase diversity by fostering inclusive spaces for mentorship and leadership. She also contributes to WILPF’s emerging work on the topic of displacement and migration.

Jamila Afghani

VICE-PRESIDENT

Jamila Afghani is the President of WILPF Afghanistan which she started in 2015. She is also an active member and founder of several organisations including the Noor Educational and Capacity Development Organisation (NECDO). Elected in 2018 as South Asia Regional Representative to WILPF’s International Board, WILPF benefits from Jamila’s work experience in education, migration, gender, including gender-based violence and democratic governance in post-conflict and transitional countries.

A woman in a blue, black, and white dress smiles radiantly in front of a leafy green background.

Sylvie Jacqueline Ndongmo

PRESIDENT

Sylvie Jacqueline NDONGMO is a human rights and peace leader with over 27 years experience including ten within WILPF. She has a multi-disciplinary background with a track record of multiple socio-economic development projects implemented to improve policies, practices and peace-oriented actions. Sylvie is the founder of WILPF Cameroon and was the Section’s president until 2022. She co-coordinated the African Working Group before her election as Africa Representative to WILPF’s International Board in 2018. A teacher by profession and an African Union Trainer in peace support operations, Sylvie has extensive experience advocating for the political and social rights of women in Africa and worldwide.

WILPF Afghanistan

In response to the takeover of Afghanistan by the Taliban and its targeted attacks on civil society members, WILPF Afghanistan issued several statements calling on the international community to stand in solidarity with Afghan people and ensure that their rights be upheld, including access to aid. The Section also published 100 Untold Stories of War and Peace, a compilation of true stories that highlight the effects of war and militarisation on the region. 

IPB Congress Barcelona

WILPF Germany (+Young WILPF network), WILPF Spain and MENA Regional Representative

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Demilitarisation

WILPF uses feminist analysis to argue that militarisation is a counter-productive and ill-conceived response to establishing security in the world. The more society becomes militarised, the more violence and injustice are likely to grow locally and worldwide.

Sixteen states are believed to have supplied weapons to Afghanistan from 2001 to 2020 with the US supplying 74 % of weapons, followed by Russia. Much of this equipment was left behind by the US military and is being used to inflate Taliban’s arsenal. WILPF is calling for better oversight on arms movement, for compensating affected Afghan people and for an end to all militarised systems.

Militarised masculinity

Mobilising men and boys around feminist peace has been one way of deconstructing and redefining masculinities. WILPF shares a feminist analysis on the links between militarism, masculinities, peace and security. We explore opportunities for strengthening activists’ action to build equal partnerships among women and men for gender equality.

WILPF has been working on challenging the prevailing notion of masculinity based on men’s physical and social superiority to, and dominance of, women in Afghanistan. It recognizes that these notions are not representative of all Afghan men, contrary to the publicly prevailing notion.

Feminist peace​

In WILPF’s view, any process towards establishing peace that has not been partly designed by women remains deficient. Beyond bringing perspectives that encapsulate the views of half of the society and unlike the men only designed processes, women’s true and meaningful participation allows the situation to improve.

In Afghanistan, WILPF has been demanding that women occupy the front seats at the negotiating tables. The experience of the past 20 has shown that women’s presence produces more sustainable solutions when they are empowered and enabled to play a role.