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Celebrating Feminists’ Voices, Inspiring Global Peace

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WILPF at 109: Reflections on a Century of Feminist Peace Advocacy 

As WILPF commemorates its 109th anniversary, we reflect on a legacy of resistance and unwavering dedication to feminist peace activism. Despite ongoing conflicts all over the world, WILPF remains steadfast in its commitment to advocating for demilitarisation, gender equality, earth preservation and justice for all. As we honour our past achievements and confront the challenges of today, we invite all to join us in envisioning a future where justice and peace prevail for all.

Image credit: WILPF
  • 3 min
WILPF International Secretariat
28 April 2024

As WILPF marks its 109th anniversary, we find ourselves in a world still grappling with conflicts that fundamentally challenge peace and justice. Significant challenges lie ahead, but WILPF remains steadfast and determined, committed to dismantling the oppressive systems that continue to afflict our society today. 

Over the past year, the ongoing genocide in Palestine casted a dark shadow across the globe. The continued violence and oppression faced by the Palestinian people serve as a reminder of the urgent need for feminist peace activism. We stand in solidarity with all those affected by this atrocity and reaffirm our commitment to advocating for lasting peace and liberation.  

But the struggle for peace extends far beyond Palestine. From Ukraine to Afghanistan, Sudan to Syria, and countless other regions plagued by violence and instability, the need for peace and justice has never been more pressing. Each conflict represents a profound failure of humanity to uphold the principles of equality, justice, and respect for human rights. 

In the face of such adversity, we must ask ourselves: when will it be enough? When will we finally break free from the cycle of violence and build a world where all people can live in dignity and security? These questions weigh heavily on our hearts as we reflect on the past year and look to the future. 

Honouring 109 Years of Advocacy 

Despite the challenges, we draw strength from the unwavering dedication of our members and allies. For 109 years, WILPF has been at the forefront of the movement for feminist peace. We have mobilised alongside our movement of feminist peace activists, joining hands with them, amplifying their voices, and bridging the generational divide in our collective pursuit of a better world. 

As we commemorate this milestone anniversary, we honour the contributions of our membership with a collage that reflects the diversity, passion, and vision of our movement. Each image represents a piece of the puzzle, a fragment of the larger picture we are striving to create—a world that is equal, just, and peaceful for all. 

We also conducted a 5-day countdown featuring messages of resistance and solidarity from WILPF members and staff, reflecting on 109 years of dedicated activism and advocacy. Watch them below. 

Join us in the Journey Towards Lasting Peace 

But our work is far from over. As long as injustice persists, as conflict rages, our mission continues. Join us in standing in solidarity, raising your voice for peace, and building a future where justice and peace are not just aspirations, but realities.  

Thank you for 109 years of unwavering commitment and solidarity. Our movement remains stronger than ever, and together, we strive for a future where peace, equality and freedom prevails. 

Celebrate our 109th anniversary on social media! Follow us, share thoughts with #WILPF109, and spread awareness for women’s rights and lasting peace.  

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WILPF International Secretariat

WILPF International Secretariat, with offices in Geneva and New York, liaises with the International Board and the National Sections and Groups for the implementation of WILPF International Programme, resolutions and policies as adopted by the International Congress. Under the direction of the Secretary-General, the Secretariat also provides support in areas of advocacy, communications, and financial operations.

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!

Thank you!

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.