WILPF Spain is one of WILPF’s newest and oldest Sections! How? While the Section was originally formed in the 1920s by Spain’s first wave of feminist activists, the Spanish Civil War forced many feminists into exile and put an end to these early efforts.
This article is also available in Spanish. Este artículo también está disponible en español.
In the early 2000s, a member of WILPF Colombia — one of WILPF’s most active Sections — inspired Spanish peace activists Carmen Magallón and Manuela Mesa to explore the idea of re-establishing WILPF Spain. Carmen, Manuela and their colleagues in Spain’s peace research community mobilised to begin planning for the creation of the Section, which formally launched in 2011.
Since its (re-)founding, WILPF Spain has become a small but very active Section driven by a community of dedicated and passionate volunteers.
To learn more about WILPF Spain, its focus areas and its contributions to the global WILPF movement, we spoke with María Villellas Ariño, who was elected President of WILPF Spain in April 2023 after serving as a member since the Section’s first meeting in 2011.
We have several primary focus areas, including disarmament, the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) Agenda and climate justice.
Disarmament is at the core of our mission. Since we were re-established in 2011, we have worked on a number of campaigns related to the arms trade, including our efforts to promote the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW). We also helped establish the presence of the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) in Spain alongside other civil society organisations, and have played an active role in monitoring government actions when it comes to nuclear disarmament.
The WPS Agenda has been another critical focus for WILPF Spain since our founding, which includes monitoring Spain’s National Action Plan on WPS and advocating for its implementation. We also support women peacebuilders globally, engage in grassroots activism and raise awareness about WPS through workshops, exhibitions and public campaigns.
Climate justice has been a growing priority for us in recent years as the climate crisis deepens. Right now, we are active in advocating for the adoption of the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, including by participating in international coalitions and hosting webinars. We also work to promote feminist perspectives within environmental movements.
In addition to these priorities, we are also deeply engaged in work related to Palestine and human rights. We are currently collaborating with other peace organisations in Spain to advocate for an end to the arms trade with Israel and support Palestinian feminists and women human rights defenders. We are also very active in peace education, disseminating information about WILPF’s work and contributions throughout its history.
We are very proud to be part of WILPF’s international network. We have particularly strong ties with Sections in Latin America, specifically Colombia, due to our cultural and linguistic connections. We regularly contribute to or help coordinate global campaigns, share knowledge and represent WILPF here in Spain and beyond at every opportunity.
One of the specific ways we contribute to the global WILPF movement is through our efforts to translate content into Spanish to ensure resources are accessible to Spanish-speaking WILPF members and other feminist peace activists in the Global South. In fact, this role is crucial to our identity within the feminist peace movement and something we prioritise.
One of our biggest emerging challenges is the growing influence of the far-right movement, which is being felt by other Sections around the world as well.
Although we have a relatively progressive government in Spain, narratives celebrating militarism are gaining traction and public opinion increasingly supports military spending, especially in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
There has also been an increase in racism toward migrants, which makes our advocacy efforts and messages of peace all the more urgent.
Another big challenge is the difficulty of mobilising younger members. Many young people in Spain today, like elsewhere in the world, are experiencing economic precarity, housing insecurity and a growing sense of disillusionment that can make it difficult to engage in activism.
Finally, I would say our biggest challenge overall is our small size and limited resources. We are almost entirely volunteer driven, which means our work depends heavily on members’ ability to dedicate time outside of their professional and personal commitments, which is not always easy.
To me, feminist peace goes beyond merely the absence of war. It’s a vision of justice in every sense — social, racial, environmental and economic. It’s rooted in the understanding that all human lives are interconnected and that care is fundamental to sustaining life.
Feminist peace draws on the knowledge and resilience of women and marginalised groups, who have historically been at the forefront of building communities and resisting violence. It’s also about challenging militaristic ideologies that prioritise destruction over care.
Feminist peace means dismantling systems of oppression and creating spaces where everyone can thrive. It’s a hopeful vision that drives our ongoing commitment to the movement.
I am hopeful for the future because I believe in the strength of feminist movements. While the challenges we face are significant, from the climate crisis to wars to economic instability, we have the tools and the vision to create a better world.
Feminist peace is about valuing life and interdependence, and I believe these principles can guide us toward a more just and sustainable future.
WILPF Spain is a small but passionate Section! We are proud to contribute to WILPF’s international movement, working tirelessly to advance feminist peace in Spain and beyond.
Thank you, María! You can learn more about WILPF Spain by visiting the Section’s website or you can visit their social media channels on Instagram, Facebook and X (Twitter). Learn more about the global WILPF movement at wilpf.org.
¡WILPF España es una de las Secciones más nuevas y más antiguas de WILPF! ¿Cómo es esto posible? Aunque la Sección se fundó originalmente en la década de 1920 por las primeras activistas feministas de España, la Guerra Civil Española obligó a muchas feministas al exilio y puso fin a estos primeros esfuerzos.
A principios de la década de 2000, una integrante de WILPF Colombia — una de las Secciones más activas de WILPF — inspiró a las activistas por la paz españolas Carmen Magallón y Manuela Mesa a explorar la idea de restablecer WILPF España. Carmen, Manuela y sus colegas en la comunidad de investigación para la paz en España se movilizaron para comenzar a planificar la creación de la Sección, que se lanzó oficialmente en 2011.
Desde su (re)fundación, WILPF España se ha convertido en una Sección pequeña pero muy activa, impulsada por una comunidad de voluntarias comprometidas y apasionadas.
Para conocer más sobre WILPF España, sus áreas de enfoque y sus contribuciones al movimiento global de WILPF, hablamos con María Villellas Ariño, quien fue elegida presidenta de WILPF España en abril de 2023 tras haber sido integrante desde la primera reunión de la Sección en 2011.
Tenemos varias áreas de enfoque principales, que incluyen el desarme, la Agenda de Mujeres, Paz y Seguridad (MPS) y la justicia climática.
El desarme está en el centro de nuestra misión. Desde que nos restablecimos en 2011, hemos trabajado en varias campañas relacionadas con el comercio de armas, incluyendo nuestros esfuerzos para promover el Tratado sobre la Prohibición de las Armas Nucleares (TPAN). También ayudamos a establecer la presencia de la Campaña Internacional para Abolir las Armas Nucleares (ICAN) en España junto con otras organizaciones de la sociedad civil, y hemos desempeñado un papel activo en el monitoreo de las acciones gubernamentales en lo que respecta al desarme nuclear.
La Agenda MPS ha sido otro enfoque crítico para WILPF España desde nuestra fundación, lo que incluye monitorear el Plan de Acción Nacional de España sobre MPS y abogar por su implementación. También apoyamos a mujeres constructoras de paz a nivel mundial, participamos en activismo de base y generamos conciencia sobre la Agenda MPS a través de talleres, exposiciones y campañas públicas.
La justicia climática ha sido una prioridad creciente para nosotras en los últimos años, a medida que la crisis climática se agrava. Actualmente, abogamos por la adopción del Tratado de No Proliferación de los Combustibles Fósiles, participamos en coaliciones internacionales y organizamos seminarios web. También trabajamos para promover perspectivas feministas dentro de los movimientos ambientales.
Además de estas prioridades, también estamos profundamente involucradas en el trabajo relacionado con Palestina y los derechos humanos. Colaboramos con otras organizaciones de paz en España para abogar por el fin del comercio de armas con Israel y apoyar a feministas palestinas y defensoras de derechos humanos. También somos muy activas en la educación para la paz, difundiendo información sobre el trabajo y las contribuciones de WILPF a lo largo de su historia.
Estamos muy orgullosas de formar parte de la red internacional de WILPF. Tenemos vínculos particularmente fuertes con las Secciones de América Latina, especialmente con Colombia, debido a nuestras conexiones culturales y lingüísticas. Contribuimos regularmente a campañas globales, compartimos conocimientos y representamos a WILPF aquí en España y más allá en cada oportunidad.
Una de las formas específicas en las que contribuimos al movimiento global de WILPF es a través de nuestros esfuerzos por traducir contenido al español, para garantizar que los recursos sean accesibles para las integrantes de WILPF de habla hispana y otras activistas feministas por la paz en el Sur Global. De hecho, este rol es crucial para nuestra identidad dentro del movimiento feminista por la paz y es algo que priorizamos.
Uno de nuestros mayores desafíos emergentes es la creciente influencia del movimiento de extrema derecha, un fenómeno que también afecta a otras Secciones en todo el mundo.
Aunque tenemos un gobierno relativamente progresista en España, las narrativas que celebran el militarismo están ganando terreno y la opinión pública apoya cada vez más el gasto militar, especialmente tras la invasión de Ucrania por parte de Rusia.
También ha habido un aumento del racismo hacia las personas migrantes, lo que hace que nuestros esfuerzos de incidencia y nuestros mensajes de paz sean aún más urgentes.
Otro gran desafío es la dificultad para movilizar a integrantes más jóvenes. Muchas personas jóvenes en España, al igual que en otras partes del mundo, están experimentando precariedad económica, inseguridad habitacional y un creciente sentimiento de desilusión que puede dificultar su participación en el activismo.
Finalmente, diría que nuestro mayor desafío general es nuestro pequeño tamaño y los recursos limitados. Dependemos casi por completo del trabajo voluntario, lo que significa que nuestro trabajo depende en gran medida de la capacidad de las integrantes para dedicar tiempo fuera de sus compromisos profesionales y personales, lo cual no siempre es fácil.
Para mí, la paz feminista va más allá de la mera ausencia de guerra. Es una visión de justicia en todos los sentidos: social, racial, ambiental y económica. Se basa en la comprensión de que todas las vidas humanas están interconectadas y que el cuidado es fundamental para sostener la vida.
La paz feminista se nutre del conocimiento y la resiliencia de las mujeres y los grupos marginados, que históricamente han estado al frente de la construcción de comunidades y la resistencia a la violencia. También se trata de desafiar las ideologías militaristas que priorizan la destrucción sobre el cuidado.
La paz feminista significa desmantelar sistemas de opresión y crear espacios donde todas las personas puedan prosperar. Es una visión esperanzadora que impulsa nuestro compromiso continuo con el movimiento.
Sí, tengo esperanza en el futuro porque creo en la fuerza de los movimientos feministas. Aunque los desafíos que enfrentamos son significativos, desde la crisis climática hasta las guerras y la inestabilidad económica, tenemos las herramientas y la visión para crear un mundo mejor.
La paz feminista valora la vida y la interdependencia, y creo que estos principios pueden guiarnos hacia un futuro más justo y sostenible.
¡WILPF España es una Sección pequeña pero apasionada! Estamos orgullosas de contribuir al movimiento internacional de WILPF, trabajando incansablemente para promover la paz feminista en España y más allá.
Gracias, María. Puede obtener más información sobre WILPF España visitando el sitio web de la Sección. Descubra más sobre el movimiento global de WILPF en wilpf.org.
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 (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 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.
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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 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.
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.
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.
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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.
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.
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.
