Page 40 - IB FEB 2017

SEPTEMBER 21 is

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PEACE

Vanessa Haleta Sharon Bhagwan Rolls Josephine Teakeni
Talitha Project, Tonga GPPAC Chair Vois Blong Mere Solomons
“We have to move past the “If we are to truly realise a shift Solomon Islands
notion of security that focus on from reaction to prevention we “When women are able to
military purposes. We also have need to ensure women are included participate in incoming generating
to move away from the ‘norm’ from the outset and resourced to activities that will enable them to
that it is all about the safety of work at all levels – from the local maintain their economic security,
the any countries from oppression to regional and inter-governmental to put food at the table at dinner
- it about the security of the spaces.” time, when their children are able
individual’s protection and our to access quality education… this is
dignity.” peace.”

Sabrina Rasu Fane Boseiwaqa Ethel Suri
Vanuatu Young Women for Change femLINKpacific, Fiji Pacific Conference of Churches
“Women and girls from a remote “The use of our community media “The prevention of conflicts is very
island can’t be really secured such as community radio serves important for peaceful families,
socially unless they access the as an important tool for women as communities and nations. When
education they need, enough food this channels information across issues of food, environmental,
and clean and safe water and they to the local and national level - to health and political security are
must access to contraceptives have their voices documented. taken seriously by states - its
which is free of charge - there must When women are represented and people must be empowered
be good integration like peace and participating, this brings changes to be able to participate in
security must be integrated with in the lives of the community and decision making spaces that will
health, education, agriculture.” will promote sustainable peace and contribute to peace building efforts
development in the community and peacefully.”
country.”

GPPAC Pacific works to foster collaboration on gender, preventive action and
human security in peace and security forums in the Pacific Island region. As a
network of diverse Pacific peacebuilders, activists and practitioners and will
work together to develop a gender inclusive regional early warning and early
response framework with human security and protection indicators to prevent the
resurgence of conflicts by enhancing conflict analysis and communication systems
and contribute to a resilient and inclusive regional peacebuilding architecture
40 Islands Business, July 2016