International Women’s Day for Peace, Disarmament: Lawyer Tasks Women On Peaceful Living

A member of the African Women Lawyers Association (AWLA), Ms Funmi Adeogun, has urged women to promote peace in society, as the world marks International Women’s Day for Peace and Disarmament (IWDPD).

Adeogun, who made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Lagos on Tuesday, said “women are natural bridge builders.”

NAN reports that the day, annually marked on May 24, was established in 1982 by anti-militarist women in Europe who came together to protest against nuclear weapons and the arms race.

This was when the Greenham Common Women’s Peace Camp was in place to protest against American nuclear cruise missiles being deployed at the Royal Air Force base in Greenham Common, 80 kilometres west of London.

It is also a day to celebrate the historic and current efforts by women working for a just and peaceful world and for disarmament and commemorate the violence suffered by women in armed conflicts and post-conflict situations.

The AWLA member, therefore, urged women to foster peace not just in the home, but in society and around their environment.

According to Adeogun, the international day is to raise awareness on the need to reject violence as a solution to any challenges, whether globally or locally.

She added that “just as the name implies, it is a day where all are expected to sheath their swords and say no to all forms of violence and embrace peace.

“Women are natural bridge builders and so, this day typifies their love for peace and tranquility, both in the home, the society and the world in general.

“Therefore, I urge us all as women to continually embrace and foster peace in our various environments .

“Women remain vital elements in promoting and sustaining peace; wherever there is peace, there is a woman.”

(NAN)