Official release: Leaders from Sri Lanka, Congo, Iran and more to lead "Voices Of Peace: In Conversation With Women In Conflict"

Posted by CODEPINK Staff

WHAT:  "Voices of Peace" panel discussion, presented by CODEPINK Women for Peace
WHEN: 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. May 8
WHERE: Eatonville restaurant, 2121 14th St. NW, D.C.

WASHINGTON -- In Congo, Sri Lanka, Iran, Syria and other countries wracked by war and political turmoil, women play a vital role in rebuilding society, stabilizing families, strengthening the work force and pressuring their governments for change.

In a rare and powerful dynamic conversation at 7:30 p.m. here at the new Eatonville restaurant, a handful of women leaders from these countries will discuss their experiences organizing in their communities and explore how women can affect new social and government policy.

Farreh Hassen, Middle East policy expert and fellow at Washington's Institute for Policy Studies, Simin Royanian, co-founder of Women for Peace and Justice in Iran, Rosha Hebsur with People for Equality and Relief in Lanka (PEARL), Alma AbdulHadi, president and managing director of the woman-owned law firm Kommon Denominator, Inc., and Nita Evele, an activist from the Democratic Republic of Congo, will also discuss conflict and its effects, U.S. foreign policy and the power of taking action in local communities. (Visit here for panelist bios).

"We're thrilled to have these incredible women leading us in a first-hand conversation on the enormous role women play in holding societies together through war, and how women must be at the table in negotiating foreign policy and peace," said Blaine Clarke, co-coordinator of the event. "In the spirit of the original call to Mother's Day, which called on mothers to tell their sons to stop war, we'll explore how women can work to create peace."

The event precludes CODEPINK's 24-hour Mother's Day vigil to be held from 1 p.m. Saturday, May 9 to 1 p.m Sunday, May 10 in Lafayette Park across the street from the White House, an event that will include creative workshops, face-painting and entertainment, a show from the famous clown Patch Adams, live music, an interfaith service and speeches by Afghan, Iranian and Iraqi women.

For more information, please contact Jean Stevens, CODEPINK media coordinator, at 508-769-2138 or
Blaine Clarke, CODEPINK D.C., at 757-870-0691.