Author: Radhika Coomaraswamy
Dilrukshi Fonseka/
Editor(s): Radhika Coomaraswamy / Dilrukshi Fonseka
Publisher: Kali/Women Unlimited
Year: 2004
Language: English
Pages: 278
ISBN/UPC (if available): 8188965081
Description
It is now widely recognized that women are uniquely affected by war and violence-their traditional role as nurturers of the family suffers strain; their bodies become sites for the expression of hatred and revenge; their subordinate positions in everyday life render them especially vulnerable. Increasingly, women are also drawn into conflict as active participants-as soldiers in war, as guerillas in subversive movements.
In post-conflict scenarios, however, the presence of women is almost negligible. In negotiating peace settlements, in drafting constitutions and in working for peace between conflicting groups, men far out-number women. The papers in this volume explore the multiple ways in which women relate with war and peace, assessing their participation and unraveling their potential for shaping a more stable and peaceful social structure. Taking cognizance of the large number of civilian victims of modern-day conflicts, the essays throw light on the questioning of status quo that is often most acute in times of conflict.
This volume addresses the need to understand both the in-depth reality of each particular conflict site-Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Japan, Ireland, Yugoslavia, South Africa, the Indian subcontinent- and also the experiences of women peace-workers across these different sites in a comparative perspective. While discussing the diverse strategies used by peace-workers and their relative success of failure, it also underlines the importance of women’s participation in forging partnerships for a lasting peace.
Contents
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
INTRODUCTION
Radhika Coomaraswamy & Dilrukshi Fonseka
Ter-Reign of Terror: 11 September and Its Aftermath
RUBINA SAIGOL
Peace, Human Rights and Women’s Peace Activism: Feminist readings
CHARLOTTE BUNCH
Doing Peace: Women Resist Daily Battle in south Asia
RITU MENON
Comparative Feminist Perspectives: Sri Lanka and the Post-Yugoslav States
WENONA GILES
Women Address the Problems of Peace Agreements
CHRISTINE BELL
Women, Peace Processes and Constitution-Building
CARMEL ROULSTON
Making Constitutions: Including women
CHERYL SAUNDERS
Engendering the Constitution-Making Process
RADHIKA COOMARASWAMY
Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Rehabilitation
CHRISTINE CHINKIN
Justice for the Former Comfort Women
INDAI LOURDES SAJOR
Truth and Reconciliation: Engaging State and Society in South Africa
SHEILA MEINTJES
CONTRIBUTORS