The will of women

Women from different faiths and different European Countries gathered in the past days to reflect upon the different forms of violence and establish a joint commitment in support of oppressed and discriminated minorities. The symposium, held in the town of Rovereto (Italy) past May 22, and was attended by women from over 13 European Countries led to the formation of a European Women of Faith Network, within the World Conference of Religions for Peace. The new Network was officially presented in the framework of the inter-religious gathering on “Shared Values in a Transforming Europe” held May 22-24 in Rovereto and attended by over 250 delegates from 35 European Countries on the invitation of Religions for Peace/Europe and of the ‘Peace Bell’ Foundation. This represents the world’s largest bell made in 1924 on the initiative of Father Antonio Rossaro with the fused iron of World War I cannons as a symbol of brotherhood and peace between Peoples. The purpose. Joint action to counter and combat all forms of violence directed against women and child trafficking, prostitution and for the empowerment of immigrants and minorities in Europe. These are among the goals established by the Women of Faith Network. The Co-coordinators of the new chapter Ravinder Kaur Nijjar, Sikh faithful from Scotland, and Catholic Yolande Iliano, from Beligium, declared that the Network’s purpose is to implement concrete projects which draw inspiration from the human and spiritual values pertaining to the different faiths of Europe in all sectors of society, in the working and personal environments, for the promotion of a spirit of peace, coexistence and security. “Women of peace and faith, who are the first bringers of life and first educators in their respective family units, come together to overcome discriminations and for a greater commitment in the realm of education to peace based on the enhancement of shared spiritual values within our modern societies”, declared Yolande Iliano describing the newly-established Network.For an inclusive Europe. The delegates of the different religious traditions in Europe, Christianity, Bahai, Hinduism, Islam, Judaism, and Sikh stated that they would work together in a spirit of friendship to promote social justice and peace for an inclusive Europe. “Through coordinated strategies and action, women from different cultures and religions will pool resources to achieve results that would be difficult for any single member to accomplish alone”, is written in the preamble of the Network’s statute, which equally underlines “the valuable experiences and resources of women of faith”, whose commitment “can strengthen community-based effective responses for peace and human development”. Great emphasis is given to the question of gender inclusiveness so that ‘women as well as men may equally enhance inter-religious action for peace”, is written in the document. A world Network. The European Woman of Faith Network is part of the Religions for Peace Global Women of Faith Network. The Co-Coordinator of the Religions for Peace Global Women of Faith Network Mehrezia Labidi-Maiza from France said, “women are core to their faith communities but not necessarily seen as religious leaders. We need to validate the important work that women do and be a force for peace in the world”. The Conference of Religions for Peace is accredited to the United Nations. It comprises a World Council of senior religious leaders and more than seventy national inter-religious bodies; and affiliated networks of religious youth and women of faith in six continents. The European Network will: enhance interfaith networking among women of faith in Europe through practical projects such as women trafficking and inter- religious education and promote gender equality and women’s empowerment in multi-religious cooperation for peace.