LIBERIAN WOMEN PEACEMAKERS
Fighting for the Right to be Seen, Heard, and Counted

A Publication of the African Women and Peace Support Group

Women are usually seen as victims of wars, as indeed they are. But they are also peacemakers, so that the riches of their land may be invested in their children's education and health services and in agriculture and industry. In this book, Liberian women and men who were caught in the civil war between 1989 and 2003, tell their own stories of assisting the afflicted, feeding the hungry, pleading with trigger-happy young soldiers to stop the killing, seeking to heal trauma, taking to the streets in protest, and storming peace conferences "to speak plainly and forcefully about the destruction of families, communities and the nation." This book celebrates them.

Women are usually seen as victims of wars, as indeed they are. But they are also peacemakers, so that the riches of their land may be invested in their children's education and health services and in agriculture and industry. In this book, Liberian women and men who were caught in the civil war between 1989 and 2003, tell their own stories of assisting the afflicted, feeding the hungry, pleading with trigger-happy young soldiers to stop the killing, seeking to heal trauma, taking to the streets in protest, and storming peace conferences "to speak plainly and forcefully about the destruction of families, communities and the nation." This book celebrates them.

“This powerful and moving account of the work of Liberian women in trying to bring about peace during Liberia's protracted civil war is a testimony to their great determination and courage. Liberian Women Peacemakers is both a fascinating history of Liberian women's struggle to influence their country's future and a case study of the critical role women can play in conflict resolution and peace-building worldwide. The voices of these committed women must be heard if we are to have sustainable peace."

-Noeleen Heyzer, Executive Director, UNIFEM

ABOUT THE AUTHORS
THE AFRICAN WOMEN AND PEACE SUPPORT GROUP was formed in 1997 to work with African women to document their efforts and increase recognition of their peace initiatives especially among policymakers in various contexts and at all levels. This is the group’s first publication.

CATEGORY
Politics, Current Affairs/AFRICA