Taken from Northwestern Exposure Feb/Mar

WHY IS WAR A WOMEN’S ISSUE?
The mission and core purpose of SIA, as stated in the Strategic plan adopted July 6, 2000, is to advance human rights and the status of women. Those concerned about the dignity, equality and the very lives of women and girls around the world need to be vigilant in light of the current world situation:

· War – or even preparing for war – increases violence against women.
Militarism in general dehumanizes the people involved in order to persuade the soldier to kill and maim human beings defined as the “enemy.” This violence finds expression in racism, homophobia, and sexism. Humiliating the enemy often transfers into rape and other forms of torture. If you’re thinking that this only means “over there” consider a recent U.S. Defense Department study of the rise of domestic violence in the US Armed Forces initiated after the murders of several military wives (by their husbands) at Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

· War has devastating effects on human services.
Think “guns vs. butter.” The cost of preparing for war, fighting war, and cleaning up afterward will have dramatic consequences on the priorities of our communities, states and federal government. There are precious few dollars at the local, state and federal level now for human needs and services. In wartime the priority of cruise missiles over child care and nuclear research and development over health care for the 44 million uninsured becomes grim. In addition, the current unemployment crisis can only worsen as funding for non-military services evaporates.

· The aftermath of war impacts women hardest.
Women are the long-term victims of war both during and after the conflict. 80% of the world’s refugees are women and children. And yet women are rarely part of the peace and development process. This is despite UN Security Council Resolution 1325 which requires gender sensitivity in all UN missions including peacekeeping, at all negotiating tables and for the protection of women and girls during armed conflict.

Because women are especially vulnerable to the costs of war, in terms of increased violence and the loss of desperately needed social services, it is vital that we speak out for peace and justice. Soroptimists aim to be a global voice for women through awareness, advocacy and action. Consider becoming more aware and using your voice as an advocate through some of these resources for peace and justice:

· Women’s International League for Peace and Freedom www.wilpf.org
· Women in Black www.scn.org/wibw
· Gather the Women www.gatherthewomen.org
· WomenRise www.womenrise.org
· National Organization for Women www.now.org

Trish Quinland, Legislative Advocacy, Chair