General Women, Peace and Security

As the newly established UN WOMEN (The United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women) sets its agenda and strategic direction for women all over the world, young African women (and young Africans in general) are invited to join the historic process to have their realities, ideas and priorities reflected in its first Strategic Plan.

As the youth-led Freedom Movement of 2011 spreads rapidly across the Middle East and around the world, one can only wonder what would be happening in Iraq today if the U.S. had not invaded eight years ago. What does the movement portend for the rights of women in other nations, such as Tunisia and in the United States?

A new report shows gains for women's rights across most of North Africa and the Middle East. But not in Iraq. The country with a large US military presence for so many years is actually backsliding when it comes to overall conditions for women.

When we think of how women's lives have been affected by wars in the course of human history, we often think of them as those left behind. Today, however, they fight on the frontlines, are used as weapons, and live as refugees. This year's 12th annual Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies Colloquium at St. Mary's College of Maryland March 22-24 will focus on women as participants in, victims of, and rationales for war.

This past Tuesday was the 100th anniversary of International Women's Day and March is Women's History Month. In honor of women around around the world, the Global Fund for Women looks back over the past year and celebrates the extraordinary victories by women's movements around the world. We first spotted it over at Ms. Magazine.

Former Director of UN WILPF, Felicity Hill speaks at Voices of Activism: An Informal Networking Reception to Discuss the Women, Peace & Security Agenda with Women Leaders in the Movement, February 24, 2011 during the Commission on the Status of Women. Hosted by Maria Butler of Peacewomen.

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Air India and Air France are among the airlines flying "100% female-operated" flights today, efforts mean to commemorate International Women's Day.

Air India says it's flying 11 such flights, including on one of its ultra-long haul routes between New Delhi and Toronto.

In the 1970s, the women's liberation movement had a badge that proclaimed: women who seek equality with men lack ambition. We don't want to participate as equals in the violence, oppression and greed of patriarchal power, says Rebecca Johnson.

On a press conference call in honor of the 100th anniversary of International Women's Day, UN Women executive director Michelle Bachelet discussed her plans for the new organization, the challenges facing women in Libya and Cote D'Ivoire, and why she thinks women and girls need to stay on top of the international agenda.