{"id":5867,"date":"2016-10-10T23:10:21","date_gmt":"2016-10-10T21:10:21","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/interpeace2026.wpenginepowered.com\/?p=5867"},"modified":"2017-05-04T18:48:14","modified_gmt":"2017-05-04T16:48:14","slug":"mcwilliams-promotes-peacebuilding","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.interpeace.org\/fr\/2016\/10\/mcwilliams-promotes-peacebuilding\/","title":{"rendered":"From Belfast to Bogot\u00e1: Monica McWilliams Promotes the Role of Women in Peacebuilding"},"content":{"rendered":"

One week before the Peace Agreements were signed, Monica McWilliams, Vice Chair of Interpeace\u2019s Governing Council <\/a>and an expert on Conflict Resolution and Transitional Justice, travelled to Colombia to support the women and men who are working to build peace in the country. As leader of the peace negotiations in Northern Ireland, McWilliams has become a role model for peacebuilders around the world. During her visit, which was organized by the Interpeace Regional Office for Latin America<\/a> in partnership with Alianza Para la Paz and the initiative One Million Women for Peace<\/a>, she participated in several events and discussions in support of women\u2019s role in peacebuilding processes.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Monica McWilliams in Bogot\u00e1, Colombia, with members of Interpeace Latin America and One Million Women for Peace. Photo credit: Arnoldo G\u00e1lvez.<\/p><\/div>\n

Women Choose Peace in Colombia<\/strong><\/p>\n

Recognized for her invaluable contribution to the empowerment and participation of women in peace processes, Monica was welcomed by one of the largest peace initiatives in the country. \u201cOne Million Women for Peace was inspired by Northern Ireland Women\u2019s Coalition, co-founded by Monica McWilliams. Welcome to Colombia, Monica!\u201d Gloria Fl\u00f3rez<\/a>, Colombian Sociologist and member of this movement shared her gratitude and joy during one of the events held in Bogot\u00e1. One Million Women for Peace is an initiative that began when the peace talks in Havana progressed. Colombian women from across the country, from different backgrounds and ideologies, began to mobilize, motivated and excited that the end of the armed conflict was near.<\/p>\n

Monica McWilliams, spoke with 20 representatives of the movement in a private meeting held at the Friedrich Ebert Foundation in Colombia<\/a>. During the meeting, she shared her experiences and lessons learned from participating in the peace negotiations in Northern Ireland and motivated them to stay strong and demand women\u2019s participation: \u201cLook for diversity and involvement of all women representatives from different sectors and territories\u2026The strength of One Million Women for Peace is the representation of political differences.\u201d<\/p>\n