From the tumultuous regions of Israel and Palestine to the terrains of Rwanda and Nepal, women are driving the fight for peace using innovative tactics. As we grapple with a violent world, how do we tap into our collective humanity? To gain some insight, we turn to those who have been tireless - and successful - in their fight for justice.

Leymah Gbowee shares how her upbringing, where she was taught the significance of education and standing up for her beliefs, paved the way for her to become a beacon of hope and change. From her youth as a spirited high school senator to a globally recognized peace activist and 2011 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, she demonstrates the formidable power of the human spirit and the immense potential of women in championing human rights and equity. Together we journey through the cataclysmic impacts of war, with unique emphasis on the pivotal role of women in bidding peace. We discuss the Second Liberian Civil War, the displacement it wrought, and the residual trauma that survivors grapple with. Despite these daunting realities, the spotlight remains on the unyielding courage of Leymah and the women who stood by her, protesting against the war - a testament to the potency of active nonviolence in instigating meaningful change.

A full video of Leymah's talk can be found here.

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How can activism play out on the page, as well as on the ground? Can poetry give us a deeper understanding of the horrors of war and genocide? These thought-provoking questions rest at the core of our conversation with Choman Hardi, a respected educator, poet, and scholar hailing from the Kurdistan region of Iraq. We journey through Choman's experiences of displacement and discuss the vital role of poetry in humanizing tragic stories that are often silenced or overlooked. We also explore the struggles, triumphs, and remarkable resilience of Kurdish women navigating through a society marked by patriarchal norms. Choman's writing brings into focus the dynamic women's rights activists in the field and the ongoing legal reforms that are gradually empowering Iraqi women. We revel in the stories of these courageous women, showing us that change, though slow, is indeed possible.

You can find the full, live event with Choman here.

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Join us in a captivating discussion with Venezuelan activist and political scientist Isabella Picón, as we delve into her journey – from learning to read newspapers with her grandmother to standing up against dictatorship. Have you ever wondered what it takes to foster resilience in the face of autocratic rule? Isa shares her experiences with civil resistance campaigns, the foundations of Labo Ciudadano, and her evolving understanding of how traditional politics have limitations in the rebuilding of a country wrecked by decades of oppressive rule.

Our conversation takes enlightening turns as we dissect the group’s evolution from a tactical group focused on protests to a civil society-oriented organization. Ever thought about the significance of 'embodiment' in activism? We talk about it, and how something as simple as yoga can bolster discipline and body consciousness in nonviolent protests. Furthermore, we touch upon the evolution of Labo's focus towards human rights and environmental issues, and the increasing acceptance of queer rights and feminism within the movement. We also highlight the importance of traditional songs in protests, the ongoing threats that loom over Venezuelans, and the complex endeavor of creating a democratic community in an authoritarian landscape.

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