An unprecedented gathering to transform U.S. foreign policy

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Dear Friend,

Earlier this month, Women Cross DMZ, along with our Feminist Peace Initiative partners and the The Inclusive Global Leadership Initiative at the Sié Center for International Security and Diplomacy, co-hosted the inaugural Feminist Peace Summit at the University of Denver.

Between May 1-3, over 200 feminist scholars, activists, movement leaders, and community members discussed ways to advance a new U.S. foreign policy centered on feminist principles of peace, justice, and sustainability, and led by people of color, diasporic communities, and Indigenous Peoples. Speakers included Linda Burnham (Project 2050), Cynthia Enloe (Clark University), Sara Haghdoosti (Win Without War), Lara Kiswani (Arab Resource and Organizing Center), Margo Okazawa-Rey (San Francisco State University), Nana Gyamfi (Black Alliance for Just Immigration), and Janene Yazzie (NDN Collective), among others.

It was deeply heartening to reconnect with longtime friends and meet new ones, be inspired and challenged by new thinking, and, most importantly, to collectively witness and affirm the power of the growing feminist and internationalist demilitarization movement in the United States. What a rare blessing to host a conference that amplified the expertise of feminist grassroots leaders who are working against war and militarism instead of hearing from foreign policy elites whose perspectives are steeped in harmful, colonial, and militarized thinking.

The gathering was a call to action: to strengthen our movement in this moment of radical and transformative political awakening against militarization, and to collectively reimagine peace, security, and liberation through feminist values of care, cooperation, and centering the voices of those most impacted. Stay tuned for a Feminist Foreign Policy for Peace Roadmap which will build on our previous “A Vision for a Feminist Peace.” Click here to read more about the Feminist Peace Summit and watch the plenaries.

L-R: Christine Ahn (Women Cross DMZ), Cynthia Lazaroff (Women Transforming Our Nuclear Legacy), Sara Haghdoosti (Win Without War), Sandy Shan (Justice is Global), Cathi Choi (Women Cross DMZ)

In other news…

📣 JOIN: How can we heal intergenerational trauma stemming from the Korean War? Korea Peace Now! is launching a new Intergenerational Learning and Healing Series, which aims to unearth narratives of the Korean War and its ongoing legacy, and build bridges across generations. The first event, “Intergenerational Trauma and the Korean War: Healing Across Generations,” will feature award-winning author Joseph Han and psychologist and shaman Helena Choi Soholm, on Wednesday, May 29, at 5pm PT/8pm ET. They’ll share their approach to healing intergenerational trauma and grappling with their families’ histories, the legacies of U.S. imperialism, and the ongoing war in Korea, followed by breakout groups during which participants will have the opportunity to share their own stories. Register here.

📖 READ: Young Asian Americans have a particular role to play in challenging U.S. militarism. Read “Why So Many Young Asian Americans Stand With Palestine” by Cathi Choi, WCDMZ’s Director of Policy and Organizing, in YES! Magazine.

💐 READ: Did you know that Mother’s Day has its roots in anti-war organizing? WCDMZ’s Executive Director Christine Ahn explains the urgency for mothers to work for peace in “This Mother’s Day, Take a Stand Against War in Gaza and Everywhere” in Common Dreams.

☮️ WATCH: It’s time for the feminist movement to incorporate anti-war organizing into its agenda, and for U.S. foreign policy to adopt feminist principles. Watch “Feminism Is About Peace and Justice, Not War” with Christine Ahn and Marie Berry (University of Denver, Professor & WCDMZ, Board Member) on Rising Up with Sonali.

Finally…

🗓️ JOIN US! Women Cross DMZ will hold a mid-summer fundraiser in Los Angeles with three special honorees: Bruce Cumings, foremost historian on the Korean War; Deann Borshay Liem, Emmy award-winning documentary filmmaker; and Viet Thanh Nguyen, Pulitzer Prize-winning author. They’ll be followed by a special performance by renowned multidisciplinary artist Dohee Lee. Proceeds from this event will support Women Cross DMZ’s work to transform U.S. policy on Korea, end the “forgotten” Korean War, and cultivate the next generation of Korea peace activists and narrative changemakers. Sunday, July 14, 3-6pm, at UCLA’s Hershey Hall. (Tickets $150 and up.) Stay tuned for more details.

In peace,

Christine Ahn

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