FAWCO Special Report September 2003

The first and primary topic of FAWCO’s resolution is “Promote the rights and welfare of women and children…”

Please consider with me the summary of the keynote presentation at the Stockholm Conference given by Dr. Elisabeth Rehn, the first woman Minister of Defense of Finland and co-author of Women, War and Peace, a study and book on the impact of armed conflict on women and women’s role in peace-building.

“It’s far easier to go into a war-torn country and erect new buildings and bridges, but how do you rebuild the soul?” she asked, immediately digging beneath the surface of issues to which we often become desensitized. Describing the horrors she has witnessed, she said that while there are many issues at stake and not to be taken lightly, the comfort that a woman can bring is not to be underestimated. “When people have gone through a tragedy and have lost everything, just holding hands can be a way of communicating unity and solidarity. The simple touch so natural to a woman would often be unthinkable or not permitted by a man.”

A native of Finland, memories of the Soviet invasion of Finland provide Rehn with a personal understanding of the horrors or war. She was the first woman in the world to become Defense Minister for her country and was a strong advocate for those who wanted to perform civil service rather than compulsory military service.

“However,” said Rehn, “it was in Bosnia as the United Nations’ Secretary-General’s Special Representative that I experienced firsthand the gap between the decision-making level and those who are suffering on the ground.”

“During armed conflicts, the horrors women face increase dramatically – in number, frequency and severity,” said Rehn. She’s learned a great deal from women on the ground. “Women’s bodies have become a battlefield,” she said, adding that rape is increasingly becoming the means of punishing whole societies. Soldiers forget their duty and humanity in today’s brutal wars and women are raped on direct orders from their leaders because it helps in breaking down the whole society. When women are raped, the husbands and brothers feel diminished as well, often helpless to protect their loved ones. Under the wrong leadership, a mass psychosis takes place, and if soldiers are made to believe that people are not worth anything, then there are no limits to the brutality. Rape is now considered a war crime at the International tribunal in TheHague, with a 20-year sentence. However, for the victim, it is a life sentence. In the aftermath of war, domestic violence grows. When men who were soldiers cannot fight anymore, they channel their aggression into beating wives and children. This is often hidden within the family and the community.

Tying this in, Rehn discussed the subject of trafficking of women, reciting the conclusion of the UN Conference on the Status of Women that “there is no trafficking unless you have clients.” Steps are being taken to limit access by soldiers to both prostitutes in brothels and those who are sexual slaves as a result of trafficking, as it is impossible to distinguish between the two. Even in discussions at these conferences, Rehn said the ingrained attitude of some men remains, “you must understand that men have their needs,” to which she replies, “And women have their needs, too.” She spoke of the growing consensus of a need for a “zero tolerance line” for soldiers and specifically in the instances where minors are raped.

Perhaps Rehn’s strongest message to FAWCO is that there are things that WE CAN DO. What do women want in the war-ravaged areas of the world? Conveying the strength among the survivors of the horrors of war and trafficking, she shared that their answer is “Education, Education, Education – if not for ourselves, then for our daughters. Don’t try to teach us cooking and handicrafts. We know that already. Bring us computers, computer skills and training.” “What these women will need is work ,” she added.

What can we do? “Make it known around the world that there are no smart wars. The women, children and old always survive. There are many strong organizations within these countries and there are very practical things every country is asking for. Find our what these are (through the internet, through FAWCO, through your organizations) and offer them,” she said, suggesting the need for developing support systems, training, and compassion to deal with the traumas of their experiences.

Women will often be the sole parent after war and they must have the opportunity to be part of the process that will sustain peace as well as the responsibility they already shoulder because of the effects of war. “Women are taking and claiming a place in decision-making and action in politics. If we want sustainable peace, women should be at the peace tables. If we really want women in the peace process, then we have to trust women in the international community.”

This is an excerpt of a report by Beverly Mar, AWC Basel

At our FORUM Meeting on September 10, 2003, we will hear more on the topic of “Trafficking Women and Children”. We, the members of the AWC need to listen and consider. Who else can help these women and children (boys and girls) if not us, the women who are lucky enough to live in relative peace and safety.