| AWMR - Association of Women of the Mediterranean Region |
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The purpose of the conference is to examine peaceful and non-violent solutions to conflict in general and in the Mediterranean region specifically, and to consider women’s peace strategies in the globalized Mediterranean. War as an instrument of international politics follows from the logic of neoliberal capitalist globalization. The competition and “race to the bottom” inherent in current model of capitalism creates inequalities across countries and within societies, while the end of the bipolar international system has widened the military and political disparities across the world. With the collapse of the former Soviet Union, the hegemonic power of the United States is a source of conflict as well as an obstacle to multilateralism and the strengthening of institutions of global governance such as the UN. The growing inequalities of the era of globalization and the hegemonic power of the United States engender destructive dynamics. These include hardening identities that are often reactionary and dangerous to women, and terrorist actions by non-state actors. In this context, war threatens more and more to become an "operating plan" of the powerful states with justifications of “self-defence”, "prevention", or “pre-emption” against other countries or non-state actors that seek to undermine hegemonic power. By contrast, we seek non-violent solutions, negotiated settlements of conflicts, and peaceful cooperation, for the sake of future generations and to emancipate humanity from violence and poverty, exploitation and discrimination. To construct peaceful relations among peoples and the states is possible: this is the task of the women who have chosen to dedicate their forces to overcoming cultural, sexual, ethnic, national, political, economic barriers and to establishing peaceful cooperation all over the Mediterranean Region. We believe that women are especially qualified to reflect on and help formulate alternatives to war and non-violent ways of overcoming conflicts. However, we may pose some questions. Once we have analyzed the dynamics that drive states to wage war, how might resistance be effectively organized? What are possibilities exist for local groups and women’s networks to construct alternatives to the logic of war? Can women oppose the "hegemonic peace" which is set up through armed interventions? Can they find other solutions? Which strategies for peace can women propose in the Mediterranean? The conference will address these and related questions. Aims of the conference. The aim of the conference is to provide a forum for women living across the Mediterranean to meet, network, discuss, and identify a common ground to formulate strategies for peace and promote women's projects for a politics of peace at local, national and international levels. Organization. The conference will be organized by the AWMR in conjunction with Rete di donne dell’ Emilia Romagna per la pace nel Mediterraneo e nei Balcani, and Associazione Orlando, Bologna. Place/times of the conference. The conference will be held in Bologna and Monte Sole on 10-13 July 2003. We expect to attract approximately 100 women from Italy and other Mediterranean countries. The conference will be open to the public and will encourage broad participation by local citizens. Participants:AWMR and Rete di donne members and other women from the Mediterranean countries. Languageswill be Italian, French and English. Agenda. Over a period of three days there will be plenary sessionsand workshops that will address the following topics:
HOTEL BOOKING FORM Please complete this Form and return it with the Registration Form to the AWMR Secretariat, P.O.Box 50320, 3603 Limassol, Cyprus, or fax it to either +357 25 34 44 74 or + 357 25 368 457 or e-mail it to: n.pourou@cytanet.com.cy by May 30th , 2003 NAME:________________________________________________________________ ADDRESS:_____________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ ZIP____________CITY__________________________COUNTRY_________________ TELEPHONE (with area code) __________________________________________ FAX (with area code) ________________________________________________ E-mail (if available) _______________________________________________Please reserve for the following [maximum two (2) names per Form]: _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Arrival by plane: Date __________Time and flight no._________________ Departure by plane: Date _________Time & flight no.__________________ Arrival by train: Date _____________Time and origin _________________ Departure by train: Date ____________Time & destination _____________Accommodation is secured at the Monte-Sole School of Peace free of charge for all foreign participants. Rooming will be up to the organisers. Should you wish to pay for your room at a hotel, please state so by ticking the box, and we’ll book a nearby hotel for you. There are two options: a Motel and a ***star hotel, with prices ranging from 41 to 52 EURO per person per night. Special Requirements: _______________________________________________ Date ..................... Signature ................................ FUND REQUEST FORM Name ________________________________________________________________ Organization_________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Full Address ________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Tel: _________________________________Fax: __________________________ E-mail:______________________________________________________________ Amount requested for Travel (in EURO please): _______________________Please give information on financial situation and reasons for funding necessity on the basis of which AWMR will decide to offer sponsorship: _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________ Signature: _________________________________ Date: __________________To be returned to the Secretariat, P.O.Box 50320, 3603 Limassol, Cyprus, Fax: +357 25 368 457, e-mail: n.pourou@cytanet.com.cy with the Registration Form, by May 30th, 2003. An answer will be given after June 15th, 2003. |
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