Shadia Marhaban

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Overview

Shadia Marhaban born Banda Aceh, Sumatra, Indonesia March 29, 1969. Co-founder and President, Aceh Women's League (LINA); member of the Board of Directors, Aceh School for Peace and Democracy. Only woman involved in negotiations of Aceh Peace Agreement, Helsinki, 2005.

Quotations

“[M]eaningful participation of women requires a change in the mindset of the society itself. It is with this conviction that I have made myself useful and active in advocacy not only for rights of women but also on creating networks of women mediators in the region so that they are equipped to take on new responsibilities with forceful confidence. Only when women become mediators in the fullest meaning of the word that the dynamics of the peace process would translate into 'justice and dignity for all.'" (UNDPAsia, June 26, 2014; photo n-peace.net)

May Sabe Phyu

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Overview

May Sabe Phyu born Yangon, Burma August 5, 1976. Kachin peace leader. Founded Kachin Peace Network, 2012; Director, Gender Equality Network. Arrested and acquitted for peace protests.

Quotations

“To me, peace is equality and justice. If there is no equality and justice, there will not be peace. When I say equality, it’s across everything—it’s across women and men, it’s ethnic and religious differences, it’s across nationality—if we are able to live equally in our society with fairness and justice, this is what we call a peaceful society.” (interview, Nov. 17, 2014, Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security; photo awiu)

Merlie Mendoza

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Overview

Merlie “Milet” Mendoza born Philippines January 16, 1964. Peacemaker. Joined Office of Peace Commissioner 1991. coordinated Culture of Peace program Sulu 2005; Peace and Human Security program in Basilan and Sulu 2002; assisted humanitarian relief, Mindanao, 2001. division chief Peace Consultation program 1994; Director Office of Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process 1993; deputy peace commissioner 1989; kidnapped for two months, Basilan, 2008. Joan Kroc Woman Peacemaker, 2010.

Quotations

“The mastery of the art of peace goes hand in hand with the mastery of the self, and that strength that you bring with you is reinforced by your relationships with people who are in very difficult situations.” (Mary Liepold, “The Power of Powerlessness”, Joan Kroc Institute Narratives, p. 51; photo peacexpeace.org)