Debi Nova (née Deborah Nowalski Kader) born San José, Costa Rica August 6, 1985. Singer, songwriter, and instrumentalist. UN Youth Champion against violence to women.
"[W]omen are so much stronger in the world today from what we were 50 years ago. . . There are more outlets for women to protect and empower themselves. With that, violence will diminish. I feel very optimistic about where we are moving." (Aug. 11, 2011, Say No UNiTE)
Sai’da Nusseibeh born Jenin, Palestine September 1, 1944. Muslim Palestinian leads effort to create dialog between Jews and Palestinians; founded Jewish Arab Dialogue and Education in Europe (JADE), early 1970s.
“What price is peace? How many more must be killed, before the two nations wake up to look at their blood-soaked hands? There is so much anger, hatred and fear, and the wall between the two nations (the Palestinians and the Israelis), is getting higher—both sides are getting away from reality, and closing their ears, eyes and heart to the suffering of the ‘other.’ We should look into ways to bring down the wall of fear, brick by brick, for all the mosques, synagogues and churches in the world—are not worth the blood of one killed child.” (“Women Creating a World Beyond War and Violence”, Aharoni)
Flora Nwapa (née Florence Nwanzuruahu Nkiru Nwapa), born Oguata, Eastern Nigeria January 13, 1931 (d. 1993). “Mother of modern African literature.” Publisher; wrote about Biafra War in Never Again, 1975.
“What arrogance, what stupidity led us to this desolation, to this madness, to this wickedness, to this war, to this death? When this cruel war was over, there will be no more war. It will not happen again, never again. Never again, never again." (Never Again, p. 73; photo howng.com)
Prisca Matimba Nyambe born Zambia December 31, 1957. Judge International Criminal Court ad litem 2004, full member 2009; counsel to court on Rwanda 2002-6; mission to Dem. Rep. Congo for UN Human Rights Commission 2007; dissented in genocide conviction of Tolimir, 2012.
“[The evidence] is entirely circumstantial, based on presumptions, suppositions, and [Tolimir's] professional association with those who committed the crimes that are the subject of this indictment. [There is nothing] linking him to the crimes committed by his subordinates, nor does the evidence suggest that he knew those crimes were being perpetrated.” (War Crimes Prosecution Watch, Dec. 17, 2012; photo slavicnet.com)
Naomi Shihab Nye born St. Louis, MO March 12, 1953. Palestinian-American poet; songwriter; novelist.
“We would like no more violence, from us as well as from you. HEAR US! We would like to stop the terrifying wheel of violence, just stop it, right on the road, and find something more creative to do to fix these huge problems we have. Violence is not creative, it is stupid and scary.” (“Letter to Any Would-Be Terrorist”)
Women in Peace
is dedicated to highlighting the achievements of extraordinary, peacemaking women from around the world.
