Meg's update: Restoring Dignity; End Violence. 4-23-2012

Religions for Peace held its second Seminar on "Religion, Security, and Violence Prevention".
Dr. William Vendley opened the session with the statement that Women are a gift to humankind; their dignity of person must, at all times, be honored and respected; key to promoting this are religious men and women, who within their respective traditions, endeavour to live and teach this truth. Dr. Henia Dakkak, UNFPA, medical doctor and public health specialist, reiterated that families and local communities must actively work together to stem violence in all its multiple forms; public awareness must be central in this effort. She spoke of a lack of political will of many governments that fail to implement agreements signed onto, thus perpetuating violence against women & children. Ambassador Josephine Ojiambo, UN permanent representative from Kenya, has been very active in promoting Security Council Res. 1325, 1888, and through the Protocol to the African Charter on Rights of Women in Africa. She stressed the need for ongoing education for all, economic improvement for families, and religious leaders to be catalyzers for needed change.