Colombian Women's Peace Movement Coordinates International Anti-War Efforts

• The Colombian organization 'Ruta Pacífica de Mujeres' continues its 30-year mission of non-violent advocacy by coordinating with the international 'Women in Black' (MdN) network.
• In September 2026, the group is hosting an international meeting focused on the impact of global wars, rising militarism, and the defense industry on women.

The Costs of Militarization

• The activists emphasize that increased military spending directly drains resources from public sectors like education, healthcare, housing, and environmental protection.
• They highlight the disproportionate impact of war and violence on women and children globally.
• The movement seeks to dismantle the structures that perpetuate war, advocating instead for feminist and anti-militarist alternatives.

Origins of Women in Black

• The network began in 1988 in Jerusalem, where Israeli and Palestinian women held silent, black-clad vigils to protest the occupation.
• These protests expanded into a global network currently active in over 20 countries, including South Africa, India, Serbia, the United States, and Japan.
• Beyond silent vigils, the network employs various forms of direct non-violent action, such as civil disobedience, blocking military infrastructure, and providing witness to human rights abuses.
• Despite domestic challenges to Colombia's peace accords, the group remains committed to working for a future free from violence.