This year, Pax Christi International has granted its Peace Award to the Women, Peace and Security Collective for Reflection and Action (Colectivo de Pensamiento y Acción Mujeres, Paz y Seguridad) in Colombia for “making visible and encouraging the essential contribution of women to peace-building in their country and for their work to promote an ethical transformation of Colombian society as the path towards sustainable peace.”
Established in 1988, the award, which is funded by the Cardinal Bernardus Alfrink Peace Fund, honors contemporary individuals and organizations who make a stand for peace, justice and non-violence in different parts of the world.
Founded in October 2011, the Collective is a women’s network that brings together women from different social and professional backgrounds (religious, ex-combatants, indigenous, Afro-descendants, journalists, academics, human rights defenders, union leaders, etc.), as well as organizations committed to a revolution in ethics as the basis for sustainable and lasting peace in Colombia.
Through this award, Pax Christi International also wants to acknowledge “the pivotal role women play worldwide in conflict transformation and peace-building at the local, national and international levels.”
The Peace Award Ceremony will take place on 16 May 2015 in Bethlehem, Palestine, during the celebration of Pax Christi International’s 70th Anniversary of foundation.