About the Network
The Women’s Program of Religions for Peace brought together 35 Buddhist, Christian, Hindu, and Muslim women in Phnom Penh to mobilize religious women and highlight their role as key partners in international efforts to end these human rights abuses. The regional conference, the first of its kind, was held from November 19 through 22, 2003. Delegates from Laos, Thailand, Indonesia, India, Sri Lanka, and Cambodia shared their unique assets, capacities and experiences working with affected populations. They examined the legal, health and post-conflict implications of sexual violence against women on communities and societies in the region and devised action agendas for advocacy and assistance. The consultation was a pivotal event in the launch of the South and South East Asian Women of Faith Network, and a vital addition to the Religions for Peace Women of Faith Global Network.
The delegates resolved to forge deeper partnerships, to expand their network, and engage in national and regional advocacy on this and other critical issues. The consultation provided an opportunity for women from diverse faiths and backgrounds as preachers, lawyers, educationists and peace-makers to share experiences and success stories, and to interface with the regional UNIFEM and UNAIDS office spokespersons on common issues and exchange best practices in their joint objective of eliminating all forms of violence against women.
Women's Meeting in Manila, October 2008
