Last "Women in Black" for the year

On the last wednesday of every month a group of women gather on the steps of Parliament House and hold a silent vigil to protest war and in particular to highlight the particular impact that war has on women (such as the prolific use of rape as a tool of war.) This vigil is called "Women in Black," and the silence is to represent the idea that 'too many words have been spoken,' and that actions speak louder than words.

Actually the original organisers say it better than I do-

"Women In Black New York stand in silent vigil to protest war, rape as a tool of war, ethnic cleansing and human rights abuses all over the world. We are silent because mere words cannot express the tragedy that wars and hatred bring. We refuse to add to the cacophony of empty statements that are spoken with the best intentions yet may be erased or go unheard under the sound of a passing ambulance or a bomb exploding nearby.

Our silence is visible. We invite women to stand with us, reflect about themselves and women who have been raped, tortured or killed in concentration camps, women who have disappeared, whose loved ones have disappeared or have been killed, whose homes have been demolished. We wear black as a symbol of sorrow for all victims of war, for the destruction of people, nature and the fabric of life. Women in Black is an international peace network.

Women in Black is not an organization, but a means of mobilization and a formula for action. Women in Black vigils were started in Israel in 1988 by women protesting against Israel’s Occupation of the West Bank and Gaza. Women in Black has developed in countries such as Italy, Spain, Germany, England, Azerbaijan, Colombia, and in FR Yugoslavia, where women in Belgrade have stood in weekly vigils since 1991 to protest war and the Serbian regime’s policies of nationalist aggression. Women in Black groups have formed in many cities in the United States since September 11th. Women in Black New York have been holding vigils in solidarity with our sisters throughout the world since 1993. "

The point of this post was a. To make more people aware of the Event, and b. To post the contents of this week's leaflet (we hand out a leaflet each month and people take turns writing it.)

The women decided that as it is Christmas and the last vigil of the year that the message should be of Peace and not of War. It went as follows-

"We hold a silent vigil for peace here on the last Wednesday of each month. Usually our leaflet focuses on an issue about peace or conflict which is currently in the news. However, on this the last Wednesday of the year, we are thinking about how everyday actions promote peace. So here is a wish to you for the New Year:

Where there is love
there is hope
Where there is hope
there is joy
Where there is joy
there is laughter
Where there is laughter
there is freedom
Where there is freedom
there is trust
Where there is trust
there is love.

The current Dalai Lama has said: "I believe that the very purpose of life is to be happy. From the very core of our being, we desire contentment."

In the coming year, may the pursuit of true happiness bring you contentment and lasting peace.Women in Black hopes for - and will work for peace for people all around the world - such as people in Gaza, and East Timor, in Colombia and Darfur, in Chechnya, Iraq, West Papua and Sri Lanka as well as those of us in more affluent countries such as Australia, Canada, the United States, Japan and Europe.

Women in Black is an international anti-war movement.
Vigils have been held in countries such as Italy, USA,
Canada, Germany, India, Palestine and Israel
as well as most Australian capitals.
For more details phone: 8232 6334"

So, lovely women of Adelaide please remember that 'Women in Black' occurs on the Last Wednesday of EVERY month at 5 on the steps of Parliament House. I encourage all to attend (and dont forget to wear Black!)

Also for further contact details my new office number is- 83033897

In peace and solidarity,

Rhi
xoxo