WHAT WE DO

We are a network of women living in Britain but with many links abroad. We 'build bridges' between women from many different countries, some of which have contrasting, often conflicting, political, philosophical, cultural and religious approaches.
By meeting each other and staying in our own homes we can become friends and learn about different ways of living. Trust and understanding are fundamental conditions for peace. We want all children to grow up in a world free from war.
When women come to Britain we introduce them to staff in our schools, colleges, hospitals, retirement homes and other people and places which they have asked to see. We arrange a residential weekend so that we can all exchange views and plan for the future. When we go to visit women abroad we are shown around in a similar way. We follow up these exchanges through email contacts, letters and an international newsletter. Some members develop personal involvement in projects which they see are important.
We also have local groups of members who meet together and work locally, sometimes with other groups working for peace. We raise awareness and money for places and people we wish to help

We are concerned that values and attitudes which differ from our own are often caricatured and presented as threatening. As a result damaging stereotypes are formed and fear and emnity may arise.

We believe that such negative and potentially destructive feelings can best be reduced through individual friendships

Women to Women for Peace "Turning the Tide" weekend at Woodbrooke Quaker Study Centre, Birmingham


In September 2008 we spent a weekend at Woodbrooke Quaker Study Centre planning for the future and extending our activities. A great deal of work was achieved as well as having fun!

The Art Group agreed to work on a leaflet outlining 3 types of workshops and presentations for a range of different groups. Taking inspiration from the Merseyside Art Exhibition it was decided to work towards a National Art Exhibition in 2 years time.
Training Group will look into Training opportunities for our members, possibly led by members holding training qualifications. We also considered offering training to other organisations with aims similar to ours.
Exchanges: Some debate was held during the weekend over the issue of flying to other countries in the current economic and eco climate. Opinion was divided but the links made internationally and the support derived from our visits is invaluable, in some ways the cornerstone of our work. The powerful story of our beginning was referred to and it was felt useful to have this story retold and updated with testimonies from our international contacts and images from visits. This would be a resource for recruitment or presentations. There is potential for valuable work at home and we could strengthen links with other peace groups.
Co-ordinator: We believe we worked more efficiently with a co-ordinator & agreed to investigate the possibility of acquiring a worker via E.V.S.(European Voluntary Scheme, part of The British Council) Jane and Wilma will research and report to Committee.
We finished in agreement. The weekend had been informative, innovative, inspiring & exhausting. We ended in a circle & Ruth gave our facilitators small gifts & warmest thanks.
What W2W4P is ‘about’
The group’s (inspirational!) views on what W2W is ‘about’:-
• Connecting across barriers in hope.
• A group of caring women who believe that we can promote national and international peace by recognising how much women have in common, and by sharing our philosophy and experience.
• A group of women who work towards a peaceful world community.
• Change the mindset to peace-mongering from war-mongering.
• Building bridges not walls.
• Working together to create bridges of understanding and break down walls of prejudice.
• Practical experience leads to understanding and overcomes ignorance and prejudice.
• Holding hands around the world across cultures and communities.
• Peaceful women are powerful – together we can change lives and change the world.
• Facilitate opportunities and links between women in societies that are in conflict.

"Muslim Women - understanding the reality. Held at Woodbrooke Quaker Study Centre, Birmingham, 11th - 13th March 2009


Woodbrooke Quaker Study Centre hosted a second programme for creating understanding between the Muslims and the general community. My first thought was – “Does examining the differences cause a division – “them and us”?”

We listened attentively to our speakers who succinctly explained the basis of Muslim tradition and culture, then expanded on the specific aspect of Muslim Women.

We were left with a strong impression of a close integration of the religious, political, and social life. Emphasis was put on the difference between what Muslims read in the Qur’an and the resulting interpretation by the various Muslim countries. Distress and anxiety regarding fundamentalist extremism was as integral part of the talks. (Indeed, any religious fundamentalist extremism is a cause for anxiety anywhere.)

Muslim women are modest, self reliant and although there is a degree of separateness in the social structure, amongst the many Muslim women we met in informal discussion I did not detect a lack of self esteem. The “sisters” came through as a potent force for good!

The Muslin women were all well educated and involved in a variety of professional careers which they balanced with their roles within their families. Many had pursued their education in mid or later life, often after they had settled in the UK. Generous praise was awarded to the UK for this.

Points of view were expressed on all sides and we found more areas of agreement than of difference between us.

There was not enough time for all our questions to be asked and answered! Hopefully we can meet again to take the process further.

(NB Jane is compiling a fuller report for our Newsletter.)

Weekend at NODDFA 24th - 26th April 2009
This weekend was a reprise of similar "re-charging" weekends we have held at the same venue in past years. Noddfa is a retreat in Penmaenmar, North Wales overlooking the sea (through mature trees). The garden has many green corners to retreat to and space to walk.
We numbered thirteen (four people had to cancel) and spent the time with a mix of re-charging activities, review of personal reports on peace-mongering interests and business on behalf of Women to Women for Peace.

As before, our hostesses provided a laid back but quietly efficient backdrop to our weekend and members of Women to Women for Peace brought some of their skills to share including silk painting and music.

See our "Diary Dates" page for next year's retreat dates at Noddfa