Women as creative agents for peace

March 5-6th, 2009
Dili, Timor Leste

This conference will be an opportunity for women from around the world to share their experiences about ways to move from conflict to peace, to find justice and solidarity, and to acknowledge and value traditional culture, while reducing its negative impact on society. By using drama, song, visual arts and storytelling during the conference, the organisers hope to draw upon these powerful artistic tools to more fully explore these challenging issues. The conference is supported by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The conference is hoping to attract 200
participants:

• 100 participants from Timor Leste
• Up to 60 international participants
• Up to 40 participants representing women's organizations, non government organizations, government institutions and UN agencies.

The following criteria will be applied to potential participants

Timorese Participants

• Women who are influencing their communities
• Speak Tetun, Portuguese, Bahasa Indonesia or English
• Must be from grass roots organizations or be community leaders
• Proactive and vocal in discussion
• Understand the issues around their community and especially those faced by women
• Should be women

International Participants

• Women involved in peace building
• Speak English or Portuguese
• Fund own travel and accommodation
• Maximum of two participants from each country
• Post conflict countries will be prioritized

For more information about the conference please email conference co-ordinator Filomena Barros Dos Reis
Email: mena.peace@alolafoundation.org or filopau@yahoo.com or visit the conference website.