LANDMARK MULTI-RELIGIOUS EUROPEAN WOMEN OF FAITH NETWORK FORMED

Common Action to prevent and address violence in all its forms, human trafficking and prostitution and the empowerment of immigrants and minorities in Europe

A groundbreaking meeting with women from over 13 European Countries was held in Rovereto, Italy, on 22nd May 2008 to establish the Religions for Peace European Women of Faith Network. The newly created network was officially presented during the Inter-Religious Encounter that took place from 22-24 May 2008 also in Rovereto, bringing together over 250 delegates from 35 countries in Europe, at the Invitation of Religions for Peace/ Europe and Opera dei Camapana – Peace Bell Foundation.

The co-chairs, Ravinder Kaur Nijjar, from Scotland and Yolande Iliano, from Belgium stated that this network will put into practice the shared human and spiritual values of Faiths in Europe in all aspects of its work and relationships to advance peace and shared security.

The delegates from the Baha’i, Christian, Hindu, Jewish, Muslim and Sikh faiths stated that they would work together in a spirit of friendship to promote social justice and peace for an inclusive Europe.

The European Network is part of the Religions for Peace Global Women of Faith Network that mobilizes action among women of faith in six continents the world over.

The Co- Coordinator of Religions for Peace Global Women of Faith Network, Mehrezia Labidi-Maiza from France said “women are core to their faith communities but not necessarily seen as religious leaders. We need to validate the important work that women do and be a force for peace in the world”.

Religions for Peace comprises a World Council of senior religious leaders and more than seventy national and four regional inter-religious bodies; and affiliated networks of religious youth and women of faith in six continents.

The European Network will:

• enhance interfaith networking among women of faith in Europe through practical projects; and
• Promote gender equality and women’s empowerment in multi-religious collaboration for peace.

For more information please contact:
Co-Chairs, Religions for Peace European Women of Faith Network:
Ravinder Kaur Nijjar rknijjar@hotmail.com
Yolande Iliano yolande.iliano@wcrp.be

Religions for Peace, - accredited to the United Nations - is the world’s largest and most representative multi-religious coalition advancing common action for peace since 1970. Religions for Peace works with women of faith networks, youth networks and 70 affiliated inter-religious councils in four continents of the world. The European Women of Faith Network is one of the four regional women of faith networks within Religions for Peace Global Women of Faith Network.

Press release from Eva Ruth Palmieri
You will find the article she wrote on the Women of Faith Network meeting in Rovereto. It was published by the Vatican's news agency SIR both in the Italian and English on-line issue.