Seeking Peace

Leaders and Allies

Mon, 21 Nov 2022 10:00:54 GMT

In the final episode of the season, we bring you a fascinating conversation between Major General Maureen O’Brien, the Deputy Military Adviser in the United Nations Office of Military Affairs, Department of Peace Operations and Dr. Robert Egnell, a senior fellow with the Security Studies Program and the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security. General O’Brien’s extensive career began over forty years ago when she joined the Irish Defense Forces as one of only six women at the time. The two of them discuss her position as a pioneer throughout her career, the challenges women still face in the military and the pursuit of full inclusion and meaningful participation of women in peacekeeping.

This episode was produced by Alana Herlands, Alex Jhamb Burns, and Alesandra Tejeda. It was scored, mixed, and mastered by Alex Jhamb Burns and edited by Grace Lynch.

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Defying Gender Norms in Peacekeeping

Mon, 14 Nov 2022 10:00:52 GMT

The United Nations is the largest peacekeeping body in the world. In this episode, we explore the dynamic and interconnected world of peacekeeping. You’ll hear from uniformed women working in different positions in UN peacekeeping missions – one works in corrections and another serves in military affairs. These women discuss the technical nature of their jobs and reveal what it is like to work in male dominated fields where respect can be difficult to come by. They will help us understand why the inclusion of women is imperative for the success of peacekeeping operations.

This episode was produced by Alana Herlands, Alex Jhamb Burns, and Alesandra Tejeda. It was scored, mixed, and mastered by Alesandra Tejeda and edited by Grace Lynch.

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Transforming Politics

Mon, 07 Nov 2022 10:00:33 GMT

Around the world, women face countless barriers to political participation. In this episode, you will hear from women in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Central African Republic, and Kosovo—all of whom are engaged in politics. One works to ensure women’s meaningful participation in politics, another serves as a parliamentarian, and the other is a pioneering journalist who has built a career holding politicians to account.

Season three of Seeking Peace is produced by Georgetown University’s Institute for Women, Peace and Security and Wonder Media Network, in collaboration with the United Nations Department of Peace Operations and Our Secure Future. The interviews in this podcast reflect the views of the participants and the United Nations does not necessarily endorse nor support the language used or views expressed. This episode was produced by Alana Herlands, Alex Jhamb Burns, and Alesandra Tejeda. It was scored, mixed, and mastered by Liz Smith and edited by Grace Lynch.

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Women Negotiating Peace

Mon, 31 Oct 2022 09:00:00 GMT

Peace agreements are a formal means to pave the way for lasting peace. Women must play a critical role in shaping these agreements. In this episode, you’ll hear from several women who have worked on peace negotiations across the African continent. Women who have created a seat for themselves at the table when originally there was none. These peacebuilders discuss the importance of supporting women’s agency and the value of quotas in ensuring women have a seat at the negotiating table.

This episode was produced by Alana Herlands, Alex Jhamb Burns, and Alesandra Tejeda. It was scored, mixed, and mastered by Alana Herlands and edited by Grace Lynch.

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The Daily Work of Building Peace

Mon, 24 Oct 2022 09:00:00 GMT

You might think of peacebuilding as peace talks that take place in big rooms, between country officials. But peacebuilding takes many forms, including within communities, between coworkers, families, and neighbors. Around the world, women play central roles in the daily work of building peace. Their critical contributions to international peace and security were formally recognized by the UN Security Council in 2000 in a landmark resolution known as UNSCR 1325, from which the Women, Peace and Security Agenda has been created. Listen to the stories of two women building peace in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Cyprus who describe the challenges they face, what inspires them to keep pushing for change, and what unites their efforts.

This episode was produced by Alana Herlands, Alex Jhamb Burns, and Alesandra Tejeda. It was scored, mixed, and mastered by Alesandra Tejeda and edited by Grace Lynch.

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Season Three Trailer

Mon, 17 Oct 2022 09:00:37 GMT

Welcome to Season Three of Seeking Peace from Georgetown University’s Institute for Women, Peace and Security. This season, we are collaborating with the United Nations Department of Peace Operations and Our Secure Future to explore women’s roles in bringing lasting peace to communities - whether it be through grassroots activism, peace negotiations, journalism, politics, or as uniformed peacekeepers.

Tune in on October 24th to listen to our first episode, available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also find us at seekingpeacepodcast.com

This season is produced by Wonder Media Network.

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Justice for Black Mothers

Wed, 20 Jan 2021 05:01:57 GMT

In this episode, we hear about how women like Kenithia Alston are fighting for peace and security for Black lives in America. Ms. Alston’s son, Marqueese, was killed blocks away from the White House by the DC Metropolitan Police in 2018. Ms. Alston has spent the past two years seeking an explanation for her son’s death from the police and the mayor of Washington, and has filed a $100 million wrongful death lawsuit. She is currently represented by the Civil Rights Clinic at Georgetown University’s Law Center. She says she has faced hurdles to be heard and taken seriously in her pursuit for justice.

This episode was produced by Erica Morrison, edited by David Alandete, mixed by Martine Chaussard, and mastered by Laurent Apffel. Our team includes lead producer Caro Rolando, assistant producer Laura Ubaté, production manager Luis Gil, and executive producer Martina Castro. Georgetown University's liaison to the podcast is Sarah Rutherford.

Season two of Seeking Peace is produced by Georgetown University's Institute for Women, Peace and Security and Adonde Media, in collaboration with Our Secure Future. Find all of our episodes and transcripts at SeekingPeacePodcast.com.

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Black Lives Matter Co-Founder Opal Tometi on the Fight for Racial Justice in the US

Wed, 13 Jan 2021 05:01:47 GMT

Opal Tometi co-founded Black Lives Matter alongside activists Alicia Garza and Patrisse Cullors. Time Magazine named her as one of 2020’s 100 most influential people and BBC calls her one of the 100 most inspiring women. In this interview, Opal shares the origins of Black Lives Matter and her hopes for the future of the country under the Biden-Harris administration. She reminds us that human rights violations are not just something that happens abroad: the reality is the concerns are here in the United States. You can learn more about Tometi’s work at www.opaltometi.org.

This episode was produced by Caro Rolando and Martina Castro, mixed by Martine Chaussard, edited by Martina Castro, and mastered by Laurent Apffel. Our team includes lead producer Caro Rolando, assistant producer Laura Ubaté, editor David Alandete and production manager Luis Gil. Georgetown University's liaison to the podcast is Sarah Rutherford.

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Actor Maitreyi Ramakrishnan on Diversity and Gender Equality

Wed, 06 Jan 2021 05:01:28 GMT

Maitreyi Ramakrishnan is a Tamil-Canadian actor known for her leading role in the Netflix comedy series Never Have I Ever, written by Mindy Kaling. This year she was named Global Celebrated Ambassador by Plan International Canada, to promote gender equality around the globe. In this conversation Maitreyi talks about representing a South Asian teenager on a hit Netflix show, her experience protesting from a young age, and how she is advocating for girls equality as a social media influencer. You can follow Maitreyi’s work at @maitreyiramakrishnan on Instagram or @ramakrishnannn on Twitter.

This episode was produced by Laura Ubaté, edited by Martina Castro, mixed by Martine Chaussard, and mastered by Laurent Apffel. Our team includes lead producer Caro Rolando, editor David Alandete and production manager Luis Gil. Georgetown University's liaison to the podcast is Sarah Rutherford.

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La lucha por la paz en Colombia

Wed, 30 Dec 2020 05:01:38 GMT

This is a Spanish language version of our field story about the struggle for peace in Colombia.

Although a peace deal was signed in Colombia in 2016, peace still seems out of reach for many Colombians – especially for human rights defenders. Between January and June 2020, 120 human rights defenders were killed. But Clemencia Carabalí, the founder of the women's cooperative ASOM, is determined to change this by training human rights defenders to make themselves heard and seen. That way, if they are attacked, the culprits will know there are consequences. Hear how Carabalí has been empowering Afro-Colombian women for more than 20 years, and how she's continuing her work today in spite of the devastating effects the pandemic is having on her community.

This story was produced by Laura Ubaté in collaboration with UN Women. Special thanks to producer Lina Gaitán for her help gathering tape in Colombia.

This episode of Seeking Peace was produced by Laura Ubaté, mixed by Martine Chaussard and mastered by Laurent Apffel. Our team includes lead producer Caro Rolando, editor David Alandete, production manager Luis Gil, and executive producer Martina Castro. Georgetown University’s liaison to the podcast is Sarah Rutherford.

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Amplifying the Forgotten Voices of Yemeni Women

Wed, 16 Dec 2020 05:01:29 GMT

Yemen is one of the hardest places in the world to be a woman. Far too frequently, women die in bombings and disappear without a trace. It can be difficult to accurately record their experiences, due to the lack of infrastructure and security. But that doesn’t stop Wameedh Shakir. At significant risk, Wameedh researches and records women’s daily challenges and aspirations, so that the future government of a democratic Yemen – and the international community – have enough data to make informed decisions. In this conversation, she tells us how she amplifies the voices of Yemeni women, and what they are saying.

This episode was produced by Suad Ahmed, a Yemeni female reporter. Her ability to capture this story in the midst of a civil war and a pandemic is yet another indication of Yemeni women’s tenacity and strength during an incredibly challenging time.

The story was edited by David Alandete, mixed by Martine Chaussard, and mastered by Laurent Apffel. Our team includes lead producer Caro Rolando, assistant producer Laura Ubaté, production manager Luis Gil, and executive producer Martina Castro. Georgetown University's liaison to the podcast is Sarah Rutherford.

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Celebrating women’s rights with Hillary Clinton and Madeleine Albright

Wed, 09 Dec 2020 05:01:11 GMT

December 10 is International Human Rights Day, an annual commemoration of the adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. To celebrate how far we’ve come – and examine the work we still have ahead of us – we bring you this conversation between our host Melanne Verveer, and two distinguished former United States secretaries of state: Madeleine Albright and Hillary Rodham Clinton. This conversation was recorded in October, on the 25th anniversary of the landmark speech Secretary Clinton gave at the UN Fourth World Conference on Women that took place in Beijing. There, she famously declared “women’s rights are human rights.”

This episode of Seeking Peace features audio from an event hosted by the Georgetown Institute for Women, Peace and Security.

This episode was mixed by Martine Chaussard and mastered by Laurent Apffel. Our team includes lead producer Caro Rolando, editor David Alandete, assistant producer Laura Ubaté, production manager Luis Gil, and executive producer Martina Castro. Georgetown University’s liaison to the podcast is Sarah Rutherford.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nobel Laureate Dr. Denis Mukwege on Justice for Survivors of Sexual Violence

Wed, 02 Dec 2020 05:01:05 GMT

A surgeon and gynecologist, Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Dr. Muwkege has spent over twenty years treating women survivors of rape in the Democratic Republic of Congo and supporting their quest for justice. With a team of doctors and community leaders, Dr. Mukwege runs Panzi Hospital and the Panzi Foundation, which offer physical, psycho-social, economic and legal support to survivors. We talk to Dr. Mukwege about how he offers survivors hope and healing, in spite of continuous death threats and a horrific civil war.

Special thanks to Ngofeen Mputubwele who voiced Dr. Mukwege in English, and to the various podcasters gathered by Paula Rogo from Africa Podfest for also lending their voices to the women featured in today’s episode: Lulu Jemimah of RealTalk256, Nuura Abdi and Teddy Mmasi of The Chai Podcast, Munirah Kaoneka of The Kaya Sessions and Sharon Rwaky of Cinema Red Pill podcast.

This episode was produced by Colette Salima, in collaboration with our lead producer Caro Rolando. The story was edited by David Alandete, mixed by Martine Chaussard, and mastered by Laurent Apffel. Our team includes assistant producer Laura Ubaté, production manager Luis Gil, and executive producer Martina Castro. Georgetown University's liaison to the podcast is Sarah Rutherford.

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Supermodel Aweng Ade-Chuol Advocates for Refugees’ Mental Health

Wed, 25 Nov 2020 05:01:44 GMT

Aweng Ade-Chuol was born in a refugee camp in Kenya and has become a world famous model, recently appearing in the cast of Beyonce’s film, Black is King. In this conversation, she tells us about her memories as a refugee and the importance of mental health care for children who have lived in conflict zones. She also shares her story as a proud member of the LGBT community, highlights from her career, and dreams for her future.

You can follow Aweng's work on IG at @AwengChuol

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In Taliban Strongholds, a Woman Stands for Peace

Wed, 18 Nov 2020 05:01:17 GMT

In Afghanistan, one the most unequal and dangerous countries in the world for women, activist Muqadasa Ahmadzai tells us about how she went from hiding her studies from her family, to becoming one of the country's most well-known social activists and a member of the Youth Parliament. Muqadasa tells us about the network of women activists she leads, their involvement in peace-building activities, and their efforts to support their communities in the face of COVID-19.

Special thanks to Mehek Mazhar and Hirra Farooqi for their translation and voiceover work.

This episode was produced by our lead producer Caro Rolando, edited by David Alandete, mixed by Martine Chaussard, and mastered by Laurent Apffel. Our team includes assistant producer Laura Ubaté, production manager Luis Gil, and executive producer Martina Castro. Georgetown University's liaison to the podcast is Sarah Rutherford.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Malala Yousafzai’s Dad on the Importance of Girls’ Education

Wed, 11 Nov 2020 05:01:17 GMT

Ziauddin Yousafzai is known around the world for being the father of Nobel Prize Winner Malala Yousafzai. He’s a Pakistani educator and has been advocating for girls education for decades. After Malala survived a Taliban attack for her own activism, Ziauddin joined her in creating the Malala Fund for girls education. He’s also a United Nations Special Advisor on Global Education.

In this conversation, Ziauddin speaks about how he has supported Malala throughout her life and men’s role in promoting gender equality.

You can find more information about the Malala Fund at malala.org and on Twitter @MalalaFund and @Malala. This episode was produced by Laura Ubaté, edited by Martina Castro, mixed by Martine Chaussard, and mastered by Laurent Apffel. Our team includes lead producer Caro Rolando, editor David Alandete and production manager Luis Gil. Georgetown University's liaison to the podcast is Sarah Rutherford.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The struggle for peace in Colombia

Wed, 04 Nov 2020 05:01:46 GMT

Although a peace deal was signed in Colombia in 2016, peace still seems out of reach, especially for human rights defenders. Almost 50 have been killed in Colombia so far this year. Clemencia Carabalí, the founder of the women's cooperative ASOM, has a solution: She’s training human rights defenders to make themselves heard and seen. That way, if they are attacked, the attackers know there will be consequences. Hear how Carabalí has been empowering Afro Colombian women for more than 20 years, and how she's continuing her work today in spite of the devastating effects the pandemic is having on her community.

This story was produced by Laura Ubaté in collaboration with UN Women. Special thanks to producer Lina Gaitán for her help gathering tape in Colombia, and to Leila Day of The Stoop podcast for voicing Clemencia’s testimony in English. If you want to hear Leila’s work discussing what it means to be Black in America today, you can go to thestoop.org.

We have also partnered with La Linea del Medio on the ground in Bogotá - they will be releasing a version of this story in Spanish. We will post a link to that story on our website.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jineth Bedoya Reaches Milestone for Women Journalists

Wed, 28 Oct 2020 04:01:48 GMT

Award-winning journalist Jineth Bedoya has survived multiple violent attacks during her efforts to get at the truth. In 2009 Jineth broke her silence and became a leading advocate for survivors of sexual violence in Colombia. Jineth tells us about her involvement in the historic peace agreement signed in Colombia in 2016 and how it is impacting women activists today. She also updates us on the case against her perpetrators, which last year was elevated to the Inter-American Court on Human Rights. It is the first time the court will hear a case about a woman journalist in armed conflict.

Jineth is the winner of the World Press Freedom Prize (2020) and the Courage in Journalism Award (2001). You can follow her at @jbedoyalima.

This episode was produced by Laura Ubaté. Special thanks to Martine Chaussard for her interpretation of Jineth’s words.

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The Superwomen of Libya

Wed, 21 Oct 2020 04:01:54 GMT

Protesting has its limits. At least that’s 23-year-old activist Rawan Khalfallah’s experience in Libya. Now, nine years after the fall of Muammar Gaddafi, Rawan and her colleagues at Together We Build It are finding creative ways to advocate for peace and women’s rights, starting at home. Hear all about their “Super Nsaween” campaign, which uses comic strips to fight against the toxic gender stereotypes many women and girls face in their day-to-day lives. Follow Rawan’s initiative at @TWBI_org.

Special thanks to Azza Abbaro, Omar Elba, Mahmoud Shabeeb (@ItIsMoody), Ayat Mneina (@AMneina), Amin, Ahmed and Enas for voicing the scene from the Super Nsaween comic strip.

This story was produced by Caro Rolando in collaboration with UN Women.

Season two of Seeking Peace is produced by Georgetown University's Institute for Women, Peace and Security and Adonde Media, in collaboration with UN Women and Our Secure Future. Find all of our episodes and transcripts at SeekingPeacePodcast.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Nobel Peace Prize Winner Nadia Murad on Taking ISIS to Court

Wed, 14 Oct 2020 04:00:43 GMT

2018 Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Nadia Murad was 21 years old when ISIS militants carried out a genocide against her Yazidi community in Northern Iraq. During the genocide, ISIS killed her mother and six of her siblings and forced her into sexual slavery. Nadia managed to escape and soon after began speaking out.

Today, Nadia is working with Amal Clooney to bring ISIS to justice. Her organization, Nadia’s Initiative, is rebuilding what ISIS destroyed in Iraq.

“Once they said ISIS was defeated….the world leaves us behind and my community continues to suffer to this day. They still need help.”

This is Nadia’s story.

Follow @nadiainitiative so Nadia knows the Yazidis are not forgotten.

This episode was produced by Martine Chaussard.

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Season Two Trailer

Mon, 21 Sep 2020 15:13:51 GMT

Welcome to season two of Seeking Peace from Georgetown University's Institute for Women, Peace and Security. This season we go from Afghanistan to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Colombia to the United States, to bring you stories of resilient women and male allies who are bringing justice and peace to their communities. Tune in on October 14th to listen to our first episode, available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also find us at seekingpeacepodcast.com.

This season is produced by GIWPS and Adonde Media, in collaboration with UN Women and Our Secure Future.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Building Peace w/ Monica McWilliams

Thu, 07 Mar 2019 05:01:00 GMT

Monica McWilliams was one of only two women at the peace talks that ended the war in Northern Ireland. She explains why you have to be willing to “wave goodbye to dinosaurs” to achieve peace. We also hear from a young peace activist in Yemen.

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Combating Climate Change w/ fmr President Mary Robinson

Thu, 28 Feb 2019 05:01:00 GMT

Former President of Ireland and climate justice activist Mary Robinson explains how climate change is a man-made problem with a feminist solution. And, in Mexico, we hear how the effects of climate change on water resources puts a strain on women specifically.

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Peacekeeping w/ Maj. Gen. Kristen Lund

Thu, 21 Feb 2019 05:00:00 GMT

Major General Kristin Lund, the first and only woman to command a UN peacekeeping mission, tells us how the bond between women makes her job easier. Also, from Ukraine, we meet some of the women joining the police force, a job that was off-limits to them until just a few years ago.

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Sustaining Peace w/ Nobel Laureate Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

Thu, 14 Feb 2019 05:00:00 GMT

The first woman to be elected president of any African country, former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, explains how she kept the peace in Liberia. We also take you to Colombia, where former FARC combatants are adjusting to legitimate political and civilian life.

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Combating Sexual Violence w/ Ashley Judd

Thu, 07 Feb 2019 05:00:00 GMT

Actress and UN Goodwill Ambassador Ashley Judd tells us how sexual violence affects women in war zones. Also on this episode: twenty years after the war in Kosovo, rape survivors are being recognized as victims of war.

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Women’s Rights are Human Rights w/ Sec. Hillary Clinton

Thu, 31 Jan 2019 05:05:00 GMT

Former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton tells us why women’s rights have to be a central part of American foreign policy. Also: meet the women of Afghanistan’s first all-female landmine clearing squad.

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Why Women w/ Kristen Bell

Thu, 31 Jan 2019 05:00:00 GMT

Kristen Bell, actress and advocate for the Women’s Peace and Humanitarian Fund, explains the meaning of “goodness” and why women are the key to lasting peace. We also take you to the world’s largest refugee camp in Bangladesh, where a group of Rohingya women are building a case against the government of Myanmar.

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