Peaceful Sleep by Alonzo Adams is a(n) Limited Edition. The Edition is Limited to Limited Edition 850 pcs

Enhancing the participation of women in conflict resolution and peace-building efforts is important to achieving security and stability in Ukraine.

Nataliya Mariychuk, a mother of three children aged three to eighteen is nostalgic for the life she had some 1,300 kilometres away in her native city of Alchevsk, in Luhansk region but now she has adjusted to her new life.

At the other end of Ukraine, in the village of Vorotsiv in Lviv region.

Nataliya is one of more than a million women displaced by the conflict in eastern Ukraine. The significant number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and the challenges involved in integrating them into their new environments prompted her to co-found the Civic Movement of Donbas IDPs.

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The association works with local administrative authorities in Vorotsiv to address socio-economic problems including lack of housing and recreational facilities for children. They also work to build bridges between IDPs and their host communities in western Ukraine, where tensions have risen following the influx of people from the east.

“We offered the local authorities our volunteer support with initiatives such as cleaning up the local river, enhancing the road system and purchasing sports equipment for youngsters”, says Nataliya. “These efforts helped IDPs to better integrate into the local community and helped host communities see us as partners and not rivals”.

Women IDPs in Ukraine

• The number of IDPs in Ukraine is 1.8 million, according to Ukraine’s Ministry for Social Policy as of July 2016;
• Of this figure, 1.1 million are women (61 per cent);
• Women make up 73 per cent of IDPs residing in collective centres, according to Global Shelter Cluster figures as of May 2016. Collective centres are pre-existing buildings and structures intended for the long-term stay of IDPs. They include dormitories and sanatoriums, modular-type centres and rented houses.

Nadiya Kuramshina is another woman pushing the boundaries with her work.

The mother of a soldier in the Ukrainian Armed Forces and the founder of the non-governmental organization (NGO) Unity of Mothers “Zakhyst” (Defence), Kuramshina works to establish contacts between women whose sons serve in the Ukrainian Armed Forces and the mothers whose son  have become armed members of “Donetsk People’s Republic”.

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“For many of us, it is important to learn the views of the other side first-hand and to talk about the things that we have in common”, says Nadiya. “With very little outside help, we are working on delivering legal and social support to soldiers who have returned from the army and face difficulties in adjusting to civilian life.”

Women, Peace and Security

According to journalist Tamara Zlobina, despite these accomplishments women’s achievements in Ukraine continue to be seen through a patriarchal prism emphasizing the traditional role of women as caregivers instead of focusing on their contributions to peace-building efforts. “There are strong stereotypes about the role of women in society which significantly prevents them from realizing their full potential”, she says.

There are strong stereotypes about the role of women in society, which significantly prevents them from realizing their full potential.

Tamara Zlobina Journalist

Awareness of this fact has led international organizations such as the OSCE, through its Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM), to seek structures and foundations upon which to build and strengthen opportunities for women.

This work is based on United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 (2000) on Women, Peace and Security (UNSCR 1325/2000) which recognized that men and women are affected by conflicts in different ways and that peace-building efforts must see the full involvement of both women and men.

The Mission also incorporates gender perspectives into facilitating dialogue, monitoring and reporting along the lines of its mandate.

Gender Dimensions of SMM’s Monitoring: One Year of Progress

This report sets out the gender-mainstreaming efforts of the OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine (SMM) and outlines the relevant gender dimensions of the SMM’s monitoring, reporting and dialogue facilitation activities.

• Gender Dimensions of SMM’s Monitoring: One Year of Progress

See all the links

Laura Jaffrey, an SMM monitoring officer and gender focal point based in Lviv says that one approach to gender mainstreaming in the SMM’s work is to collect sex-disaggregated data. “In practical terms it involves talking with people of both sexes, of different ages and from different social spheres in order to reveal the realities faced by both women and men of different ages and backgrounds”, says Laura.

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In practical terms, it implies talking with people of both sexes, of different ages and from different social spheres in order to reveal the realities faced by both women and men of different ages and backgrounds.

Laura Jaffrey SMM Monitoring Officer

Within its mandate the SMM monitors the changes in gender dynamics regarding and including the challenges faced by IDPs. Monitoring through the gender lens can shed light on specific issues encountered by women, men, boys and girls and reveal a more accurate picture of the situation on the ground, according to Laura.

Breadwinners and politicians

The conflict is transforming the role of women. “Due to the compulsory mobilization of men into the army, women are left to supporting the families financially”, says Tamara.

Olena Cherenkova, an IDP from Luhansk, fled to Lutsk in Volyn region, with her 80-year-old mother and her teenage daughter. As her family’s sole breadwinner, Olena has gained a sense of confidence and independence which sees her challenging the traditional stereotypes of women in her work as the head of the local association of IDPs from Crimea and Donbas.

[node id="253801" preset="medium" align="left" description="Olena Cherenkova (c), head of the local association of internally displaced persons from Crimea and Donbas."]

On the other hand, Vira Pidhrushna saw her opportunity in politics and less than a year ago became the deputy head of the Brody village council in Lviv region. Focusing on the needs of families, her work has resulted in providing assistance to people returning to the area from combat duty in the east.

“I am very proud of my party for trusting me to lead the party list in the local elections”, says Vira, acknowledging that only five of the 34 deputies in the district council are women.

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Women will not be able to make much progress in achieving gender equality if they do it on their own, it has to be a joint effort by women and men.

Nataliya Mariychuk Co-Founder of the Civic Movement of Donbas IDPs

Yet both she and Nataliya from Vorotsiv village emphasize that women and men should not be competitors in their professional endeavours.

“Women will not be able to make much progress in achieving gender equality if they do it on their own”, says Nataliya. “It has to be a joint effort by both women and men”.

Giving women a real say in peace-building would certainly contribute to enhancing gender equality in a post-conflict society.

Related Stories

• Latest from OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine, based on information received as of 19:30, 4 August 2016
• Latest from OSCE Special Monitoring Mission (SMM) to Ukraine, based on information received as of 19:30, 3 August 2016
• OSCE Special Monitoring Mission to Ukraine to hold news briefing in Kyiv tomorrow

Berlin/Vienna, 3 July 2016 – OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Frank-Walter Steinmeier and Secretary General Lamberto Zannier today expressed deep sadness upon the passing of Holocaust survivor, peace activist and Nobel Laureate Elie Wiesel.

“We have lost one of the strongest advocates of peace, who raised his voice tirelessly against all forms of hatred. He fought intolerance and in all its manifestations and denounced oppression wherever it occurred”, said Steinmeier.

Zannier stressed: “In a time when racism, xenophobia and intolerance threaten increasingly divided societies across the OSCE region, Elie Wiesel’s legacy will remain an inspiration and forever remind us of our commitment never to relent in our fight against all forms of discrimination, racism and violent extremism.”

Steinmeier and Zannier extended their condolences to Mr. Wiesel's family and to the governments and people of the United States and Israel.

Related Stories

• OSCE Secretary General promotes inter-faith dialogue to prevent radicalization at Congress of Leaders of World and Traditional Religions in Kazakhstan
• OSCE Secretary General visits Vienna’s West Station to meet refugees and representatives of Austria’s Interior Ministry, Police and humanitarian organizations
• Partnership and co-operation takes Bosnia and Herzegovina forward on its reform path, says OSCE Secretary General Zannier

Rachel Zegler, the star of Disney's upcoming live-action "Snow White" remake, has a message for the 75.6 million Americans who voted for President-elect Donald Trump this year: may you "never know peace."

The post Disney’s ‘Snow White’ Star Rachel Zegler Hopes Trump Supporters ‘Never Know Peace’ — Are Part of a ‘Deep, Deep Sickness in This Country’ appeared first on Breitbart.

New on RandyBlue: Rustin Peace and Ryder Flynn don’t even have to speak much to show how much they like each other. You can see it in the way they act towards each other. Not words, but actions. We can see it when Rustin sucks Ryder and his cock visibly grows in his mouth. Later... View Article

The post Randy Blue: Ryder Flynn Fucks Rustin Peace appeared first on QueerClick.

washington — Polls have closed across Somaliland after presidential elections, and it appears Wednesday's voting across the breakaway region has gone smoothly.  The Somaliland National Electoral Commission (NEC) said polls closed across the region at 6 p.m. local time.  More than 1 million people were registered to vote across some 2,000 polling stations in Somalia's breakaway region.  In the evening, vote counting was underway, according to the electoral agency.  "It will start from polling centers level, then passes to district, and the regional before we announce the result," said NEC Chairman Muse Hassan Yusuf.  "We have successfully solved minor technical issues reported in some polling stations," he said. He said the NEC would announce the result of the election by November 21.  General Mohamed Adan Saqadhi, head of Somaliland Police Force, said throughout Somaliland the election was peaceful.  "Thanks to Allah, the election took place democratically and peacefully. No incident was reported," said Saqadhi.  Candidates promise to grow economy Three candidates, including incumbent President Muse Bihi Abdi, were on the ballot in Wednesday's poll. In interviews with VOA Somali, each of the three candidates promised to strengthen democracy, boost economic growth, and gain the international recognition Somaliland has sought for 33 years.  Abdi, of the ruling Peace, Unity and Development Party, also known simply as Kulmiye, was seeking a second term.  He ran against Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, known as "Irro," of the Waddani party and Faisal Ali Warabe of the Justice and Development Party, or UCID.  This is the fourth presidential election since the region on the northwestern tip of Somalia broke away from the rest of the country, following the collapse of the Siad Barre regime in 1991.  The territory declared independence that year but has never achieved international recognition.  Despite that, Somaliland has a functioning government and institutions, a political system that has allowed democratic transfers of power between rival parties, its own currency, passport and armed forces.  Voters cast ballots amid tension Wednesday's vote comes at a time when tensions remain high between Somalia and Ethiopia over a controversial memorandum of understanding that Ethiopia signed with Somaliland.  The deal would grant Ethiopia a 50-year lease of access to 20 kilometers of the Gulf of Aden coastline in exchange for the potential recognition of Somaliland's independence, which Somalia views as a violation of its sovereignty and territorial integrity.  The deal, signed on January 1 in Addis Ababa by Abdi and Ethiopia Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, sparked anger in Mogadishu, which considers Somaliland part of its national territory.   In April, Somalia expelled Ethiopian Ambassador Muktar Mohamed Ware, alleging "internal interference" by Ethiopia. Somalia also ordered the closure of Ethiopia's consulates in Somaliland and Puntland, although both consulates remained open.  Last month, Somalia expelled Mogadishu-based Ethiopian diplomat Ali Mohamed Adan, who was a counselor at Ethiopia's embassy in Mogadishu.  In July and August, two rounds of talks between Ethiopia and Somalia, mediated by Turkey, failed to solve the dispute, with Somalia demanding Ethiopia withdraw from the deal and Ethiopia insisting that it does not infringe on Somalia's sovereignty.  On Saturday, Somali Defense Minister Abdulkadir Mohamed Nur repeated the Somali government position against Ethiopian troop involvement in a new African Union peacekeeping mission in Somalia due to start in January.  "I can say that Ethiopia is the only government we know of so far that will not participate in the new AU mission because it has violated our sovereignty and national unity," Nur said Saturday in a government-run television interview. 

[VOA] Washington -- Polls have closed across Somaliland after presidential elections, and it appears Wednesday's voting across the breakaway region has gone smoothly.

Highest voter turnout of 75.27% was recorded in Ramgarh; independent candidate slaps government officer

In this second update from the Serbia/Croatia border, OM leader Volker Sachse describes moments of God’s peace that transforms people in a dire situation.

Sometimes it's not about handing out blankets, meals or having conversations, noticed OM worker Elizabeth when volunteering in the refugee ministry in Serbia.

Hope for Zurich connects with the community at Träff International, their outreach to the local immigrant population.

God used a dangerous situation to change the life of a Salvadorian woman.

In a nation filled with tribal tension, OM works toward reconciliation through youth conferences, relief outreaches and a bookshop filled with Bibles.

Yitzhak Rabin spoke of the importance of manpower and mobilizing reservists following the Yom Kippur War, echoing modern sentiments.

Huh? What God of "green" hope? Why does The Message do this? -- Before we examine what seems suggestive of earth reverence/earth worship, let us restate some of what has been covered elsewhere about The Message: A generation has been raised on this disturbing "paraphrase" of the Bible. This is the primary version so many now rely on, and nationally known preachers quote from it with regularity. Yet, as we have seen, The Message flat out omits the sin of homosexuality from several key passages. We see this in 1 Corinthians 6:9-11, and also in 1 Timothy 1: 8-11 (read about that here). -- Does the acceptance and use of The Message explain why many Christians are lukewarm on the issue of homosexuality? Certainly The Message is not the only factor-we dwell in a pro-homosexual media/culture-but place this "Bible" in a person's hands and it can have, over time, significant influence. How can we understand God's Truth when Truth is no longer there to be read? - "My son, give attention to my words; Incline your ear to my sayings. Do not let them depart from your sight; Keep them in the midst of your heart." (Proverbs 4:20-21) The beloved author of The Message, Eugene Peterson, has now endorsed two heretical books: The Shack, and Rob Bell's sly ode to universalism, Love Wins. - The Message, bluntly stated, seems written to make Christians less knowledgeable about the Word of God. While that may seem a strong comment, please consider what Eugene Peterson himself said about the Bible: "Why do people spend so much time studying the Bible? How much do you need to know? We invest all this time in understanding the text which has a separate life of its own and we think we're being more pious and spiritual when we're doing it….[Christians] should be studying it less, not more. You need just enough to pay attention to God….I'm just not at all pleased with the emphasis on Bible study as if it's some kind of special thing that Christians do, and the more the better." I believe The Message is forerunner to a christless, sinless bible that will be used by the false church. There will be a "christ" mentioned, but not our Christ. Not the sinless Savior of humanity. Sin will be addressed, of course, but perhaps more in line with the Alcoholics Anonymous generic theology of "wrongs" and "making amends."

Trump Iraq Syria Genocide Relief Act President Donald J. Trump is joined by legislators and Archbishop Bashar Warda of Erbil-Kurdistan, Iraq, left, as he signs H.

[Editor's note: Stop the printing press! Important breaking news for my international readers! 29% of the Swedes think that America is the greatest danger to the world peace.]

From The Local:

Nearly one in three Swedes, 29 percent, think that the US is the biggest threat to peace on earth, the poll, commissioned by Axess Television, reveals. (TheLocal.se, 10/29/06.)

In 2016 the morning after the election I went to work early. Looking back at my camera roll from that day, here’s Batman, with a reminder. DON’T BELIEVE THOSE CRACKPOT LIES ABOUT PEOPLE WHO WORSHIP DIFFERENTLY, OR WHOSE SKIN IS OF A DIFFERENT COLOR, OR WHOSE PARENTS COME FROM ANOTHER COUNTRY. REMEMBER OUR AMERICAN HERITAGE...

In Part 14 of 'The Holy Spirit' we continue with a study of 'The Fruit Of The Spirit - Peace'. The peace of God is not just something He has and gives, but peace is something He is. Peace is a characteristic of God's nature. We've learned that this fruit of the Spirit is the very personality of God exhibited in us through the Holy Spirit. In this session you will learn how to cultivate a mind, heart and life of peace. How valuable this is in a world so dominated by fear and anxiety! This message is available at https://www.preachtheword.com now in MP3 audio format and in HD video on our YouTube Channel (https://youtube.com/PreachTheWord)...

That was the scathing headline by Hitch over at Slate magazine about the anti-war protests last Saturday. Has anybody had anything good to say about the protests? I'm still looking.

"The protests were largely sponsored by two groups, the Answer Coalition, which embodies a wide range of progressive political objectives, and United for Peace and Justice, which has a more narrow, antiwar focus.

"International ANSWER," the group run by the "Worker's World" party and fronted by Ramsey Clark, which openly supports Kim Jong-il, Fidel Castro, Slobodan Milosevic, and the "resistance" in Afghanistan and Iraq, with Clark himself finding extra time to volunteer as attorney for the genocidaires in Rwanda.

Quite a "wide range of progressive political objectives" indeed, if that's the sort of thing you like. However, a dip into any database could have furnished Janofsky with well-researched and well-written articles by David Corn and Marc Cooper - to mention only two radical left journalists who have exposed "International ANSWER" as a front for (depending on the day of the week) fascism, Stalinism, and jihadism."

The commitment of the 22 former NPAs to support peace efforts in the southern municipalities of Samar and Eastern Samar underscores their dedication to promoting harmony and facilitating the return of their former comrades to normal life.

On June 12, the towns of Hilongos, Isabel, and Merida in the Province of Leyte announced that their towns are already in a state of Stable Internal Peace and Security Condition (SIPSC).

A total of 21 Local Government Units in Eastern Visayas have been declared with a Stable Internal Peace and Security (SIPS) status, showcasing significant advancements in the region's anti-insurgency efforts.

A member of the Communist Terrorist Group (CTG) was killed, and three high-powered firearms were seized in an armed encounter at the remote outskirts of Brgy. Hitapi-an, Catubig, Northern Samar, on June 23, 2024.

For added protection, custom dog tags can even hold key medical information that is always available on your animals collar or travel crate. Pet Dog Tags can relay special medical conditions, medications, or allergies, even when you are not there.

Determining the right life alert device for seniors or disabled individuals who live alone, have mobility issues, or have chronic medical conditions to ensure safety, independence and peace of mind.

Illustration by Jonathan Mak

[Leadership] Former President Goodluck Jonathan has urged President Donald Trump to promote the cause for global peace, stability and progress.

Fr. Stephen Freeman offers some insight on dealing with the dark thoughts that often fill our minds.

Fr. Stephen Freeman reflects on the nature of the Kingdom of God and its distinct reality when compared to the wars and struggles of the secularized world.

In his Christmas reflection, Fr. Thomas examines what "Peace on Earth, Goodwill Towards Men" means and what it doesn't mean.

I tried several different ways to begin this post, but it seemed only fitting to be as blunt in this announcement as I have been during my entire SEO and affiliate career, thus the title of this entry. It's been an amazing ride In 1998, after my oldest son suffered a massive bilateral stroke, I…

The post Peace Out to My Digital Marketing Career – It’s Been One Hell of a Ride appeared first on Sugarrae.

At St. Nicholas Church, Shreveport, Louisiana, Fr. Joseph recalls three exorcisms: one goofy, one real, and one true.

When faced with a life-changing forgiveness of a huge debt, this man in our Gospel Lesson revealed his own wicked heart by not showing that same forgiveness and mercy to his fellow servant. It did not end well for that wicked servant. And it won't end well for we who refuse to forgive from the heart!

Are you able to have such inner peace that outward circumstances are powerless to disturb you? Well, that's exactly the kind of peace Jesus Christ wants to give you.

Discussing St. Paul's saying 'Christ is our peace' from Ephesians 2, Fr. Andrew talks about the true nature of the peace that was inaugurated by the birth of Jesus.

Today, we have an interview with Dr. Al Rossi on how to find peace in college life, especially during finals time. Theme music: "Burn Out Bright" by Switchfoot from their 2006 album "Oh! Gravity." Used by permission.

Fr. Nick and Pres. Roxanne discuss the spiritual side of our fasting during Great Lent.

Listen to this exclusive "interview" with the author of a new (wink, wink) book on proper church etiquette.

Listen to this exclusive encore "interview" with the author of a book (wink, wink) on proper church etiquette.

Here's a remastered version of Fr Joseph's interview with Fr. Danislav Gregorio, author of the book, An Empty Church is a Peaceful Church, taken from the forthcoming audio book version of We Came, We Saw, We Converted.

One of the greatest frustrations in my spiritual life has been caused by a passion for certainty. You might call it a need to know, a need to know what God is doing in my life, a need to have some explanation for or feeling for why my life is the way it is right now. When I don’t know—or when I don’t have some explanation that I can tell myself is the reason why things are happening to me and around me the way they are happening—if I don’t have something I can say to myself that gives reason and explanation to the pain and apparent arbitrariness of my experience, then because I don’t know, I have a great deal of inner turmoil. And it often happens that the inner turmoil of not knowing—or not thinking that I know—why things are the way they are or what God is doing in my life and in the lives of those around me through the painful, unfair and unbearable circumstances I or we are experiencing, the pain of this not knowing is more tormenting than the actual suffering I experience from the circumstance.

Fr. Michael Gillis uses a gardening analogy to discuss dealing with the deep-rooted sins in life.

There are many kinds of waves in the chaotic world we live in. Sometimes the waves are pushing to the left. Sometimes the waves push to the right. Really, there is no rhyme or reason to it. In fact, part of what can drive you crazy is how unreasonable life in this world is. Like the waves on the ocean, it all depends which way the wind is blowing. And the wind that influences the political and social realities of this fallen world is the spirit of the age, the spirits of wickedness that dwell in the air (Ephesians 6:12).

Peace is not simply the absence of conflict but rather a virtue reflecting the character of God Himself.