From Myanmar to Ukraine, women are playing a critical role in negotiating an end to hostilities and fostering sustainable peace. Former UK Foreign Secretary William Hague joined Georgetown University’s Institute for Women, Peace and Security to honor three women peacebuilders for their courage and commitment to inclusive peacebuilding, and tireless work to advance women’s equality in the face of continuing challenges on 30 October in London.
Myanmar’s May Sabe Phyu is a civil society activist in Kachin state, which is still a holdout in agreeing to the end to hostilities and engaging in the Panglong peace process called by Aung San Suu Kyi.
Iryna Gerashchenko is deputy speaker of the Ukrainian parliamentarian and the highest-ranking woman involved in the Minsk peace process to end the hostilities in Eastern Ukraine.
Monica McWilliams was a negotiator in the Good Friday talks, which brought an end to three decades of conflict in Northern Ireland. She is a seasoned veteran and has been helping women from Syria to Colombia take their rightful place at peace tables.
Lord William Hague continues to provide global leadership on the issue of sexual violence in conflict. He received an award from Georgetown University presented by former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton for his leadership in advancing the role of women in peace building.
The event was attended by a large audience of invited guests including UK government officials, diplomats, Georgetown alums, journalists, and Cherie Blair. It was the launch of our annual global trailblazer award in Europe.