CONGRESS RECOGNIZES LIMPAL DURING THE CELEBRATION OF INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY
March 17, 2005
Dear Colleague,
In recognition of International Women's Day, the Congressional Caucus for Women's Issues seeks to recognize women throughout the world who strive to overcome challenges in their society. Today, we highlight an organization that we had the pleasure of meeting during the celebration of International Women's Day on Tuesday, March 8, 2005.
The "Liga Internacional de Mujeres por la Paz y la Libertad" (LIMPAL) of Colombia is a determined organization that is working for peace and security in their nation. Colombian women have endured forty years of armed conflict. Their country is currently experiencing the most severe humanitarian crisis in the western hemisphere with approximately three million internally displaced people, the majority of whom are women and children.
Decades of violence exacerbate the historic inequities Colombian women face. Increased levels of sexual and domestic violence, the lack of political participation by women, and the dismantling of traditional safety nets within family and community relationships highlight the negative impact the conflict has had on women. The war has put thousands of women in the precarious positions of being displaced and homeless, targeted for political violence by illegal armed actors, and the head of their household. Despite this adversity, women are banding together to make a difference in their country.
LIMPAL is one of many organizations that provide a light of hope through work with women, particularly women affected by violence. This not-for-profit organization, run entirely by volunteers, with offices in the capitol of Bogotá and the costal city of Cartegena, has been working for the last decade with over 3,000 women and their families. Because of LIMPAL, basic needs of women are met through community organizing, non-formal education, and civic participation.
This model provided by LIMPAL proves that despite impoverishment, conflict, and difficulties, the leadership of women and women's organizations can craft the building blocks for a true and lasting peace. This important work offers inspiration and hope not simply to Colombian women, or for women living in conflict, but for all women throughout the world.
