Women, War, and Peace: Peace Unveiled

By Wynter Aiken | Published by May 15, 2019

War and peace have dominated the 21st century and women are right in the middle of it. 

 The Holocaust Resource Center, Women & Gender Studies, and Interdisciplinary Studies co-presented the film screening and discussion of Women, War, and Peace: Peace Unveiled on Apr. 16 as part of Holocaust and Genocide Awareness Month to highlight the resilience of Afghan women within conflict zones. 

“Peace Unveiled,” is the third installment in “Women, War and Peace,” a five-part series on PBS created and filmed by Abigail Disney and Gini Reticker.   

Students were shown Afghan women’s efforts to improve their local communities and society in Afghanistan, demonstrating their individual strength, hardships, that could lead to life or death decisions. These women fight for women’s rights, they are putting their lives in danger to be heard at the negotiating table.  

“In connection to the Holocaust and Genocide organization here at Kean, the themes presented in the film opened the discussion on awareness and deeply critical thinking into the depths of genocide and human rights,” said Sarah Coykendall,  Assistant Managing Director of the Holocaust Resource Center.   

The themes of determination, selflessness, and compassion are cross-disciplinary and illustrate the valor of those fighting for what’s right in the face of opposition. Like in the U.S,  women fight their way to equality and Dr. Consuelo Bonillas of Health Education wanted viewers to think about how women’s efforts for equality is the same. No matter the country-if a change needs to be made, take action.  

“It’s great to show another part of the world that we don’t take the time to learn about and about women who love their country and want better rights for themselves, for their daughters and for those who speak up on laws and policies that they want to be changed,” said Bonillas.  

The women of Afghanistan profiled in “Peace Unveiled” have given their lives, health, safety, security and their dignity in the struggle for freedom, peace, and equality. Activist and philanthropist Abigail Disney captures on film their fierce desire to do something, not just to better the status of women, but to change the future of their country. The words spoken by the diplomats fail to translate into protection for women’s rights.  

The film showed the difference women’s leadership is making in those small places such as a young man in Kandahar who’s pictured bursting with pride as he speaks of his mother, who became a delegate to the peace talks. A position that could become a death sentence for women if found out.  

“Hillary Clinton, who was  U.S. Secretary of State at the time, spoke of her opposition to the Afghan representatives that she would never accept a peace deal that was pushed through at the expense of women. She took a stance against male ruling opinion because she believed in the women who were fighting for peace.” Bonillas continued.  

The film represented Afghan women’s pride and determination at wanting to be heard. Peace and tranquility don’t come easy in times of turmoil but with motivation, the law’s can eventually be changed.  With enough courage, motivation, and unity, Afghan women will see their peace be unveiled.  

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