The Stories
United Nations. United Nations. Accessed November 7, 2022. https://www.un.org/en/exhibits/exhibit/in-their-hands/stories.
In the late 20th century, the UN created a new branch focused on gender studies; much of the material this produced focused on the experiences of women in conflicts in terms of violence they have undergone. However, it is important to consider gender from outside the perspective of victimisation, and instead from that of women as actors.
This is what the exhibit ‘In Their Hands’ tries to achieve, by focussing on the multiple stories of peace activists and actors in conflicts around the world. There are many ways in which these women enhance peace in their local communities or across wider areas, even to the extent of national and international transformations. The stories include that of Ellen Sirleaf, who helped bring an end to conflict in Liberia.
This exhibition aims to show how women are great builders and makers of peace, as key actors often ignored but truly active through all layers of all communities, and often in unique ways. These women create hope and brighter futures, and this exhibit aims to give them some well-deserved credit.