What makes women’s peacebuilding movements so effective—often more effective than larger scale national and international initiatives? Why is the work of women peacebuilders less well-known and celebrated than that of their male counterparts? Is the collective nature of women’s peacemaking work a reason it’s both effective yet also underappreciated?

In this talk, meet peacebuilders beyond the usual names like Mother Theresa and Jane Addams, and gain an appreciation for the collective nature of women’s peacebuilding activities. Glimpse the more peaceful horizon that could dawn if we inspired and supported women’s peacebuilding collectives.

Richard Middleton-Kaplan (he/him) is the director of Academic Support Services at Whitman College. In 2011, Richard spent a sabbatical at the Centre for Applied Human Rights at University of York, helping to develop a course on literature and human rights. His publications include “Using Literature to Teach Peace” in Peace Research: The Canadian Journal of Peace and Conflict Studies.

Middleton-Kaplan lives in Walla Walla.