Women in Black is a loose network of women worldwide committed to peace through justice, and actively opposed to war and other forms of violence. It is not an organization, but a means of mobilization and a formula for action.
Women in Black demonstrations usually take the form of women wearing black, standing in public places in silent vigils at regular times and intervals. Men regularly take part in some of the vigils as well.
Women in Black vigils were started in Israel in 1988 (and continue there today) by women protesting against Israel's occupation of the West Bank and Gaza, demanding peace between Israel and the Palestinians. Italian supporters of the Israeli women took the idea back to Italy, where Women in Black vigils have occurred in many cities. Contact between Italian women and Yugoslav women resulted in the theme being taken up there. Women in Black vigils have been held in Republic Square, Belgrade, opposing the Serbian regime's aggression.
It is impossible to know how many women there are who identify with Women in Black, how many groups or mailing lists exist, or how many actions have been held. Certainly it has become a worldwide movement. Women in Black conferences have been held in Jerusalem (in 1994) and in Novi Sad, Yugoslavia each August since 1994. A Women in Black vigil was held in Beijing at the time of the 1995 UN Conference on Women. There was an exhibition in 1996 in New York of photos of Women in Black actions around the world.
What can Women in Black achieve? Demonstrating together can give us a sense of solidarity and purpose as women. We can encourage and lend support to other women around the world who are often closer to the violence. And we can inform and influence public opinion toward making war an unthinkable option.
We invite you to join us in a silent vigil at the Ukiah Post Office, Standley and Oak Streets, Mondays, from 12-1 pm. Please dress in black and come without signs or banners. (See page 2 for other local Women in Black vigils.)
"The only way to end this war is for young men to refuse to fight in it. They can only do this in numbers if you support them, you who have been stuffing these kids with vitamins, fattening them up for the Whitehall Street medics, straightening their teeth, so they look American overseas. When I say 'you' I mean 'me' too. Because naturally like any decent mother, I've been very strong on orange juice, very interested in playgrounds, adamant about good teaching and curriculum. . . And as a beginning for those of you who are shy, for whom the first visible NO is a heart-thumping actÑcome, join our Saturday Women's Vigil. . . This small neighborhood vigil which says Not Our Sons Not Your Sons Not Their Sons is a small piece of that circle of love around your boy. Stand with us, be nearly as brave as he will have to be."
ÐGrace Paley, writer and teacher, speaking to mothers in
Greenwich Village, 1970
I just wanted to say thank you for all of your help with my research project. I chose to do an extensive research project on the effects of pollutants and the increased cancer rate in Mendocino County and surrounding areas. I wasn't sure where to begin, but then I remembered the Environmental Center. When I called, I spoke to Liz, and she was more than willing to help with any information I needed. She compiled a folder of information on toxins and pollutants in the environment and their effects on wildlife and the human population. So again, thank you so much for your help. I got rave reviews on the research and the paper itself and I credit the gracious help of the Mendocino Environmental Center.
ÐShellee Hoomalu
Copyright Mendocino Environmental Center 2003
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