Women Raising Their Voices for Peace

Women in Cyprus have been spending efforts for peace in Cyprus. By organizing around various non-governmental organizations, setting out on the streets, spending efforts in the international arena, they are working hard to create an environment for peace and to bring a social gender perspective to the peace process.

At the onset of the referendum process, we spoke about their efforts with Cypriot women who have been involved in the women's movement for years.

"Hands Across the Divide"

Journalist Neriman Cahit, a member of the "Hands Across the Divide" movement organized by Turkish and Greek Cypriot women, said "failure of women to participate in peace efforts is one of the main reasons that the problem has not been solved for 30 years."

"Hands Across the Divide" was set up three years ago. It is the only bi-communal women's organization in Cyprus that is internationally recognized. The organization, which has been fighting for a peaceful solution in Cyprus since the day it was formed, brings together about 100 Turkish and Greek Cypriots.

"We got to know each other, we shared the pains and we questioned the present situation," said Cahit. "Women need to have their voices heard. They need to be part of the decision-making process."

"Actually, there has been a strong women's movement in Cyprus since the establishment of the Women's Platform in 1993. The Platform, which was formed by people whose common denominator was being women, was later dispersed, but played an important part in the creation of many legal regulations," she told.

"Hands Across the Divide" went through difficult times because of the limitations on travel and gathering, but added it continued to stand on its feet.

The referendum process will be even harder, according to Cahit. "This plan is our last chance," she said.

"So we are spending twice the effort we have always spent." She said they had sent a letter with all their demands and views to all sides.

"The U.N. Security Council's resolution no: 1325, says women and the social gender perspective should be included in the negotiations process. But this is not the case. We will however, do everything to get our demands met."

Peace bus is on the roads

Cahit said the referendum process would be difficult and added they would make their voices heard through a series of campaigns. The "Peace Bus," which was used during the elections campaign will set on the road again next week.

The "Peace Bus" will tour the Turkish and Greek Cypriot villages and will help people come together with non-governmental organizations, academicians and professionals.

"We will not try to influence people's decisions," said Cahit. "We will just tell the truth through documents."

A different viewpoint

Nahide Merlem, who owns a bookstore in Nicosia, expects the majority to vote "yes" in the referendum on April 24. Merlem believes that the reviving relations of the last couple of years pose an opportunity to live in peace. She dreams of a united Cyprus where there is rule of law and where people live like humans.

Nahide Merlem's life was filled with migrations. She was born in Erenkoy. Her family still lives in Karpaz. "Both sides went through a lot of pain in the past," said Merlem.

"But we need to get over them." She said the Annan plan was not perfect but added that people would make sacrifices if it is fairly implemented.

Merlem believes that many people are benefiting from the current situation. Laws are not being properly implemented, we are not told what all the money is spent on, she said. So people are ready to make sacrifices to change the present situation.

"I lived through two wars. I still get scared when I hear a gunfire," said Merlem. "I don't want my children to be scared."

As an outcome of the solution process, Cypriot women have been able to make their voices heard.

According to her, women, who have began raising their voices for the first time, have brought a new viewpoint to the issue and have become powerful.

Merlem said the coming days would be difficult. We will go back to a no-solution situation again if Greek Cypriots reject the Annan plan, she said. She also has a "personal interest," in the solution:

"Right now everyone is reading books promoted by the media. People may start buying books that would help them improve as a person, if there is a solution," said Merlem.

Psychologist Canan Oztoprak's last words summarized everything: "I am very happy and hopeful. No one asked our opinion through all those years of no solution. Now, we will make the decision in the referendum." (EU/BB/EA/YE)