GREETINGS TO ALL MEMBERS OF WILPF THROUGHOUT THE WORLD ON OUR 96TH BIRTHDAY

28th April 2011

WILPF was founded in April 1915, in the Hague, the Netherlands, by some1300 women from Europe and North America, from countries at war against each other and neutral ones, who came together in a Congress of Women to protest the killing and destruction of the war then raging in Europe.

They issued 20 resolutions, some of immediate importance others - to end the conflict and negotiate the differences, and some with long-term aims to reduce conflict and prevent war, and laying the foundations for a permanent peace. They called on neutral governments to press the belligerents to stop fighting and settle their differences by negotiations, asking them to take immediate steps to establish a conference of neutral states and offer continuous mediation e.g. asking each belligerent to put forward their grievances and suggest remedies, and make their suggestions to each equally.

Of immediate importance: They also called for a conference of women to take place at the same time and same place as the 'conference of powers' that would meet at the end of the war to frame the terms of the peace settlement, and submit to the participating states their practical proposals to meet the conditions for a lasting peace. They also resolved to send 'envoys' to carry the messages contained in the resolutions of the Congress.

Their actions and demands are as relevant today as they were 96 years ago. Our task is to keep these arguments alive, to continue to hold States accountable and to advocate against militarism and for real and universal peace.

We are but four years away from celebrating our 100th Anniversary in The Hague. Today, the 28th April therefore is our 96th Birthday and no doubt sections and branches throughout our 35+ countries will be making their own celebrations.

These women, our WILPF 'mothers' were braver than many of us have needed to be, though equal to the trials and endurance that many of our sisters have faced. We should celebrate them all.

Congratulations to all WILPF members with the 96 years!

On behalf of the ExCom and the Secretariat

Annelise and Kerstin, Co-Presidents