Edition 92: Women in the Cross Hairs - Palestine & Israel with Cindy Sheehan
Dec 7, 2023
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Explore the impact of the Israel-Palestine conflict on women and children. Hear insights from anti-war activist Cindy Sheehan. Discuss current events like protests, struggles in Gaza, and global news. Learn about a peace march and empowering song 'Prayer of the Mothers'. Challenge the necessity of war and advocate for peaceful conflict resolution. Unpack the masculine influence on warfare and address global perspectives on antisemitism and gender-based violence.
Women bear the brunt of caregiving in war-torn regions, facing heightened challenges and risks.
Legal protection and prevention measures against sex-based violence are essential for women's safety during conflicts.
Antisemitic and anti-Muslim sentiments fuel violence, denying women their rights and humanity in the conflict zone.
Deep dives
Impact of the War on Women and Children
The podcast discusses the profound impacts of the ongoing war in the Middle East on women and children. Women find themselves as primary caregivers for children, the elderly, and the wounded. Displacement due to the conflict exacerbates challenges faced by women, including grief, anxiety, sexual assault, pregnancy, and post-traumatic stress. Conditions in Gaza have left pregnant women delivering without essential resources, putting lives at risk.
Challenges Faced by Women in the Conflict Zone
Women in conflict zones face increased risks of sexual assault and exploitation. Legal frameworks to protect women's rights must be enforced both nationally and internationally. Instances of sex-based violence need to be monitored, documented, and addressed to ensure the safety and well-being of women, regardless of religion or ethnicity. Efforts to prevent sex-based violence are crucial in war-torn regions.
Addressing Bigotry and Injustices
The podcast highlights the growing rate of attacks on Muslim and Jewish individuals, inflamed by the conflict. Antisemitic and anti-Muslim rhetoric often distorts perspectives and justifies violence. Instances of sexual assault during the conflict are sometimes denied or minimized, perpetuating injustices. Women, irrespective of their background, should never be subjected to such atrocities.
Call for Dignity and Respect for Women
Amidst the conflict, the podcast stresses the importance of treating women on both sides with dignity and respect. Women in Gaza and Israel deserve access to proper medical care and shelter. Humanizing the experiences of women in war is crucial, emphasizing their humanity and rights amidst the chaos and violence of the ongoing conflict.
Fostering Community of Care and Empowerment
The podcast advocates for local movements centered around community care, organic food, and peace programs in schools. Women are urged to reclaim their power and not seek validation from oppressive systems. Fostering a culture of care and empowerment among women can lead to positive change and resilience in the face of ongoing conflicts.
First up, hear WLRN's greeting with member Mary O'Neill who later on in the show, delivers her commentary on the situation women are facing in the regions known as Israel and Palestine.
This month, one of our newest members, Kathleen Miles, wrote and delivered WLRN's World News segment. Hear stories from around the world before listening to the song Prayer of the Mothers by Yael Deckelbaum.
Next up, hear excerpts of a discussion WLRN's Thistle Pettersen and Emily Faye had with long-time American anti-war activist Cindy Sheehan. Cindy lost a child to the US war with Iraq in 2004 and has been a peace advocate and anti-war campaigner ever since. She gives us her take on the origins of the conflict and the underlying imperialism she sees at the root of it.
Finally, stay tuned 'til the very end for Mary O'Neill's commentary on the subject wherein she examines the impacts the conflict is having on innocent women and children.
Thanks for staying tuned to WLRN, YOUR feminist community-powered media service.
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