Bali Institute

The Women's International League for Peace and Freedom (WILPF) is an international Non Governmental Organization (NGO) with national sections, covering all continents with an International Secretariat (Board) based in Geneva, and a New York office focused on working with the United Nations.

Since its establishment in 1915, WILPF has brought together women from around the world who are united in working for peace by non-violent means, promoting political, economic and social justice for all.

Aims and Principles

• to bring together women of different political beliefs and philosophies who are united in their determination to study, make known and help abolish the causes and the legitimization of war;
• to work toward world peace; total and universal disarmament; the abolition of violence and coercion in the settlement of conflict and its replacement in every case by negotiation and conciliation;
• to support the civil society to democratise the United Nations system;
• to support the continuous development and implementation of international and humanitarian law;
• to promote political and social equality and economic equity;
• to contribute towards co-operation among all people;
• to enhance environmentally sustainable development.

Believing that under systems of exploitation these aims cannot be attained and a real and lasting peace and true freedom cannot exist, WILPF makes it one of its missions to further by non- violent means the social and economic transformation of the international community. This would enable the establishment of economic and social systems in which political equality and social justice for all can be attained, without discrimination on the basis of sex, race, religion, or any other grounds whatsoever.

WILPF sees as its ultimate goal the establishment of an international economic order founded on the principles of meeting the needs of all people and not on those of profit and privilege.

WILPF works on issues of peace, human rights and disarmament at the local, national and international levels, participating in the ongoing international debates on peace and security issues, conflict prevention and resolution, on the elimination of all forms of discrimination, and the promotion and protection of human rights. It contributes to analysis of these issues, and through its many activities, educates, informs and mobilizes women for action everywhere.

What WILPF does

• Lobbies governments on international, national and local levels
• Connects communities with the international scene, through national sections
• Participates in, collaborates and networks with international institutions and global movements
• Develops reference, education and action tools through websites, conferences, seminars and publications
• Monitors and contributes to the work of the UN
• Ensures a gender perspective

How can you help?

Do you have talent to spare? A burning conviction? A special field of expertise? Are you a poster genius? A web designer with time left over?

If you are a new member, or just wanting to get more involved internationally, WILPF will be honored to accept your help to work for Peace and Freedom in the world.

WILPF has a number of committees and working groups performing different tasks and monitoring a variety of themes. If you would like to lend us a hand, go ahead and contact the group or committee of your choice, and they will get back to you.

But first, find your place!