To recognise and enhance the crucial role women play in Africa and “award them the Nobel Peace Prize 2011″. This is the proposal promoted by CIPSI, an Italian NGO that coordinates 48 international solidaritybased associations, and by ChiAma l’Africa during an international seminar held in Dakar (Senegal) from the 28th to 30th December 2008.
The reasons
The proposal is rooted to the fact that African women have, over the years, assumed a pivotal role in everyday life in Africa. These women are leaders in diverse facets of life ranging from household tasks to social and political activities. The women of Africa provide for their families by toiling, even during emergency situations, to guarantee that the cycle of life can continue unabated. For decades these women have been contributing to the African micro financial system: ranging from the historical West African tontines to the microcredit initiatives throughout Africa which have facilitated the foundation of thousands of small enterprises. African women are active in the management of economic activities: there exist thousands of women’s cooperatives occupied with agricultural, trade and educational activities. African women also play an increasing role in new native types of social and economic activity. They are also resolutely engaged in healthcare activities, providing assistance as well as information to increase awareness of the HIV virus and malaria in their villages. What’s more they struggle against the brutal tradition of genital mutilation. They are firmly committed to the establishment of peace - despite being exposed incessant discrimination and human rights violations - through a clear political commitment not often recognized. A brighter future for the African continent lies largely in the hands of its women. We believe that the humble woman of Africa and the pivotal role that she plays can help pave the reconstruction of a more just human society.
The proposal
To launch an International campaign that results in the presentation of the Nobel Peace Prize 2011 to African women as a whole - a collective Nobel. We understand that it may seem an unusual proposal, however it will also assist in our aim to raise awareness of African women’s commitment to all facets of life as well as to promote cooperation that supports their organisations on the international stage.
Modalities
- To make a public appeal regarding NOPPAW supported by renowned international figures.
- To develop a national and international Committee worldwide.
- To raise awareness of the NOPPAW campaign including via conferences, public events, meetings with African women and proposed expeditions to Africa to engage with women’s organisations.
- To update the multilingual website www.noppaw.org , including information about the campaign and its activities, real-life stories from African women as well as gender-based articles.
Main objective
To petition and formally submit in excess of two million signatures to the Nobel Commission.
Nominators Commitee
The candidates eligible for the Nobel Peace Prize are those nominated by qualified individuals. The right to submit proposals for the Nobel Peace Prize shall, by statute, be enjoyed by Members of national assemblies and governments of states, Members of international courts, University rectors, professors of social sciences, history, philosophy, law and theology; directors of peace research institutes and foreign policy institutes, Persons who have been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, Board members of organizations who have been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize, Active and former members of the Norwegian Nobel Committee and Former advisers appointed by the Norwegian Nobel Institute.