1000 Peacewomen miss out on Nobel Peace Prize.

Press Release by 1000 Peacewomen Coordinator, Summarized by FFW 

On the 7th of October 2005, this year's Nobel Peace Prize was awarded to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and its Director General, Mohamed El Baradei. The initiators of the project 1000 Women for the Nobel Peace Prize 2005 congratulate the recipient. "Of course we are disappointed, as we had hoped very much that the 1000 women would be recognized for their untiring and courageous work in the cause of peace," said the initiator and Swiss politician, Ruth-Gaby Vermot-Mangold, "but we are also proud that within less than three years we have brought attention to the outstanding work done by these women in the cause of promoting peace."

"It's a pity. The Nobel Peace Prize for the 1000 women would have been a compelling symbol of peace politics of which the world is sorely in need!"

In January 2005, 1000 women (representative of many thousands of such women) from more than 150 countries were nominated as a group for the Nobel Peace Prize. 12 of these women were from Thailand, recognized for their efforts towards peace in their own country and communities; Dawan Chantarahassadee, for campaigning against the corrupt Klong Dan Waste Water Treatment; Pinee Moonkaew, for advocating for the participation of ethnic people in watershed resource management; Nasae Yapa, for advocating for the rights of hill tribe people; Somboon Srikhamdokkhae, for establishing the Council of Work and Environment related Patients Network of Thailand; Wilaiwan Saetia, for campaigning for the safety and welfare of factory workers, particularly women; Women's Group of the Assembly for the Poor, for collaborating regionally and internationally on issues of globalization, human rights, women, the environment, indigenous peoples and biodiversity; Nualnoy Timkoon, for establishing and running the Baan Kruu Nooy Child Care Centre, caring for vulnerable and marginalized urban children; Ticha na Nakhon for advocating for the inclusion of women and children in Tsunami recovery processes; Somsook Boonyabancha, for strengthening the capacity of communities for self reliance and development; Dr. Chatsuman Kabilsingh as the leader of the first temple for Buddhist nuns; Nun Pratin Kwan-On for founding the Thai Nun Institute and establishing the Dharma-jarinividhaya School for marginalized young women; and Bhinand Chotirosserance for founding the Kanchanaburi Conservation Club and shaping peaceful public policies as a member of the National Economic and Social Advisory Council.

In November 2005 the book "1000 Peace Women across the Globe" was published, in which all 1000 women are portrayed. A group of academics will analyze the strategies, methods and results of these women's work. Their conclusions about the projects involved should produce feedback to governments and civil society.