In the lead up to International Women’s Day, KAIROS and its partners have been immersed in the Final Reporting for our six-year Women of Courage: Women, Peace and Security program with Global Affairs Canada, including Wi’am: Palestinian Conflict Transformation Centre, our partner in the West Bank, Palestine, who Rachel Warden recently interviewed.

In her blog, Rachel Warden shares details on Wi'am's WPS work and excerpts from her interview, which provide strong examples of the defiance and strength of women peacebuilders and organizations in a time of armed conflict.

There are several reasons to visit our partners, but this week, I join the Organización Femenina Popular (OFP) in Barrancabermeja, Colombia for a common cause - the struggle for equality, women's rights and an end to violence in Magdalena Medio and throughout Colombia.

The OFP is organising a major event on March 8, International Women’s Day, and the Humanitarian Mission to demand peace and safety for women and girls in the country.

It’s not too late to write to the Minister of Finance and Prime Minister to urge them to keep their promise to increase international assistance in support of women peacebuilders and environmental stewards. We just learned that the government will announce Budget 2024 on April 16. MPs tells us that they need to hear from you. Please send your letter today and spread the word!

KAIROS is pleased to announce its Strengthening Voices for a Just Transition – a project uniting generations for equitable and sustainable futures. This project is supported by the Catherine Donnelly Foundation and will amplify principles for a just transition from Indigenous communities, youth and those most affected by climate change. 

Help us keep up the pressure on the Senate to pass Bill C-226 – the National Strategy Respecting Environmental Racism and Environmental Justice Act. KAIROS and others are supporting a petition from the David Suzuki Foundation. Sign it today!

There is still time to participate in the Lenten campaign Give it up for the Earth! 2024. Make a personal pledge to reduce household emissions. Send a letter to the Minister of the Environment and Climate Change urging him to take more action for the climate. KAIROS supports Give it up for the Earth through For the Love of Creation.

KAIROS staff recommended book favourites by authors who are Black during Black History Month. Read all about it!

KAIROS actions to build a better world, such as e-petitions, letters to elected officials and advocacy events are housed on the KAIROS Advocacy page. 

KAIROS is deeply saddened by the passing of Rev. Alison Etter. Alison was wise and gentle, kind and humble, abundantly capable, with a great laugh! She knew the importance of working together for the justice that her faith called her to – justice for all, leaving no one behind. We were blessed to have her keen mind, thoughtful heart and willing hands at many KAIROS Atlantic meetings. KAIROS’ strength is in the people, in relationships and partnerships, in friendships and collective action. Alison remains a wonderful example of this strength. 

Congratulations to the KAIROS Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Coordinating Committee for launching their first regional newsletter. Read all about the regional work in five pillar areas of justice and more. They follow the innovative example of the KAIROS Prairies North Coordinating Committee who have published four regional newsletters so far. Everyone is invited to read current and back issues on the Regional Newsletters page of the KAIROS website. If you have ideas about news in your area talk to your regional rep.