Project proposal

“The role of women in developing dialogue between different religions and ethnic groups in the global village.”“We have been reached by questions of the poor, prisoners of war, fear and hatred. We know the immense possibilities and risks of globalization, if soulless. We are down in the depths of our religious traditions and memory.
Therefore, with force, now than yesterday, even more, we solemnly affirm that religions never justify hatred and violence. (…) The way to overcome the mistrust and conflict is dialogue … These days we have seen grow a community of which the world needs; the community of seekers of peace. It is a community made of religions, histories, languages, different sensibilities.

Background
The twentieth century, which appeared as a time of serious crisis if not the death of religion, has ended with the religions that have come back to be relevant actors of historical events. This has made believers know that they cannot be replicated only within their own religious community. Individuals and peoples are moved in depth by religions to build a future of peace.

It is an extraordinary force of peace, neither believers nor the officials of the government of the people, must disregard, much less forget.
The religious dimension is not alien to the government of the people. And this does not contradict that “secularism” which involves a proper distinction between the religious and the political sphere. “Secularism does not mean indifference nor hostility to religion, on the contrary, it implies the promotion of a climate in society in which religions are free in their operation, co-exist next to each other and to express their ideal strength in mutual respect of all.
In view of this dialogue between religions is revealed very necessary and urgent. Necessary to find strong reasons for living together, and urgently, to find shared answers to the great challenges that this beginning of the millennium poses to all humanity. Awareness, which is the basis of this project is that, actually, there aren’t cultures or religions more just than others.

We are convinced that only by cooperating and communicating in our time, it is possible to make real improvements through concrete actions.

This project aims to rethink the issue of dialogue between different peoples through the figure of the woman.
Wherever women are, act, change, produce behaviors and cultures, play an important role in the dialogue between peoples and can loosen the contradictions related to the overlapping of different cultural patterns and values that, in trying to find a meeting point and balance, are likely to clash.

Objective
To promote respect and understanding dialogue between different religions.
Methodology
Organizing activities, compositions, articles, free essays, operas, musical compositions, and any form of expression on the project.
Major Areas
• Women who tell their story, they recount;
• Female protagonists in various cultures;
• Figures of women between past, present and future;
• Women artists in different cultures;
• Women who create music and theater.
Project participants
Women close to the BPW International;
Women and people throughout the world;
Women’s associations;
Associations that cater to women;
Women in business and politics that promote culture.

Project duration
Phase I
Collection within the month of May, the work done by those who participated.

Phase II
Preparation of proceedings (published)

Phase III
International conference in Calabria, September 2011.