Their major initiatives include: Sudan, Cyprus, Zimbabwe, Burma/Myanmar, Every Human Has Rights and Equality for Women and Girls. I was particularly struck by the latter and their stance for women and girls and religion. I have learned that spirituality is a fundamental need for all humans but the structure and rigidity of organized religion can become limiting. I believe that they are focused on building spirituality by opening the dialogue on old traditions...this is what the elders said:
"Religion and tradition are a great force for peace and progress around the world. However, as Elders, we believe that the justification of discrimination against women and girls on grounds of religion or tradition, as if it were prescribed by a higher authority, is unacceptable. We believe that women and girls share equal rights with men and boys in all aspects of life. We call upon all leaders to promote and protect equal rights for women and girls. We especially call on religious and traditional leaders to set an example and change all discriminatory practices within their own religions and traditions. The Elders are fully committed to the realisation of equality and empowerment of all women and girls." The Elders, 2 July 2009.
You can read more about their initiatives for women and girls by clicking here.
So, who are these elders...well, just some of the most well-known (and not so well-known) peacemakers of our time. Following is a list including their thoughts on the cause (click on their name to visit The Elders website and learn more about them):
Kofi Annan-“No one can deprive us of the right, as concerned global citizens, to want to do something about the challenges that face us.”
Ela Bhatt-“There are risks in every action. Every success has the seed of some failure. But it doesn't matter. It is how you go about it. That is the real challenge.”
Lakhdar Brahimi-“We’re extremely careful not to claim that we’re going to take a problem and solve it. What we’re saying is that from time to time, in certain situations, a problem needs a little push.”
Gro Brundtland-“We are individuals who are speaking without any outside pressures. In that context we can create the potential for change.”
Fernando H. Cardoso-"The Elders believe that what is important is not to continue to do something for himself, but to serve others.”
Jimmy Carter-“We need to form partnerships with people and organizations already there, doing outstanding work.”
Graca Machel-“I think The Elders can play the role of amplifying the voices of the millions of citizens of the world who daily are working very hard to make themselves heard.”
Mary Robinson-“Part of the wisdom of the Elders is to remind the world that we actually have universal values that are accepted by every government in the world and yet they are not being implemented.”
Desmond Tutu-“Despite all of the ghastliness in the world, human beings are made for goodness. The ones that are held in high regard are not militarily powerful, nor even economically prosperous. They have a commitment to try and make the world a better place.”
Muhammad Yunus-“I hope we will see clearly and focus our efforts on economic issues as well as social issues - wherever we can have the most impact.”
Nelson Mandela-“This group can speak freely and boldly, working both publicly and behind the scenes. Together they will support courage where there is fear, foster agreement where there is conflict and inspire hope where there is despair.”
Aung San Suu Kyi-She is an honorary member of the elders as she is currently imprisoned in Burma for her fight to liberate the Burmese people. She has been working for peace and freedom since the late 80's. She has won numerous international awards, including the Nobel Peace Prize, the Sakharov Prize of the European Parliament, United States Presidential Medal of Freedom, and the Jawaharlal Nehru Award from India. She states "Human beings the world over need freedom and security that they may be able to realize their full potential.”
For more about the elders and to support their cause, visit their website www.theelders.org
