Connection Point: Linking Arab, Muslim & Western Women

Peace X Peace (www.peacexpeace.org, pronounced Peace by Peace) is proud to announce Connection Point, its new initiative dedicated to bridging differences across the world’s most grievous divide.

While democratic uprisings dominate our news, a pervasive lack of understanding between the West and the Arab and Islamic world remains. Consider the 2009-2010 poll results published by the Pew Research Survey and the Gallup Poll:

• 18% of Americans said they thought President Barak Obama is Muslim
• 86% said their view of Islam is partly unfavorable or not favorable.

Improving perceptions on both sides is critical to the stability and prosperity of our international community.

Connection Point links Arab and Muslim women with women from western countries in a vibrant online community. It works to end misunderstanding and stereotyping, to build on common ground, to educate, inspire, and connect. It's the place women talk about their lives and their work, comment on current events, share vital information, and foster bonds of empathy voice by voice.

Connection Point hosts an array of multimedia resources that support the conversations in the blog and the online community: films and film clips, books, current articles, resource organizations, and foundational documents like UNSCR 1325. Partnerships with sister organizations provide rich content and carry the voices in our community out through their diverse channels. As participation multiplies and communication deepens, language options will expand, beginning with Arabic. As the Connection Point community gains momentum, insight and understanding will replace long-held misperceptions. By bringing fresh, united voices to the table and amplifying those voices, Connection Point will advance the global culture of peace at every level.

Peace X Peace, founded in 2002, lifts women's voices, strengthens women's capacity to connect across divides, promotes leadership and gender equity, and nurtures the global network of peacebuilders in over 120 countries.

Contact connectionpoint@peacexpeace.org or visit http://www.peacexpeace.org/blogs/connection-point to learn more.