WOMEN AND PEACE
AUTHOR: Ed Margaret Melicharova
0 902680 43 9
PRICE £4.00

DESCRIPTION: Half the world's population is female, but in terms of the world's history the majority of women have been invisible. Women and Peace examines the history of women in the twentieth century, with particular reference to their roles in conflict situations. Ancillary workers, wannabe soldiers, long-suffering lovers, civilian victims, silent protesters, articulate leaders: in this pack's wide-ranging material the shift is clearly shown, as women move towards publicly questioning society's assumptions about women's status and the conduct of war.

A good deal of the pack's appeal lies in its human interest. With the help of background material, discussion topics, suggested research projects and creative activities, it is intended that teachers and students should feel they have got to know some interesting, often exceptional, women: an enlightening experience for both sexes.

The pack has been written and edited with the needs of Key Stage 3 in mind, but, like most resource material dealing with fundamental issues, it can readily be used by many other learning groups as well.

There is no restriction on photocopying, and there is enough material to provide a year's work (on the basis of ten sessions a term) for students of English, History, General Studies, and the numerous variants of religious education.

There is a chance for on-line action, too: students are invited to submit their work for publication at the Peace Pledge Union's web site, where updates and supplements to the pack are also available.

This material is particularly suitable for secondary students from stage K3 to Advanced Level. It will fit well into the National Curriculum as project work for English (all skills) and History. It is also designed for cross-curricular programmes covering social and ethical issues, and for Advanced Level Studies in History, Politics, Sociology and General Studies.

TABLE OF CONTENTS:
Part One: Half the Population
The status of women
Changes in women's attitudes
Women's attitudes to war
Women as civilians and refugees
Part Two: Women in War
Women as combatants
Women supporting war
Victims of war
Reporting war
Part Three: Choosing Peace
Starting to say No to war, across the world
Campaigning for peace: women's groups
Working for peace: notable individuals
Working for peace through writing and research
Working for peace through influence and example.
Each individual item on each A4 page is accompanied by suggestions for discussion; many items also provide suggestions for research, classroom/group activities, and individual written work and projects.

REVIEW: 'The presentation is particularly clear and the simple layout makes it possible to dive deep into complex and sensitive issues.' Lynda Williams