Ep 1. Wave Goodbye to Dinosaurs

In the first episode of Women, War & Peace season 2, titled "Wave Goodbye to Dinosaurs," we are introduced to the challenges faced by women in the peacekeeping process. The episode highlights the story of a group of women in Northern Ireland who came together to advocate for peace and helped to pave the way for the Good Friday Agreement which brought an end to the decades-long conflict in the region.

The episode starts with a historical look at the situation in Northern Ireland, where a sectarian conflict between Protestants and Catholics had been raging for years. The violence had profound consequences for the country, with over 3,500 people killed and countless more injured in bombings, shootings, and other attacks. Women, as is often the case in conflicts, were disproportionately affected by the violence and had to navigate not only the dangers of living in a warzone but also the realities of discrimination based on their gender.

Against this backdrop, a group of women came together to form the Northern Ireland Women's Coalition. They were committed to finding a peaceful resolution to the conflict and making sure that the voices of women were heard in the peace negotiations. The episode follows the women as they organize and mobilize, often facing opposition from both sides of the conflict who dismissed their efforts as naive or irrelevant. However, the women persisted in their pursuit of a peaceful resolution, and eventually helped to bring about the Good Friday Agreement, which helped to end the violence and establish a power-sharing government in Northern Ireland.

The episode also highlights the challenges that women face in peace negotiations, both in Northern Ireland and in other conflicts around the world. Women are often excluded from the negotiating table, and their voices are silenced or marginalized when they do have a seat at the table. Despite the fact that women are often the most affected by conflict and violence, they are rarely given a say in how peace is made. This episode helps to shed light on the importance of including women in the peace process and the positive impact that their participation can have.

Overall, "Wave Goodbye to Dinosaurs" is a powerful and inspiring episode that showcases the determination and resilience of women. It demonstrates how women can make a significant impact even in situations where they are marginalized or ignored, and highlights the importance of prioritizing gender equality in peace negotiations. The episode is a valuable contribution to the ongoing conversation about the role of women in war and peace, and is a must-watch for anyone interested in the topic.