Women and Conflict in the New Information Age

Peace is more than the absence of war, violence or conflict. Between 1960 and 1980 Africa fought 32 wars, which led to the loss of millions of lives whilst over a million people became refugees. These conflicts, which still continue, along with poverty and diseases, have all threatened the stability of the continent. There are many concepts in peace building, among which a major one is creating clearer channels to disseminate information between the common people and policy makers; this is the role of librarians, especially women librarians. Women librarians’ roles include: the provision and dissemination of useful and accurate information on peace and peace movements and women’s groups; fighting for freedom of access to information; improving the reading habits of women and children; organizing exhibitions and talks on peace; ensuring life-long education for women and girls, etc. African governments have to ensure access to current information by African women through the provision of functional libraries and Internet facilities for them to be properly informed and participate in global discussion and for them to be empowered.