111 Years Later: Still Choosing Peace
On this day in 1915, 1,136 peace activists crossed borders to meet in The Hague, determined to build a peaceful world, by addressing the root causes of war. They understood something then that remains as true today: peace does not happen by itself. It requires deliberate choice, collective action, and real investment. Today we carry that legacy forward as a strong global movement of more than 4,500 members worldwide, active in 42 Sections.
111 years later, that lesson is more urgent than ever. In 2025, global military expenditure reached $2.88 trillion, an increase of 2.9% compared to last year, while funding for peace, gender equality, and human rights is being cut. The full realisation of fundamental rights: dignity, health and well-being, adequate housing and nutrition, decent work, and accountable institutions is what truly builds a sustainable peace.
WILPF was founded on action and on a deep conviction that militarism, war economies, and violence have never kept people safe. That is why this anniversary is inseparable from our #MoveTheMoney campaign: a global call on governments to redirect resources from militarisation toward peace, care, and gender justice. War is a choice. So is Peace. Join us building it.
Ready to act? Join our global campaign to #MoveTheMoney from war to peace: Explore our toolkit and write to your leaders.
Curious about what feminist peacebuilders understand by international security and why militarisation is not the answer? Listen to the podcast Think & Resist.
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