I firmly believe today that the only way to stop violence against women is to speak out and refused to be silenced.

Being a leader for me is about having the courage to speak the truth, and live the truth, despite attempts to silence our thoughts, feelings, and past experiences.

Since war often enters homes through the "kitchen door," we need to understand women's attempts to keep life going in the face of shortage of food, closing of schools and reduced freedoms.

I believe that there is an urgent need to restructure the discussion of war to include the impact it has on women.

I grew up with injustice and could do nothing about it. But once in America, I had freedom of choice.

Where has change ever been clean and nice? It has always been messy and painful.

Only 8 percent of peace talks have included women at any level.