"1000 Peacewomen Across the Globe" Exhibition in Koshigaya

Hosoki Kyoko, JEE Manager

The 1000 Women Project for the Nobel Peace Prize 2005 originated in Switzerland. JEE's nomination was Nomura Katsuko, who worked for 55 years as an NGO activist pioneer in environment and consumer advocacy, etc. in Japan. Although the project did not succeed in having the Peace Prize awarded to these women, JEE asked the organizers for a set of photos and other information on the 1000 nominated women, which has been exhibited in 17 different locations throughout Japan, including Ogatsu Town of Ishinomaki City in Tohoku, which was devastated by the Great East Japan Earthquake, giving many people hope and courage.

At the end of February, 2017, the exhibition was held for about two weeks in Saitama, Koshigaya City, to coincide with International Women's Day.

At the show, I was very impressed by the response to these women's passionate support for nature, human rights, women's equality, traditional culture and grassroots movements. A staff member told me how impressed she had been by a Native Hawaian woman activist maintaining the traditional spirit of hula dance. Every time I see these activities it is exciting and empowering.

Nomura Katsuko passed away in 2010 at the age of 99. Maybe she is still keeping an eye on JEE's activities from heaven, wearing a High Moon T-shirt! Remembering her, I'm inspired to work harder for JEE! Many thanks to Koshigaya City for hosting the exhibition.