An alert from the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom US | | |
February 2026
Rooted in 110 years of feminist analysis and on-the-ground action, WILPF members continue to bring much-needed clarity to this moment about what peace really is—and what it is not. From immigrant rights to national sovereignty, from nuclear disarmament to democratic elections, WILPF members are bringing dedicated resolve and solidarity to their communities. Amidst a rising tide of fascism and xenophobia, WILPFers continue to stand in our truth: We are feminist. We are fearless. We are for peace.
| | F E A T U R ENO FNT H ENM O N T H | | |
WILPF US Continues to Mobilize for What Real Peace Is, Rejects Militarism and Defends Democracy
| | |
WILPF continues to confront the administration's growing normalization of war, repression, and militarized definitions of “peace.” WILPF US's updated Peace is / Peace is Not campaign asserts that peace without justice, dignity, and human security is not peace. We focus on nine urgent issue areas ranging from ICE to the environment, Venezuela to Gaza, and more. Campaign statements and graphics are available for all WILPF members and allies to use.
Read more »
| | Silent Vigil Turns Vocal as 60 Activists Join WILPF Palo Alto’s Weekly Protest | | |
For over eight years, WILPF’s Palo Alto branch has stood in silent vigil every Friday at a busy local intersection, holding signs about global crises from Gaza to Ukraine. But on Jan. 9, their quiet weekly ritual transformed when 60 protesters from three local activist groups unexpectedly joined them to protest ICE.
Read more »
| | Whistles or No Whistles? Building Community Inside and Outside the Immigrant Community | | |
From L.A. street vendors receiving solidarity from bike riders to Portland’s inflatable frogs disarming federal agents, cities across the US have responded to ICE’s presence in their communities with creativity, defiance, and community care. But beneath the street theater and resistance lies an important reality: this isn’t about immigration control—it’s about feeding a detention infrastructure that enriches private operators while traumatizing communities.
Read more »
| | Mexico’s Feminist Leader Defends Sovereignty as US Regional Tensions Escalate | | |
As US military aggression escalates across Latin America—culminating in the January 2026 invasion of Venezuela—Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo confronts growing pressure to surrender sovereignty or risk becoming the next target. Balancing energy independence, diversified trade alliances, and thousands of troops at the border, Sheinbaum is reimagining what it means to resist the US’s 200-year hemispheric dominance.
Read more »
| | The Venezuela Operation: Examining Allegations of War Crimes | | |
The US’s Jan. 3 attack on Venezuela that resulted in the capture of President Nicolás Maduro raises urgent questions about international law, war crimes, and the financial interests behind US foreign policy. Legal scholars argue the action violates the U.N. Charter’s prohibition on aggression.
Read more »
| | DISARM Updates: A Post New START World and Action for Venezuela | | |
For the first time in over 50 years, the world's two largest nuclear arsenals have no legally binding limits. With the expiration of the New START Treaty, the risk of a costly and dangerous nuclear arms race has dramatically increased. WILPF members can take action to prevent nuclear escalation. Plus, read WILPF US’s statement condemning the US’s invasion of Venezuela.
Read more »
| | Climate Justice vs. Corporate Power: Inside COP 30's Battle Over Fossil Fuel Phase-Out | | |
At COP 30 in Brazil, over 1,600 fossil fuel lobbyists nearly derailed historic climate commitments as talks collapsed into a tense, overnight standoff—until a last-minute compromise saved the agreement. The agreement, along with the upcoming International Conference for the Phase-Out of Fossil Fuels, marks a historic and necessary transition toward more sustainable energy sources.
Read more »
| |
Ranked Choice Voting: Transform Elections for Fairer Representation with W$D | | |
Tired of choosing the “lesser of two evils” at the ballot box? Ranked Choice Voting is gaining momentum as a way to break the two-party stranglehold, give voters real choices, and make elections more civil and representative. Learn how to advocate for Ranked Choice Voting in your community with the Women, Money & Democracy Committee.
| | WILPF US Nominating Committee Makes Bold Elections Proposal, While Lacking a Chair | |
Despite recent leadership challenges and a small committee, WILPF US’s Nominating Committee has successfully completed the 2025 elections and is now proposing a significant change: moving annual elections from autumn to late spring to avoid conflicts with general elections, holidays, and year-end appeals.
Read more »
| | University of Arizona Campus WILPF Achieves Record Turnout with "Pizzas for Peace" Event | | |
The University of Arizona's Campus WILPF chapter celebrated a milestone with its highest turnout of the academic year at its recent "Pizzas for Peace" event. With support from dedicated faculty sponsors and creative outreach efforts, the chapter is building momentum through peace career advocacy and immigrant rights activism.
Read more »
| | |
“Love & Legacy” is an essay series that explores how different cultures commemorate loss and death, transforming mourning into celebration and legacy, and turning that legacy into activism. This month, learn about Pchum Ben, a Cambodian holiday honoring ancestors, and celebrate Cambodian human rights activist Kek Galabru.
Read more »
| | |
Like peace activists throughout history, WILPF knows that the power lies with the people. We are proud to celebrate our members and the ways they are working for peace and justice in their local communities. From Maine to California, every WILPFer is a necessary thread in the fabric of feminist peace WILPF aims to foster. This month, we’re spotlighting WILPF member Emily Ricketts. Read more about Emily’s commitment to justice and what is inspiring her activism right now.
Read more »
| | |
Join WILPF’s Peace Teams Community of Practice
Join Us Feb. 18: Share Your Input on Incorporating the Code of Conduct into Our Bylaws
Read more »
| | |
February: Mutual Aid
The abolitionist movement reminds us that “we keep us safe.” In times of heightened social and political oppression, caring for each other is essential. Mutual aid offers a powerful way to build community resilience and collective liberation. Learn how to weave mutual aid into your activism and create networks of care that sustain the work for justice in your community.
Read more »
| | Your support helps WILPF reach farther and be more effective. Consider a donation to WILPF today to demonstrate your solidarity with our work. | | |
Share your news and stay informed
Next Newsletter Deadline: Saturday, February 21, 2026
Please submit your articles by Feb. 21 to ensure they can be included in the March eNews. Be sure to review the guidelines before submitting. We plan to send the eNews on the first of the month throughout 2026. Thank you for your timeliness and attention to detail regarding what information is needed to publish your article. Please send submissions to Emily Franko, eNews editor, at emily.wilpfeditor@gmail.com.
The editor may not publish all stories submitted, including late submissions.
| | |
@2026 Women's International League for Peace and Freedom US
2023 Women's International League for Peace and Freedom/US Section
WILPF US | WILPF International
Stay Connected
| | | | |
