Definitions


Nonviolence

Nonviolence is a way of life. It is also a means to make social, political and economic change. Exploring nonviolence begins with looking at power. Many people define power as the opportunity to control other people or resources. In this definition, power is assumed to be based on violence: to gain more power over people or resources means using more violence. Nonviolence offers another definition of power. Nonviolence seeks to empower communities and individuals. It works to help people find power within themselves, and to share power. This is power inside and power with people, not power over others. The core values of nonviolence-respect for life, and the pursuit of justice and dignity for all humanity-reflect key values from the world's main spiritual traditions.

To read more on non-violence, including some examples, click here

Six Principles of Nonviolence

The six principles of Nonviolence were derived from "Pilgrimage to Nonviolence" in Dr. King's book Stride Toward Freedom ( Harper & Row, 1958). For more information, please visit the website of the King Center

Principle one: Nonviolence Is A Way Of Life For Courageous People.

Principle two: Nonviolence Seeks To Win Friendship And Understanding.

Principle three: Nonviolence Seeks To defeat Injustice Not People.

Principle four: Nonviolence Holds That Suffering Can Educate And Transform.

Principle five: Nonviolence Chooses Love Instead Of Hate.

Principle six: Nonviolence Believes That The Universe Is On The Side Of Justice.


Photos courtesy of WPP archives


Six steps for nonviolent social change

A commitment to the above mentioned six principles is the key to making nonviolence a way of life in our personal relationships and in resolving conflicts, reconciling adversaries and creating social change at the community, national and international levels. Dr. King also identified the six steps of nonviolence as a methodology for applying the six principles in solving problems and resolving conflicts peacefully.

Step one: Information Gathering

Step two: Education

Step three: Personal Commitment

Step four: Negotiations

Step five: Direct Action

Step six: Reconciliation

For more information, please visit the website of the King Center

Photos courtesy of WPP archives

Gender

Refers to the social attributes and opportunities associated with being male and female and the relationships between women and men and girls and boys, as well as the relations between women and those between men.

These attributes, opportunities, and relationships are socially constructed and are learned through socialization processes.

They are context/ time-specific and changeable. Gender determines what is expected, allowed and valued in a women or a man in a given context.

In most societies there are differences and inequalities between women and men in responsibilities assigned, activities undertaken, access to and control over resources, as well as decision-making opportunities.

Gender is part of the broader socio-cultural context.

Other important criteria for socio-cultural analysis include class, race, poverty level, ethnic group, and age.

Definition by OSAGI , United Nation's Office of the Special Advisor on Gender Issues

Gender Equality

(Equality between Women and Men)

Refers to the equal rights, responsibilities, and opportunities of women and men and girls and boys.

Equality does not mean that women and men will become the same but that women’s and men’s rights, responsibilities and opportunities will not depend on whether they are born male or female.

Gender equality implies that the interests, needs, and priorities of both women and men are taken into consideration while recognizing the diversity of different groups of women and men.

Gender equality is not a women’s issue but should concern and fully engage men as well as women.

Equality between women and men is seen both as a human rights issue and as a precondition for, and indicator of, sustainable people-centred development.

Definition by OSAGI , United Nation's Office of the Special Advisor on Gender Issues

Masculinity

Gender involves the social construction of masculinities and femininities, and the power relationship between men and women. In many cultures a link has been constructed between masculinity, dominance and the use of force. In such cultures weapons may be seen as a sign of masculinity; war as a proving ground for masculinity; and sexual violence against women and girls during armed conflict as an appropriate reward for aggressive behavior. Such a militarized definition of masculinity must be critically examined and challenged. A complete understanding of the root cases of armed conflict, and hence the corresponding attempt to build cultures of peace, can never be complete without a gender analysis. (Every WPP activity has a gender focus which explores this analysis.)