This list recognizes and celebrates the contributions, often invisible, of women from all walks of life doing incredible work for peace and justice in their communities. According to Kamla Bhasin, South Asia Coordinator for the “1000 Women for the Nobel Peace Prize” Project responsible for the nominations, “The number 1000 is symbolic. It says that peace is not the creation of individual leaders alone. The culture of peace needs millions and is a collective, ongoing effort.” Out of 157 women nominated from South Asia, 91 are from India, with 6 women from the North East.

About a year ago, the Project called for nominations from all over the world. Each nomination was reviewed carefully according to established criteria. The final selection of the 1000 names was made with an emphasis on representing the range of strategies for constructive conflict resolution, peace making and development in the face of different crises.

The initial nomination request from the South Asia Coordinator came to Guwahati-based organization North East Network (NEN), which recommended several names of potential women candidates from the North East region, out of which five were chosen. Irrespective of who wins the Nobel Prize, the commitment of women working for peace has successfully been acknowledged and their work made publicly known. Worldwide media attention has been focused on these women, including several films and publications documenting their life stories and work. On June 29, the names of all 1000 women will be publicly announced globally. In South Asia, press conferences will be held in Colombo, Delhi, Dhaka, Kathmandu, Lahore and Islamabad. The Norwegian Nobel Committee will probably announce on October 14, 2005 the final winner(s) of this year’s Nobel Peace Prize.

- North East Network