File Reference Image: Sheila Holt, (1916), Women's International League for Peace and Freedom, 1916. Auckland War Memorial Museum Tāmaki Paenga Hira. PH-PR-193.

Heritage Highlights: ‘Lay down Your Arms’: Christchurch women speak out for peace
Presenter: Margaret Lovell-Smith

The tragedy and horror of armed conflict was a matter of concern for Christchurch’s women’s groups in the 1890s. Instead they advocated for international disputes to be settled by diplomacy and arbitration. Kate Sheppard, editor of the Women Christian Temperance Union’s White Ribbon magazine, wrote on the subject, while the National Council of Women repeatedly passed resolutions calling for an end to war. In this presentation Margaret will trace women’s contribution to the peace movement in Christchurch from the 1890s through to the end of World War I, including the outstanding leadership of Sarah Saunders Page and Ada Wells.

Margaret’s talk is based on research for her forthcoming book ‘I don’t believe in murder’: Standing up for peace in World War I Canterbury.

Ages: Recommended for adults

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He Hononga | Connection
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