EAGLE RIVER -- Bringing light to the issues of women victimized by war is the goal of a four-part series, “Women, War, Peace” offered in February and March by Many Ways of Peace in Eagle River.  Presenter is Ann Hewitt, who teaches U.S. and World History, Economics and World Geography at Northland Pines High School.

         Hewitt says she is passionate about sharing her knowledge about the lives of the less fortunate, especially women in conflict situations, in hopes of making the world a better place.

         The first program is scheduled for Thursday, February 4^th.  Hewitt will focus on the impact of war on women, children and the elderly in Afghanistan. 

         The second program will be held Thursday, February 18^th, with the focus on The Congo. 

         The third program, on Thursday, March 4^th, will look at Iraq, and the final program on Thursday, March 18^th, will explore the impact of war on women in the United States. 

         All programs start at 6:30 p.m. at Many Ways of Peace, 217 S. Main St., in downtown Eagle River.

         “As a woman, I have been blessed with a number of opportunities.  I received a wonderful education, was able to use my education to find gainful employment in the profession of my choice, marry the person of my choice, and participate in events in my community, vote, and not worry about having a roof over my head and food for my family.  Unfortunately, most women are denied some or all of the basic freedoms most women in this country take for granted,” Hewitt added.

         Hewitt, who co-taught The Great Peacemakers series at Northland Pines High School two years ago, has been teaching at Northland Pines for 12 years.  She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Broadfield Social Studies and Secondary Education from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire, a Masters Degree from Olivet Nazarene University, and is working on a second masters degree from UW-Eau Claire in History.  She also took courses in Peace Studies from Saybrook University.

         “We’re excited to have Ann present this series of programs.  We know that war throughout history has and continues to have profound and unique effects on women.  It’s our hope that by bringing greater awareness of these struggles, we can help empower the work of women and men throughout the world for peace,” says Debra Ketchum Jircik, Director of Many Ways of Peace.

         For more information and to pre-register for the programs, contact Jircik at 715.480.4697.  Admission is free.

         Many Ways of Peace is a project of the MJ Berner Foundation for Peace and Justice, Inc., an Eagle River nonprofit organization.