On March 24, a group of Palestinian and Israeli mothers walked barefoot through Rome to call for peace in the Middle East. The walk brought together women from communities deeply affected by conflict, grounded in one message: even in division, dialogue and coexistence are possible.
“Mothers for Peace” is part of the global movement Mothers’ Call for Peace.
The movement is led by Reem Al-Hajajreh and Yael Admi through their respective organizations, Women of the Sun (Palestine) and Women Wage Peace (Israel), both nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.
At the front of the walk, women leading with courage and conviction. Photo: @mhbphotographs
Together, Reem and Yael walked hand in hand, barefoot. A gesture of humanity and humility. A way to reconnect with the land that has absorbed both blood and tears. To feel the pain that unites mothers everywhere and the earth that sustains us all.
They are joined by mothers and advocates from around the world, standing together in a unified call for peace.
Reem Al-Hajajreh and Yael Admi walking hand in hand, Photo: @mhbphotographs
At the heart of this movement is a simple but powerful truth.
Mothers, regardless of where they come from, share the same pain, hopes, and desire for their children to live in safety and dignity.
This is the expression of the divine feminine.
The capacity to hold.
To nurture.
To protect life.
The ongoing cycle of violence has made it clear that a new approach is needed. One rooted in empathy, inclusion, and collaboration.
Women and mothers from all walks of life, arms interlocked, walking together in a shared call for peace, Photo: @mhbphotographs
These mothers are calling for an immediate end to violence.
The protection of children.
The full inclusion of women in peace negotiations.
Their message is clear. Lasting peace cannot be achieved without the voices and leadership of women.
The walk became not only a public demonstration, but a collective act of awareness and responsibility.
The march marked the beginning of a broader series of global engagements. An effort to raise awareness. To build momentum.
Following the walk, members of the movement met with Pope Leo XIV, continuing their efforts to bring this message to global leaders and institutions.
Supported by organizations like Vital Voices, the Mothers’ Call is expanding. A growing network of women and allies committed to ending cycles of violence.
The Barefoot Walk is only the beginning.
The organizers are building this work toward a future free from violence. A future where children no longer grow up in fear. Where they are not forced to become victims or participants in ongoing conflict.
This is a global call for participation.
To support this movement is to stand for a future where life is protected. Where dignity is upheld. Where the next generation is no longer defi ned by conflict.
If you feel called, you can take part by supporting the work of Vital Voices.
For donation inquiries, you may contact:
JasmineG@vitalvoices.org
AllanF@vitalvoices.org.
You can also contribute directly through their online portal:
https://www.vitalvoices.org/take-action/donate/
Peace is not created through intention alone.
It requires courage.
It requires empathy.
It requires action.
These mothers have taken the first step.
Now, it is our turn.
