The Manhattan Project is the name of a women's peace movement. The choice of words intentionally rings a bell. It is historically charged, evoking the US nuclear program that culminated in the dropping of atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. According to the NGO's founders, however, the name alludes not only to the ultimate symbol of war, but also the location of the headquarters of the UN - the ultimate representation of the desire for world peace. 

The Manhattan Project seeks to address the hardships faced by women in situations of war through fundraising and awareness raising. Its daily work is inspired by an admission by Major General Patrick Cammaert (the Commander of UN forces in the Democratic Republic of Congo) that "it is now more dangerous to be a woman than a soldier in modern wars." The Manhattan Project's answer to this challenge is simple: "let's make peace bigger than war" through the involvement of those most affected. 

On Peace Day (21 September), The Manhattan Project will be holding a 'Shoot for Peace'. Fiona, from the NGO, described the event to The Global Journal: "This is where glamorous women will be dressed up in gorgeous clothes and jewellery and will have their photos taken doing the peace sign." These women will be asked for a small contribution, while they engage in discussions surrounding war. The funds raised on the day will go to one of The Manhattan Project's selected charities to help women and children caught up amidst conflicts, while the photos taken will also be used for the NGO's campaigns. 

This is the first year in which The Manhattan Project will celebrate Peace Day. Involved as a member of the inaugural Global Truce NGO coalition established by Peace One Day and coordinated by Interpeace, the NGO stresses that holding the shoot on Peace Day, rather than any other day, "means that it gives a framework to [the] activity."

Photo © The Manhattan Project 2012

Interpeace is a leading international non-profit organization dedicated to building lasting peace in post-conflict societies.

 Peace One Day is an international non-profit organization with the objective to raise awareness of the International Day of Peace that occurs on the 21 September each year by promoting a Global Truce.