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Rome, Italy — March 24, 2026 — The Barefoot Walk: Mothers’ Call for Peace brought together Israeli and Palestinian mothers in a powerful demonstration of unity and urgency as they walked barefoot through the streets of Rome on March 24. The walk served as a striking symbol of vulnerability, resilience, and moral courage. While it marked a historic moment, it has also ignited a growing global movement that continues to gain momentum.

Led by Women of the Sun (Palestine) and Women Wage Peace (Israel), and supported by Vital Voices Global Partnership, the Mothers’ Call for Peace is a global initiative demanding the meaningful inclusion of women, mothers, and civil society in efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace.

The Rome walk was amplified by solidarity walks held around the world and the support of 26 partner organizations, including the City of Rome, demonstrating widespread international backing for women-led peace building.

In a significant moment of recognition, participants were received at the Vatican, where His Holiness Pope Leo XIV acknowledged their call, underscoring the moral weight and global resonance of their message.

The walk was part of a broader series of high-level engagements across Europe. Delegations of Israeli and Palestinian women leaders testified before the Italian Senate, sharing firsthand accounts of the human cost of ongoing violence and the urgent need for inclusive peace processes. They also addressed the European Parliament during a convening held in partnership with Women in International Security (WIIS), bringing their unified call directly to policymakers and the international security community.

The movement was further strengthened by the presence of prominent women peace leaders from around the world who joined in solidarity. Among them were Monica McWilliams of Northern Ireland, a key architect of the Good Friday Agreement; journalist and humanitarian Arwa Damon; global advocate Zainab Salbi; and Colombia’s Susana Muhamad. Their participation highlighted the global relevance of women’s leadership in conflict resolution and peace building.

Artist MILCK debuted and performed an original song written in honor of the event. Her music gave voice to the emotional core of the movement, amplifying the mothers’ call for peace through art and shared humanity.

Together, Israeli and Palestinian mothers are rising, united by love for their children and a shared determination to end the cycle of violence. From the streets of Rome to communities worldwide, their message continues to echo: peace is possible, and women must be at the center of making it a reality.

The Mothers’ Call for Peace movement continues to grow, inviting individuals, organizations, and leaders around the world to sustain the momentum through advocacy, partnership, and action.

Join the movement. Stand with the mothers. Support the call for peace.

Learn more about the history of the Mothers’ Call, the two movements, and the mothers behind the campaign at Mothers-Call.org.

Featured Media Coverage

The call from Rome resonated far beyond the walk itself. Media outlets around the world amplified the voices of Israeli and Palestinian mothers, bringing global attention to their unified demand for peace.

From major international news coverage to powerful social media storytelling, the movement continues to reach new audiences and inspire action.

In the news:

Social media engagement has further extended the movement’s reach, with leaders, advocates, and supporters around the world sharing messages of solidarity and mobilizing their communities to take action.

Highlights include coverage from: