|
The International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG) convened in the new year to establish its activity goals for 2025. The 2025 International Branch Annual General Meeting was held to recognize and celebrate outstanding global regions. Global Region 9 was selected as the best global region for its exemplary peace efforts in Mongolia. In addition, IWPG proceeded with ▲signing MOUs and MOAs to advance peace, ▲promoting the legislation of the DPCW, ▲activating PLTE, and ▲networking and collaborating with civil society groups.
|
|
|
|
IWPG hosts 2025 International Branch Annual General Meeting
– Presentation of each Branch’s vision and roadmap for 2025
– 110 Branches in attendance
|
|
|
|
Global Region 9 awarded as the Most Excellent Global Region of 2024
|
|
|
|
IWPG hosted the 2025 International Branch Annual General Meeting at Daegu Joongang Convention Center on January 21, 2025. The event congratulated the achievements of 2024 and presented IWPG’s vision and roadmap for 2025. 110 IWPG branches from Korea and abroad participated.
Approximately 600 IWPG members, staff, Advisories, Publicity Ambassadors, and Peace Committees participated in the event offline and online. Awards were also given to the best Korea/overseas branches in each sector: new member recruitment (Cheonan, Mongolia); Peace Committee establishment (Jeongeup, Mongolia); PLTE (Colombia); media coverage (Yeosu, Indonesia); MOU/A signing (East Busan, Mongolia); Peace Monument establishment (Philippines); CMS membership (Geojae); and growth in staff (Gimhae, Uganda). There was also an introduction of new Branch managers in 2024 and a case presentation from some of the most active Branches.
Global Region 9 was awarded the Most Excellent Global Region overall. It shared the case of the Ulaanbaatar Branch in Mongolia, which recently demonstrated the most outstanding growth. Ms. Misook Lim, the Director of Global Region 9, said, “I am happy that our past efforts have led to such meaningful results. We will continue to work harder to develop even further so that we can actively engage not only in Mongolia but all around the world.”
|
|
|
|
Daegu Metropolitan City Mayor Hong Joon-pyo sent a congratulatory message, saying, “Since its establishment in 2013, the achievements of IWPG have become a milestone not only for the advancement of women’s rights but also for global peace and stability. I hope that through women’s solidarity, all of humanity will move toward a peaceful world and that the influence of IWPG will continue to spread globally.”
IWPG Chairwoman Ms. Hyun Sook Yoon said, “Last year, IWPG executed various projects with the Ministries of Gender of multiple countries and various NGOs and successfully launched peace education in Côte d’Ivoire. In Fiji and Mexico, IWPG Women’s Peace Education gained explosive popularity in the region through online platforms, and hundreds of people signed up for the education.” She added, “We are a group of responsible women who work to achieve peace that the world needs. This is not just a rhetoric but something that we should actually practice. Let’s keep our hearts strong and shed the light of peace all around the world despite any obstacle to achieve our goal, sustainable peace.”
|
|
|
|
MOU/A Signing for Peace Projects
– Women Around the World Uniting Under Peace
|
|
|
- Global Region 2 collaborates for Peace Initiatives with 2 Organizations from Yemen
|
|
|
|
In January, IWPG Global Region 2 (Regional Director Seo Yeon Lee) signed an MOU with the Abductees’ Mothers Association (Founder & President Amat Alsalam Alhajj) and Peace Paths Foundation (Executive Director Obaid Saeed Waked) to carry out peace initiatives.
Through the agreement, each organization promised to host and collaborate on IWPG peace events, promote women’s peace education, advocate the DPCW, and recruit IWPG members.
President Amat Alsalam Alhajj remarked, “I will work to increase the capacity to support the families of abductees cooperating with IWPG and raise awareness of the hardships that abductees endure utilizing international platforms.
Executive Director Obaid Saeed Waked expressed his belief, stating, “It is crucial to empower women for peace and security.”
Regional Director Seo Yeon Lee said, “Transcending time and space, I hope we can continuously work together towards one goal—peace—and take the lead in promoting peace.”
|
|
|
|
Peace Lecturer Training Education (PLTE)
– Peace Realized through Female Peace
|
|
|
|
On Jan 17, IWPG Jeongeup Branch (Branch Manager Kim Miae) hosted the Women’s Peace Education Class 1 Completion Ceremony at the IWPG Jeongeup Branch Office. This peace education was initiated to foster peace leadership and develop talents who could contribute to global peace efforts. Ten participants, including graduates, a peace committee representative, and IWPG members, attended the ceremony. The branch manager, Kim Miae, remarked, “Women can be true leaders in their communities, planting dreams for their children to live happily in this world.” She added, “It would be wonderful to achieve peace, which is everyone’s dream, so our children can live safely.”
|
|
|
|
On Jan 23, IWPG Women’s Peace Education took place in the Czech Republic. Twelve participants joined the online session alongside seven women peace lecturers who have completed the course. The participants shared their peace stories, created a tree of gratitude and discussed the importance of self-worth and harmony.
|
|
|
- New Zealand, UK, Malawi, South Africa
|
|
|
|
On Jan 25, IWPG Global Region 6 (Regional Director Park So Yeong) hosted an Overseas PLTE Certification Ceremony online. The event, attended by approximately 70 participants, offered female leaders from New Zealand, the UK, Malawi, and South Africa an opportunity to connect and share their commitments to practicing peace.
Among the graduates, Lindiwe Matanya, Executive Director of Women for Fair Development (WOFAD) in Blantyre, Malawi, shared her reflection: “One of the most important lessons I learned from the women’s peace education is that peace begins with me. For a peaceful world, we must reflect on ourselves and create peace.”
|
|
|
|
IWPG Global Region 10 (Regional Director Kim Hwa Jeong) conducted the first online session for Kazakhstan PLTE Class 25-1-3 on Jan 24.
One of the participants, Akeyeva Marzhan Berikovna, shared her expectations: “As a teacher, I hope to gain a deeper understanding of peace and reflect it in my mindset. Exploring the positive efforts and peace movement of global citizens, I hope to find inspiration to foster a sense of responsibility for society and contribute to peacebuilding.”
|
|
|
|
IWPG Global Region 10 proceeded with an online orientation for Latin America PLTE Class 25-1 on Jan 16, which was attended by over 500 participants from 18 countries, including Mexico, Bolivia, Chile and the Dominican Republic.
The training, which a PLTE graduate from last year voluntarily promoted, attracted more than 1,000 applicants from 18 Latin American countries. Julie Katiuskha Lazcano Tellez, one of the participants, expressed her satisfaction, saying, “It’s a real pleasure to attend the training. I hope to conduct the training at the college, where I currently teach students and volunteer to interpret this wonderful education.”
|
|
|
- Colombia, Peru, Tanzania, Middle East
|
|
|
In January, IWPG Global Region 2 conducted joint PLTE sessions for Colombia, Peru, Tanzania, and other countries in the Middle East.
In Colombia and Peru, over 1,000 women have signed up for the training through organization leaders who completed the PLTE last year, and approximately 300 women are currently attending the classes.
Ana Lucia Palacios from Colombia said, “Through PLTE, I realized that tolerance is essential. I will strive to live out peace and be a light in creating a healthier and fairer society by embracing women, men, and children. We should all adopt a more generous attitude toward every action.”
Annagrace Malamsha from Tanzania expressed her determination: “I will do my very best to achieve peace, which is both my dream and my country’s aim.”
Naglaa Saad from Yemen expressed her gratitude to IWPG and shared her hope to see the peace process implemented.
Moving forward, IWPG Global Region 2 plans to continue conducting PLTE sessions to empower women worldwide to voluntarily participate in peace activities.
|
|
|
- India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Afghanistan
|
|
|
IWPG Global Region 3 (Regional Director Eun-Ju Heo) hosted an online PLTE orientation on Jan 25. Approximately 80 applicants from 4 countries—India, Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan—who signed up for the class gathered in one place to share the program’s visions and goals.
Amber Kashif Khan, a participant from Pakistan, revealed her expectations: “I am excited to think about how to put what I’ve learned into action. We believe this is the beginning of a journey to attain all the knowledge, experience, and expertise we need.”
|
|
|
|
Networking and Cooperation
|
|
|
- 2025 1st Cameroon Buea Peace Committee Meeting
|
|
|
|
On Jan 20, IWPG Cameroon Buea Peace Committee hosted a meeting to set the agenda for 2025 at Ebenezer Baptist Church Great Soppo Buea.
Starting with the opening address by Peace Committee Representative Nkanwhi Patience, the meeting reviewed the activities from 2024 and established plans for 2025, which include the international loving peace art competition and visits to women’s organizations. Afterwards, the coordinator, secretary, liaison manager and communication manager were appointed.
|
|
|
- Yangon Branch hosts January International Women’s Peace Network Regular Meeting
|
|
|
IWPG Yangon Branch (Myanmar, Branch Manager Crystal Po Gyaw) hosted the January International Women’s Peace Network Regular Meeting on Jan 28 at the National Young Women’s Christian Association. The event gathered 26 participants and featured opening remarks from the branch manager, an introduction to 2025’s peace agendas, a speech on peace by Kathleen Thein, President of the Hindu Women Association, and a Q&A session with the audience.
Su Han, one of the participants, said, “I could learn about promoting peace, diversity and tolerance as well as culture and cultural shock. It was a valuable opportunity to understand the activities of the Yangon Branch.” Yin Yin Mya expressed her wish: “Cooperation is key to success in peace activities. I look forward to the next meeting and hope that all activities are held successfully in 2025.”
|
|
|
- Ulaanbaatar Branch Manager attends Forum ‘Voices for Change’
|
|
|
|
IWPG Ulaanbaatar Branch, led by Branch Manager Tumurkhuyag Enkhtaivan and accompanied by peace committee representative Bujidmaa, attended the civil society organization forum called ‘Voices for Change’. Sponsored by the European Union, the forum was co-hosted by a media association and Deutsche Welle Academy, attracting approximately 70 participants, including Badamsambuu Bolorsaikhan, Executive Director of the Mongolian Peacebuilding institute, and Ukhnaa Tamir, President of the Mongolian Media Committee Board. The forum featured discussions on the current status of Mongolian civil society and the responsibilities associated with development and civil society initiatives.
|
|
|
- Wonju, Chuncheon, Sokcho, Jecheon Branch holds New Year Peace Meeting
|
|
|
|
Wonju, Chuncheon, Sokcho, and Jecheon Branch held their annual gathering under the theme ‘Peaceful World Created within Local Communities.’ The gathering provided a chance to share ideas about peace and explore practical ways to implement it with members and guests from the local communities.
|
|
|
- Global Region 5 introduces Women’s Peace Education at Indian college
|
|
|
|
In January, IWPG Global Region 5 (Regional Director Su Jin Park) introduced Women’s Peace Education of IWPG at the Thakur Shyamnarayan Kandivali B.Ed College, Mumbai, India. On Jan 9, IWPG and the Women’s Peace Education program were presented to approximately forty female students in the presence of Dr. Mega Gokhe, the principal of the Bachelor of Education College, and Anju Chaplot, a professor at the same institution. On Jan 16, an orientation session for the Women’s Peace Education program was conducted for about thirty female students. In February, Global Region 5 officially begins conducting Women’s Peace Education at the Thakur Shyamnarayan Kandivali B. Ed College.
|
|
|
- Global Region 5 discusses Peace Lecturer Activities with Larzy Varghees, Peace Committee Representative
|
|
|
|
On Jan 13, IWPG Global Region 5 met with Larzy Varghees, Principal of St. Mathew’s High School & Junior College, India, and also an IWPG peace committee representative, to discuss the roadmap of peace lecturers’ activities. During the meeting, they discussed the necessity of complementary training to reinforce the roles and responsibilities of the peace lecturers and ensure continuous empowerment. The Global Region 5 plans to provide continuous education and support for the lecturers to equip them with expertise and engage them in peace work.
|
|
|
- Tokyo Branch holds inaugural Peace Committee Representative meeting
|
|
|
|
On Jan 19, IWPG Tokyo Branch (Japan, Branch Manager Ohki Kazumi) conducted an inaugural online Peace Committee Representative meeting.
The meeting is held monthly to discuss the activity plans of the peace committee representatives. On that day, staff from the Tokyo Branch and three peace committee representatives attended the meeting.
Peace Committee Representative Oikawa Yoko said, “Gathering people and promoting IWPG is essential. As the Osaka Exposition is held, I will plan an event to promote peace in Tokyo. It would be nice to have an art festival where we conduct face-to-face peace education.”
Kozawa Mariko, a peace committee representative, stated, “I know some people in local volunteer organizations for mothers and children. I want to meet members of my community in person and invite them to IWPG’s peace activities in the Kanagawa region.”
Peace Committee Representative Ootawara Masako stated, “We can promote peace through culture. I aim to create opportunities that honor the culture of each country and foster interaction among one another.”
|
|
|
- Global Region 2 holds Peace Women Leaders Meeting with Yemeni, Australian and Colombian organizations
|
|
|
In January, IWPG Global Region 2 engaged in discussions with various organizations to explore solutions for advancing peace.
An online meeting was held to discuss collaboration for peace in the presence of Hafidha Al-Sheikh, Secretary General of the National Commission of Yemen to UNESCO, and Amina Hamshari, Director of the UNESCO Qatar Office.
Secretary General Hafidha Al-Sheikh remarked, “PLTE is the education that Yemen needs, and I want to work toward shifting awareness of peace. I will actively organize peace events to promote the DPCW, and as a professor at Aden University, I will establish an organization for women’s peace education so that more women can receive this education.”
A networking meeting was also held with Belmont BEC (Belmont Business Enterprise Centre Inc.) with Melbourne Branch manager Jesmeen, Australia, to discuss the 69th UN CSW NGO event. Carol Hanlon, BEC’s Founding Manager and Facilitator, said, “I am glad to be part of the UN CSW69 NGO event, ‘Gender Equality in the Economy for Women Entrepreneurs and SDGs,’ with IWPG.” She added, “For peace, it’s crucial for women to be united.”
José Cano, President of the Colombian Chamber of Non-Profit Entities (Cámara Colombiana de Entidades sin Ánimo de Lucro, COLCES), emphasized, “The world, including my own country, desperately needs peace. I’ve been very impressed with IWPG’s peace work and must say that women’s participation in the peacebuilding process is essential to ensuring fairness in society.”
Regional Director Seo Yeon Lee shared her expectations: “Today’s meaningful event marks the beginning of a friendly partnership between the two countries for a better world. Through close and significant interactions aimed at producing concrete and practical outcomes, I hope to create valuable moments that inspire change and innovation for a hopeful future.”
|
|
|
- PLTE Pakistan graduate promotes IWPG
|
|
|
|
Aquleem Fatimah Kazmi, a Pakistan PLTE graduate, gave a PLTE lecture at Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University in Rawalpindi.
On Jan 23, the university opened an education session titled ‘Igniting Inner Peace to Solve Conflicts.’ Over 12 professors and 80 students attended the event, demonstrating the university’s efforts in peacebuilding and conflict resolution. The session ended with a conversational discussion that motivated participants to contribute to peacebuilding efforts.
|
|
|
|
Spreading a culture of peace
|
|
|
- IWPG Czech Team hosts Art Exhibition, ‘Birds of Peace’
|
|
|
|
The IWPG Czech Team, in collaboration with the Kherson Art School, hosted an art exhibition titled ‘Birds of Peace.’ The digital exhibition featured paintings created by children from Ukraine on the TV screen, highlighting the shared nature of birds and humans. The birds that left their nests symbolized the lives of Ukrainians, conveying their wishes for peace to be restored in their country.
|
|
|
- Paju Branch conducts traditional cultural exchange experience with Sakhalin Compatriots’ Society
|
|
|
IWPG Paju Branch (Branch Manager Choi Jae Soon) conducted an traditional cultural exchange event at the senior center of Sakhalin’s Compatriots’ Society in Moonsan, Paju.
The event, held for the second time since last year, invited guests to experience making traditional foods from different countries and playing traditional Korean games such as Yutnori, Jegichagi (Korean shuttlecock kick), Tuho (arrow throwing game), and Konggi Nori (jackstone game). The Paju Branch emphasized the significance of peace education and the legislation of the DPCW.
|
|
|
- Global Region 5 conducts Peace Workshop at Pragnya Bodhini High School, India
|
|
|
|
On Jan 28, IWPG Global Region 5 conducted a peace workshop at Pragnya Bodhini High School, India. Seema Shaikh, Principal of Pragnya Bodhini High School, who led a session introducing IWPG, shared her vision and activities and emphasized the importance of female peace leadership. Since signing the MOU with IWPG in September last year, she has actively engaged in IWPG’s peace activities to promote peace.
|
|
|
- Manila Branch hosts Peace Walk celebrating 11th Jan 24 HWPL Peace Day
|
|
|
On Jan 24, the IWPG Manila Branch (Philippines, Branch Manager April Otadoy) celebrated the 11th Jan 24 HWPL Peace Day by hosting a Peace Walk at Aguinaldo Freedom Park in Kawit, Cavite.
The event was held under the theme ‘Unity for World Peace in Memory of Our Legacy: Youth Advocacy for the DPCW towards a World without War.’ Approximately 8,000 participants committed to a shared future of peace and solidarity for humanity. The event emphasized the importance of the DPCW in creating a future free from war and conveyed a message for young people to lead the process of building peace. The participants reflected on the meaning of peace and reaffirmed their solidarity towards the future.
|
|
|
- Manila Branch builds peace through volunteering for environmental protection
|
|
|
|
On Jan 17, the graduates of Kapalong PLTE Class 1 from the Manila Branch (Philippines) carried out an environmental cleaning activity divided into three groups to sow the seeds of peace in the local community. With more than 50 residents, Barangay officials and local government officers collected over 500㎏ of waste, which was then sorted into biodegradable, recyclable, and non-recyclable categories. The success of their initiative strengthened unity among the residents and will continue as a regular environmental cleaning initiative. They aim to build peace by actively engaging in their local community’s work.
|
|
|
|
Noinsen Elita Helpria Rumapea
Indonesia
Contributor at Daily Suarapembaharuan
|
|
|
|
1. Please introduce yourself.
|
|
|
|
My name is Noinsen Elita Helpria Rumapea. I am 59 years old and a contributor at Suarapembaharuan. com Daily News I have been a journalist for approximately 30 years.
|
|
|
|
2. How did you get to know IWPG, and what made you decide to work with them?
|
|
|
|
I learned about IWPG from a colleague. I decided to work with IWPG because it had a very noble goal: to unite women’s power to abolish war and create world peace.
|
|
|
|
3. How did you start doing peace work with IWPG?
|
|
|
|
At first, I participated in peace visits to the region, and reported and wrote news about the activity.
|
|
|
|
4. What is the most memorable moment among your peace activities?
|
|
|
|
When I joined PLTE, so many things touched my feelings about the preciousness of peace. Many people sacrifice their pleasure, time, material possessions, and even their own lives to create peace.
|
|
|
|
5. What is the most important and urgent thing to achieve peace?
|
|
|
|
Urging that the DPCW be immediately realized into law at the United Nations.
Shut down all the war equipment industries, which, of course, became a means of destruction that destroyed and eliminated the atmosphere of peace.
Mobilize the strength of women at all levels to agree to stop the war by influencing the holders of power, husbands or children, so that they do not want to advance to the battlefield. Continue to try to influence many parties to stop the war and no longer agree to its existence for a long time.
Continue to promote peace education in all circles.
|
|
|
|
6. Could you leave any last remarks to our peace family all around the world?
|
|
|
|
Keep up the spirit, all women of the world; our goal of eliminating wars on this earth must be a never-ending struggle.
|
|
|
|
Information on Periodic Membership Dues 📨
|
|
|
|
Click the button below, if you want to pay the IWPG periodic membership dues or to donate.
|
|
|
International Women’s Peace Group
Chairwoman Hyun Sook Yoon
2nd Floor 22, Mabang-ro 4-gil, Seocho-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea (Yangjae-dong, Daewon Building)
Tel 02-577-7440 Fax 02-576-5990 E-mail iwpg@iwpg.org
|
|
|
|
|
