IWPG 2024 December Newsletter

IWPG (International Women’s Peace Group) cultivated women peace lecturers in Côte d’Ivoire with the support of the Ministry of Women, Family and Children. IWPG promised to collaborate with governmental and local women’s groups in Côte d’Ivoire. Through this effort, they aim to transform Côte d’Ivoire into a country of peace. Additionally, IWPG proceeded with ▲signing MOU/MOAs, ▲advocating for the legislation of the DPCW, ▲promoting the activation of the PLTE, and ▲networking with civil society.

Many female peace lecturers will be trained in the Côte d’Ivoire to spread a culture of peace.
From Nov 27 to 29, the Ministry of Women, Family and Children of Côte d’Ivoire and IWPG (Chairwoman Hyun Sook Yoon) conducted the 10 lessons of the women peace lecturer training (PLTE: Peace Lecturer Training Education) at Institution Marie Thérèse Houphouët-Boigny, Adjamé, Abidjan.
The program aims to produce local peace activists in Côte d’Ivoire and train them to become peace advocates who can practice peace in the local and international communities. With elections coming up in October 2025, Côte d’Ivoire will continue to promote the need for peace during the election and expand education for women to contribute to national peacebuilding.

The relationship between the two organizations dates back to the 66th session of the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) in 2022. At that time, IWPG organized a side event with the Ministry of Women, Family, and Children of Côte d’Ivoire, and at the 67th CSW in the following year, the two organizations signed an MOA for further peace cooperation.
The ongoing peace exchange has developed into Côte d’Ivoire, inviting IWPG to engage locally. At the 68th CSW this year, the two organizations participated in workshops to continue exchanges for peace and strengthen partnerships. In particular, they agreed to work together on joint projects in women, youth, peace, and sustainable development.

Côte d’Ivoire has a history of political strife that has plunged the country into civil war and violence every election season. According to the Ministry of Women, Children and Family of Côte d’Ivoire, every election since 1990 has been accompanied by death and violence, and most of the victims of violence have been women, making it an urgent and important task to develop peace education for women in leadership positions.
The government of Côte d’Ivoire plans to work with IWPG to promote and expand women’s peace education to prevent such bloodshed. Barry Lamarane, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Ministry of Women, Family, and Children, said, “We hope that through women’s peace education, women’s rights will be empowered and that violence against women and bloodshed, including conflict during elections, will end.”

PLTE is an education program launched by IWPG in 2018, which aims to cultivate women peace lecturers with the spirit of peace, promote a culture of peace in local communities, and realize peace in practice. By September 2024, 2,000 participants from 88 countries graduated from the PLTE to actively serve as women leaders with the spirit of peace.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and geographical limits, the program has been mainly conducted online. However, by leveraging education in Côte d’Ivoire as a steppingstone, its offline education is expected to gain momentum.

From Nov 23 to Dec 3 this year, IWPG visited the Ministry of Women, Children and Family of Côte d’Ivoire, met with local women groups, and provided the 10 lessons of PLTE for 60 local women in 4 sessions from Nov 27. The certification ceremony and the International Women Peace Conference-Côte d’Ivoire were held on the last day of the training.
The conference featured presentations and case studies under the following themes ▲: Why women should work for peace? ▲Côte d’Ivoire and Women Peace ▲Women peace education, the answer to peace ▲City turned into peace.
The Ministry of Women, Children, and Family of Côte d’Ivoire is committed to creating a better world of peace through ongoing collaboration with IWPG, promoting various peace projects.
“IWPG will further establish itself as an international organization that advances the realization of world peace by training women peace lecturers together with governments and civil society organizations,” said Na Hyung Jun, IWPG Secretary General.

On Nov 16, Global Region 3 (Regional Director Eun-Ju Heo) signed an MOA online to achieve peace with Jesmin Akter, the Director of Artbox Gallery.
The MOA aims for collaboration in peace activities, including the promotion of PLTE, activities to advocate for DPCW legislation and the International Loving-Peace Art Competition. Director Jesmin Akter remarked, “I sincerely respect IWPG’s tireless efforts and devotion to creating a better world, and it’s an honor to become a partner to join the journey representing Artbox Gallery.” She also expressed her anticipation for the projects to be initiated together.

Global Region 2 (Regional Director Seo Yeon Lee) and its Mokpo Branch (Branch Manager Kim Sun-Ah) signed MOAs to advance peace initiatives with Jasmen Association for the Empowerment and Development of Jerusalemite Women (Founder Sana Atari) in Israel, COLCES in Colombia (Representative José Enoc Cano Mora), International Y’s Men Korea Southwest Region Muan Oryong Club (Representative Bae Man-seok), Mokpo City Chapter of the Korea Association for the Digitization of Disabled Persons (Representative Kim Min-soo), and Woonnam-myeon Council of the Korean Red Cross Muan County Branch (Representative Kim Gil-hee).
Representative José Enoc Cano Mora agreed to actively support IWPG’s peace events and peace monument establishment in 2025, collaborate to establish IWPG Branches, recruit new members, and distribute press releases IWPG news. 
Founder Sana Atat shared her commitment, saying, “I was deeply moved by the global work of IWPG. I will do my best to introduce influential figures from various areas and sectors so they can become members and collaborate on IWPG’s peace initiatives.”
Regional Director Seo Yeon Lee highlighted the importance of collaboration: “Through continuous partnerships with numerous domestic and overseas organizations, let us, as women, raise our voices for peace to promote the significance of the DPCW and strive to end war worldwide.”

On Nov 18, Uganda Brach (Branch Manager Atuhura Primrose) completed the group PLTE session for the NAWOU staff at the NAWOU office in Uganda. 
Ten female and male employees, including Jennifer Aguti, the Executive Director of NAWOU, received the training twice a week for four weeks. The Uganda Branch plans to conduct another round of PLTE for the graduates.

Manila Branch in the Philippines (Branch Manager April Otadoy) conducted PLTE in Kapalong on Nov 9. 
The training, initiated with the active support of Maria Theresa Royo-Timbol, the Mayor of Kapalong, ended on Dec 10 and produced 30 graduates. 
Through the 10 education sessions, the 30 qualified and empowered leaders are expected to serve as peace lecturers for local communities.

Global Region 10 conducted the 5th-8th sessions of PLTE Mexico Class 24-4 in November. 
Jessica Mayela Zaragoza De la Cruz, one of the participants, shared her reflection, saying, “In session 7, we examined the critical role of the DPCW in preventing global conflicts. As a lawyer and a peace researcher, I’ve always been reflecting on the concepts of justice, fairness, and the rule of law. The limitation of international law, concerning the absence of an enforcement mechanism, has made me wonder how we can maintain peace and prevent conflicts. The DPCW, which embodies a holistic approach to fostering a culture of peace, can resolve the gap by providing a legal framework and a philosophy to create sustainable peace. This proves that law can go outside the courtroom, connect people’s hearts, and advance inter-respect and collaboration. In the session, I became motivated to advocate for peace professionally. Not only that, but I’m also very inspired by everyone who believes in her role in making a better world of peace and engages actively with peace initiatives.”
Another participant, Brisnie Giovanna Salcedo Anaya, remarked, “I appreciate all your devotion and efforts to bring peace. I am happy to know IWPG, which has greatly influenced me. I hope to join the work to understand the world we live in better every day and to spread a culture of peace.”

Mongolia Ulaanbaatar Branch (Branch Manager Tumurkhuyag Enkhtaivan) hosted PLTE class 24-4-3 on Nov 30 at the cultural center in Undurshireet Soum, Töv Aimag. In total, 63 participants attended the event, including the province governor, teachers and staff of general schools, high school girls from Undurshireet Soum Comprehensive School, female public officers, and local women. Batsukh Enkhtuul, the cultural center director in Undershireet Soum, expressed her willingness to actively promote peace by establishing a Peace Committee.

Global Region 9 (Regional Director Lim Misook) conducted Session 4 of PLTE 24-4-1 and a class end party at the Incheon Branch Office on Nov 2. 
The Women’s Peace Education Program was designed to unite women worldwide by teaching the spirit of peace and encouraging them to actively engage in creating a world of peace. 
The main topics included Peace and Women, which explained IWPG’s founding philosophy, vision, and peace initiatives. It aims to inspire participants to integrate with IWPG and work for peace. Additionally, the Family Peace Law emphasized the value of keeping promises and their consequences and the significance of obeying laws and maintaining order. Peace and International Law was also taught to introduce the reality and issues of international society and DPCW, which was proclaimed to end war. 
In the workbook activities, participants expressed their reflections that they now understand the value, necessity and importance of peace and felt motivated to contribute to peace work. They shared that seeing the changes in themselves reassured them that the education was not in vain, and they were determined to work harder with a sense of responsibility.

Global Region 5 (Regional Director Park Su Jin) conducted an online PLTE with Indian participants in Nov. The training, which began on Oct 12, concluded with the certification ceremony on Dec 14. This class produced four new peace lecturers who will walk the path of peace through PLTE. The participants remarked, “PLTE is the true seed that plants peace, extending beyond individuals and transforming families, societies and the world.”

Five Korean Branches (Daegu, Pohang, Gumi, Gyeongju and Andong) of Global Region 5 sequentially commenced in the month of Nov. Through the training, ten new peace lecturers are to be produced, and in December, a joint certification ceremony will be held to congratulate their completions.
The participants who attended the training and learned the preciousness of life and the value of dignity shared their reflections on “Peace begins with me.” One said, “I joined the education with troubled emotions. With each lesson, I could feel a change within myself, and I was really looking forward to the next session.” The program’s contents and message of peace were being spread to the students’ acquaintances, too. Global Region 5 plans to conduct the PLTE centering on the five branches and to continue their endeavors to realize the value of peace with local communities.

Global Region 4 hosted an online certification ceremony for PLTE Class 6 on Nov 16. A total of 25 graduates completed the program with excellent results. There were final remarks from three instructors, followed by a presentation of the graduates’ activities and a graduate representative’s speech. Subsequently, the graduates demonstrated a model PLTE class as future peace lecturers. 
The lecturers who led the program expressed their aspirations. One of the lecturers, Ei Hnin Khaing shared her reflection, saying, “The PLTE is a pretty good education with systemic steps and structure, and I felt very happy and peaceful joining it with all of you. Deep down in my heart, I believe PLTE will play a critical role in peacebuilding for every country and in achieving peace and harmony all around the world. 
Shwe Sin Aung said, “PLTE has changed not only the participants but everyone, including us, the lecturers. It does not simply teach some ideas about peace but breathes life into the ideas. PLTE goes beyond theory and encourages everyone to live the ideal of peace in each one’s community. It enables us to create small yet powerful waves of peace and understanding.” 
Htet Htet Aung expressed her appreciation, saying, “I am so proud of myself and my colleagues for overcoming all the challenges and hardships to complete the course. I appreciate the patient kindness, active support and guidance of IWPG. I love you and thank you all.”
May Thazin Nyein, the graduate representative, delivered her remarks upon completing the program: “PLTE is a comprehensive program of peace leadership training and education focused on conflict resolution, peaceful co-existence, and solidarity. It enables one to be equipped with skills applicable to her local community by providing valuable insights into the significance of peace. I understand peace relies on the hands of women globally. The soft power of women is a powerful force that could redefine the world. The most significant change I’ve experienced was the aspiration to spread the message that women have the strength to change the world. Thanks to the PLTE, we have been allowed to become peace lecturers. We are the women dedicated to embarking on this journey and working together to build a peaceful world. We must share the message of peace to the globe, and the responsibility is in our hands. I aspire to be a reliable and trustworthy peace lecturer who inspires others and facilitates peace efforts.”
Bawk Pan Npyen said, “I am grateful for all the support I received throughout the program. I felt proud and happy during the completion ceremony. Working with IWPG as a peace instructor excites me. I am very interested in IWPG’s mission and would love to contribute to peace in Myanmar through IWPG.”
Nan Mya said, “I am so thankful. Despite many hardships I faced during the training, I still can’t believe I made it to the finals.” She added, “I am sincerely proud to be part of IWPG and will dedicate myself to making global peace.”
Ning San Niang said, “I will do my best to apply the skills I earned from the training to help develop the local community. I am pleased and deeply honored to be one of the graduates. I am very proud to be one of those who successfully completed the PLTE of IWPG and am willing to participate in peace-building activities as much as possible.”
Niang It Nuam remarked, “I appreciate IWPG for allowing us to participate in the education and helping us to complete the assignment. PLTE inspires us to share peace.”

On Nov 30, IWPG Switzerland Team held “Peace of Cake” at Migros Klubschule Schaffhausen. The participants shared their thoughts on the changes they want to bring to their families and listened to stories from PLTE graduates. One participant said, “It was nice to interact with other women, and I think it is important for women to first have peace and give it to their children.”

On Nov 29, Hinigaran women’s held the Peace Education orientation session and planted Mangroves at Negros Occidental in Hinigara. 
This PLTE class was held under the theme, “Plant Peace” with the cooperation of 4 staff members from Municipal Environment. 
The Peace Education orientation was on “peace, co-existence, conflict resolution, collective power” to explore measures of social and environmental improvement and local harmony.
Also, through the Mangrove planting activity, the participants could connect environmental issues with peace culture.

On Nov 30, Tokyo Branch held the November International Women’s Peace Network Regular Meeting online. The team leader of the Department of International Affairs gave a presentation on IWPG’s achievements in 2024, and Tokyo Branch Manager Ohki Kazumi gave a lecture on “Practicing Peace in Our Daily Lives.”

On Nov 8, Berlin Branch in Germany (Branch Manager Yingyan Cao) hosted the opening day of the gallery of Kani Alavi, head of East Side Gallery. There approximately 20 participants including Kani Alavi; Jasmin Ghandtchi, a language, education, and communication instructor; and Mariam Sarchar, an architect. IWPG presented its activities and interacted with the participants. Branch Manager Yingyan Cao presented Mr. Kani Alavi with a gift, a photograph of their partnership, to express her gratitude toward his dedication for the past year.

On Nov 29, Global Region 2 held a welcoming gathering for new members to discuss partnership measures for peace in Yemen. 
The participants included Hamama Othman Ahmed Qasim Al-Sanawi, Director General of General Department of Women’s Affairs in the Office of the Presidency of the Republic; Faiza Abdel Raqeeb, Deputy Minister of Culture of the Republic of Yemen; Ahlam Abdul Raqib Salam, journalist and Standing Director of Sawashiya Development Justice Foundation; Huda Rifed Ahmen, Project Manager of Baghad Women Association. 
IWPG also discussed the signing of an MOU for further networking and partnership within Yemen. 
Faiza Abdel Raqeeb, Deputy Minister of Culture of the Republic of Yemen, said, “I am honored to work with IWPG’s beautiful peace activities. I will actively engage in peace activities by conducting DPCW legislation campaigns and opening PLTE communities.”

On November 16, Global Region 2 hosted the 6th International Women Leaders’ Peace Meeting.
There were 300 women leaders and members from 15 countries, including Korea, Iraq, Lebanon, Libya, Yemen, Australia (Melbourne), Jordan, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Israel, Palestine, Kuwait, Syria, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia.
Multiple female leaders presented on the topic “The Role of International Female Leaders for the Cessation of War.” Notable speakers included Huria Al-Tamal, Minister of the Ministry of Women’s Affairs of Libya; Fayza Abdel Raqeeb, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Culture of Yemen; Ghada Chreim, Political Officer of the National Commission for Lebanese Women; Pascal Isho Warda, former Minister of Migration and Displacement; and Son-yeong Gu, Manager of IWPG Global Region 2 Peace Education Department.
Regional Director Seo Yeon Lee remarked, “In the 21st century, an era of cutting-edge technology, the world is threatened by wars, terrorist attacks, climate issues, poverty, abnormal weather, and more-challenges all caused by humanity. It is critical for us to recognize our humanity and shared values by addressing suffering collectively and finding resolutions to global issues. When the 4 billion compassionate women around the world become one for peace, the influence of that power will be immense.” 
Huria Al-Tamal, Minister of the Ministry of Women’s Affairs of Libya, said, “Peace cannot be accomplished through mere treaties or table discussions. Empathy and mutual harmony must serve as the bridge to realize the values of humanity and religion within humankind.” 
Fayza Abdel Raqeeb, Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Culture of Yemen, said, “Force and violence are the greatest problem of humanity. Women are among the groups most severely affected in terms of human and material loss due to military expansion. Gender-based violence and discrimination in times of conflict further compound the issue. In order to urge for more engagement of women in all processes of peace, we must encourage women’s participation in decision-making and create an atmosphere conducive to such leadership. Only then can we build a peaceful and stable world.” 
Ghada Chreim, Political Officer of the National Commission for Lebanese Women, highlighted “The world is in a depressing state, with wars raging around the globe and violence, bloodshed, destruction rampant in Ukraine, Sudan, Gaza, Libya, and Syria. We must teach our children to love peace and accept others to build a balanced community emphasizing peace and equality.”
Pascal Isho Warda, former Minister of Migration and Displacement, added, “Women can play various roles in the complex and multi-faceted peace process, so women must be included in all areas without being limited by quotas. Their participation is essential for sustainable peacebuilding.”
Son-yeong Gu, Manager of IWPG Global Region 2 Peace Education Department, emphasized, “We are gathered here under the same desire: the cessation of war. For decades, countless organizations and individuals have worked for world peace, but war persists due to flaws in existing international laws. The draft of the new international law, the 10 Articles and 38 Clauses of the DPCW, aims to end war eternally and create a sustainable environment for peace.” She also urged everyone to spread a culture of peace with IWPG so that everyone can hear the news of world peace achieved through the DPCW, not devasting news of war.

Global Region 5 had a very meaningful meeting that stemmed from the UN CSW (Commission on the Status of Women). 
On Nov 5, Regional Director Sujin Park had an online meeting with Dr. Mamatha Raghuveer Achanta, founder of Tharuni, whom she first met at this year’s CSW. Dr. Mamatha, a lawyer, is running Tharuni and working as an instructor for public officers. 
She showed great interest in IWPG Peace Education and said, “I will join the December class immediately,” also requesting additional material and the class curriculum. She also showed great enthusiasm in international peace activities such as the Apr 26 International Women’s Peace Day commemoration. She said, “I will definitely participate next year. It is always meaningful to share the value of peace. I will also expand into Mumbai and Hyderabad,” promising an expansion of the intra-India peace network.

Yangon Branch of Myanmar (Branch Manager Crystal Po Gyaw) held the Nov International Women’s Peace Network Regular Meeting at the National Young Women’s Christian Association on Nov 27 with 50 participants. The Yangon Branch presented next year’s project plan and the Award of Recognition prize of the 6th International Loving-Peace Art Competition, followed by a Q&A session. 
Kyu Kyu Win said, “Participants were from various fields, there were also many experts. It was very impressive.”
Yin Yin Mya said, “The regular meeting was a joy for all the participants. This regular meeting was particularly meaningful to us. We shared our peace knowhow with the new members. I look forward to more partnership. The gathering was very lively and interesting.” 
Aye Aye Kyi said, “The meeting was held organized, and all the participants were very enthusiastic.”

Mandalay Branch of Myanmar (Branch Manger Khin Mu Mu Han) held the Nov International Women’s Peace Network Regular Meeting at University Christian Fellowship on Nov 23 with 23 participants. The participants shared news of the 10th Anniversary of the World Peace Summit and the International Women’s Peace Conference, explained the DPCW, and discussed way to develop the IWPG branch in Mandalay. 
Members of the Mandalay Branch shared their opinions on PLTE, new member recruitment, and next year’s International Loving-Peace Art Competition. Operations Manager Khin Thida Han said, “The participants are very interested in IWPG peace activities and future roadmap. It was nice to gain advice on peace strategies and discuss them with each other.”
Moe Myay Thakhin, one participant, said, “In order to gather new members, we need informative and pleasant gathers and leadership training. We can even make an online library.”

When I joined IWPG, I chose to train in peace education to teach this fundamental value to women. As a trained marketing project manager, I observed how a lack of peace, kindness, and togetherness was reflected in people’s behaviors and attitudes daily.
Peace, far from being a utopia, deserves to be taught so that everyone could apply it in a practical way. This conviction inspired me to become a peace educator. Today, I am honored to share this duty I had with you.

The PLTE program makes peace accessible, tangible, and actionable. Through this initiative, peace is no longer seen as an unattainable ideal but as a reality that anyone can build through daily peaceful actions.
These programs demystify the concept of peace, making it applicable to everyday life. They help women cultivate inner peace through self-love, respect, self-worth, and esteem. This personal peace then radiates to their families, communities, and ultimately to society as a whole.

I feel immense gratitude for being part of such an ambitious project. Sharing with hundreds of women the tools that transformed my life is an unforgettable experience.
I leave Côte d’Ivoire with a heart full of emotion, leaving a part of myself in Abidjan with the women to whom I passed on the seed of peace I had once received. This mission allowed me to fully understand the crucial role women can play in building a peaceful society. I return with renewed faith in women’s ability to make peace a lasting reality.

In-person training highlights the deeply social nature of human beings. The emotional connection and energy that can be shared face-to-face are incomparable to what online training offers.
In-person sessions foster unique human connections, sharing passion and sincerity that directly touch participants. This proximity promotes deeper understanding and a stronger impact.

One of the most moving moments was when I completed my first peace education training, and the participants’ warm applause took me by surprise and deeply moved me.
I also received a heartfelt letter from one of the participants expressing her gratitude. She shared how the three days of training had helped her realize the importance of finding peace within herself, something she had never truly considered before.
She came with doubts but left with practical tools and a fresh perspective on integrating peace into her life. Her genuine testimony remains etched in my heart.

Women of Côte d’Ivoire, the destiny of lasting peace lies in your hands. You have the strength, courage, and love needed to build a peaceful future for your country.
Do not let anyone take away your hope. With the tools you have received, you can transform your perspective and become agents of change within your families and society.
Believe in yourselves. At IWPG, we will always be by your side to support you. Together, we are united for peace. We are one!