IWPG 2024 October Newsletter

     71th

Oct 2024  

International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG) held the 2024 International Women’s Peace Conference (IWPC) as part of the 10th Anniversary of the Sep 18 World Peace Summit hosted by its peace cooperative organization, Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL). Women all around the world seeking peace gathered to stress the importance of taking action and committed to working with IWPG. The Wildflower Peace Project for embracing multiculturalism is actively taking place in South Korea. IWPG also signed MOU/MOAs, urged for the legislation of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW), provided Peace Lecturer Training Education (PLTE), spread a culture of peace, and cooperated with civil society networks.

IWPG successfully hosts the 2024 International Women’s Peace Conference. Women becoming one for peace

– held under the theme “Female Leaders Acting Upon Peace” in Gapyeong, Gyeonggi-do province
– Female leaders gathering to share peace activity cases and action plans 
– IWPG Chairwoman Hyun Sook Yoon emphasizes the each individual’s ‘implementation’ of peace

Women aspiring for world peace amidst continuous wars and conflict came together to share their experiences of peace activities and renew their determination and commitment toward world peace. 
IWPG held the 2024 International Women’s Peace Conference at Kensington Resort in Gapyeong, Gyeonggi-do province on September 19. 
This conference was held under the theme “Female Leaders Acting Upon Peace,” a place for women to share the most latest examples of peace activities in their communities to ultimately bring an end to war. IWPG introduced its peace achievements, much more fruitful compared to last year, and encouraged the participation of everyone. 
In her opening remarks, IWPG Chairwoman Hyun Sook Yoon said, “‘Implementation’ is crucial for peace to be realized into practical institutions and culture. If people from all sectors of society fulfill their role, peace can be achieved. Please always think, ‘What can I do at this moment for peace?’”

The conference was divided into two parts: “Why should women engage in peace activities?” and “Practicing Peace: Women becoming the leaders of peace.” 
In her opening remarks, IWPG Chairwoman Hyun Sook Yoon said, “‘Implementation’ is crucial for peace to be realized into practical institutions and culture. If people from all sectors of society fulfill their role, peace can be achieved. Please always think, ‘What can I do at this moment for peace?’” 
She also explained that empowering women through education is essential for building sustainable peace. She said, “Women`s empowerment not only benefits women individually but also has positive ripple effects on families, communities, and societies, driving a movement towards a more peaceful world.”

The importance of Women’s Peace Education was also highlighted under the context of embracing various cultures. Professor Jeong Jee-youn, head of Korea Research Institute of Immigration and Multicultural Policy, said, “The transformation into a multicultural society is inevitable, but there is not lot of attention brought to this topic. Now, it is time for us to break away from the current approach and adopt a continuous multicultural education to build a lasting, peaceful society.” 
She added, “The challenges arising from globalization cannot be resolved solely by our own singular approach. In this regard, I hope IWPG’s Women’s Peace Education, which addresses tolerance(inclusivity) and respect as essential virtues of peaceful citizens, becomes a cornerstone for social integration and peace in a multicultural era.” 
The story of female leaders who participated in IWPG’s peace campaigns was also introduced. Ms. Maria Theresa Royo-Timbol, Municipal Mayor of Kapalong, Davao Del Norte from the Philippines, gave a speech on “The Roadmap of Women for the Cessation of War” based on her experience establishing the 3rd IWPG Peace Monument in the Philippines last month. 
She explained that she built the monument hoping that it would manifest as a concrete peace monument for the current and future generation. She said, “It will definitely have a ripple effect on women and young people as well. I encourage women to participate in any IWPG peace initiatives so that women will appreciate more the importance of their involvement in peace activities.”

Ms. Sanem Arikan, Director General of Services of Turkiye Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Copyright Office, spoke of her various endeavors to accomplish world peace. As an advocate of various social issues, including empowerment of women and children, prevention of violence, and eradication of drugs, she has received IWPG’s Peace Education and tried to spread peace culture and raise awareness in collaboration with media, politics, and academia. 
Ms. Sanem Arikan said, “I believe that the press, social media, political leaders, artists, and community leaders play a crucial role in spreading a culture of peace. And, I believe a sustainable peace process can only be achieved through the power of women. We must stand up for women and children that are sacrificed at war even at this moment.” 
Hon. Dr. Joyelle Trizia Clarke, Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment and Climate Action and Constituency Empowerment of the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis, said, “When we include more women as leaders and decisionmakers, we allow for an all-encompassing approach.” She proposed enhancing women’s participation in decision-making, advancing gender equality and empowering women, encouraging peacekeeping activities in the individual and professional level, and supporting vulnerable groups.

“The participation of women in peacebuilding is essential”… Women from all sectors gathered for peace

– Biafra·India·Korea·Myanmar·Colombia
– Listening to the stories of women for peace

Apart from the main conference program, participants spoke at the open mic session to call for the contribution and participation of women for peace. The open mic session is a platform for women from various backgrounds to freely express themselves. 
“Women are powerful agents of change. Women, the bedrock of any society, have shown exemplary skills in building understanding, patience, and nurturing. These qualities have made women the perfect entities to build peace worldwide.” 
Dr. Ngozi Orabueze, Chief of Staff of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile, emphasized “the vital role of women in peace-building” at the open mic session. 
She said, “I represent over 70 million Biafrans. As a woman from Biafra, my role in this mission is to create awareness in the world on how peaceful co-existence, respect for individual basic rights, equity, justice, and understanding can make the world a better place.” 
She described that the pain of war in Biafra was caused because “peace has been lacking” and emphasized, “We must choose dialogue over confrontation, compassion over cruelty. To our brothers and sisters in the Nigerian union, we extend an olive branch. Let us work together towards a future where every ethnic group can thrive, free from fear and oppression.” 
Ms. Agatha Sushila Anthony Dias, the founder of Amcha Ghar, an Indian organization that supports vulnerable children, said, “Women are often the most affected by war, bearing the heaviest burdens. Historically, women have been submissive, but now, empowered by education, they have the strength and knowledge to protect their children and shape a more peaceful future.” 
HWPL’s peace activities for more than 7 years, she said, “I`ve witnessed the incredible work done by the core team and members worldwide and firmly believe that the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW) will soon be universally accepted and implemented.” 
Ms. Jang Jung-hee, Chairwoman of the Board of Bang Jeong-gwan Research Institute, said, “The reason women must participate in peace work is that they have the potential to drive peace activities in our communities that embrace children, families, and neighbors. Practicing peace starts from the childhood. Reading peace books, practicing peace, and thinking peace are some peace activities that we must develop with our children.”

Hon. Maria Martha Lacouture, Secretary of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism, Valledupar City Hall, said, “Women were always at the center of social change. We must set an example and support projects for dialogue and the peaceful resolution of conflict, supporting initiatives on environmental protection and sustainable peace. In 2025, Valledupar will be evidence of a shared society of peace.  
Ms. Thandar Aung, the founder of Myanmar Professional Institute, said, “When we invest in peace, we nurture the next generation of leaders and change-makers. I see it as my responsibility to be a voice of reason and empathy in every space I occupy?whether in my professional work, my community, or as a mentor to the younger generation.” 
One IWPG official who planned the open mic session said, “The theme of the conference, ‘Female Leaders Acting Upon Peace’ is not only referring to leadership from women in a certain social position. Regardless of position or title, anyone can practice peace and spread a positive impact to the people around them.” 
In addition, Ms. Rania Alam was presented with the Plaque of Appreciation, and Ms. Sanem Arikan and Thandar Aung were appointed as IWPG Publicity Ambassadors. The participants also wrote their “Peace Promise,” planning their own peace activities. The results of these promises will be shared at next year’s International Women’s Peace Conference. IWPG will continue to actively engage in peace activities in various sectors so that its peace initiatives can become the peace education textbook.

MOU/A Signing for Peace Projects

– Women Around the World Uniting Under Peace

Myanmar Women Parliamentarians Network, Cameroon Association for the Promotion of Gender and Disability Issues

On Sep 9, Global Region 4 signed an MOU with Myanmar Women Parliamentarians Network and an MOA with Association for the Promotion of Gender and Disability Issues (APGDI) of Cameroon. The ceremony was conducted online with 18 staff members. 
Aye Mya Mya Myo, spokesperson of Myanmar Women Parliamentarians Network, said, “It is an honor to be able to work with IWPG. We need to raise awareness on women and children and are trying to look for ways to organize activities. Our efforts and commitment will lead to more achievements, and I am sure we will continue to develop a stronger partnership and friendship. I will try my best to make sure this MOU is carried out successfully.” She is also planning PLTE training for her organization members. 
Umenjoh Vania Andoumbeni, founder and chairperson of APGDI, said, “It is often said in Africa that ‘one hand cannot tie a bundle.’ It is in this light that APGDI and IWPG have decided to collaborate to promote global peace. Advocating for peace and social justice has been my desire, and this is what motivated the creation of APGDI. This is because peace begins at individual levels, and if marginalization and discrimination are eliminated in our communities, peace will automatically emerge.”

Pragnya Bodhini High School, India

On Sep 4, Global Region 5 (Regional Director Su Jin Park) signed an MOU with Pragnya Bodhini High School in India at Worknco in Guro-gu, Seoul. This partnership was based on a shared understanding on the value of peace education and mutual commitment to spread it all around the world. The two organizations plan to conduct in regular peace activities every year and share each other’s peace visions and education methods. 
Seema Chhotu Shaikh, principal of Pragnya Bodhini High School, said, “This partnership with IWPG will be the beginning of the spread the value of peace education to many more schools. I hope more educational institutions cooperate with IWPG for peace. It is important for children to learn peace from a young age, and consistently engaging in independent peace activities through the vision shared by IWPG will contribute to the spread of the global peace network. 

AHiD, Turkiye

On Sep 18, Global Region 10 signed an MOU with Ankaralılar Derne?i Ba?kan Yardımcıs (AHid) (president Hilmi Yaman) from Turkiye at Kensington Resort in Gapyeong, Gyeonggi-do province. AHiD is a residential association and volunteer group of Ankara, Turkiye . It has 17 Branches and 120,000 members, hosting various events for the residents, children, women, and people with disabilities in Ankara, such as traditional puppet shows, Karagoz, and children festivals, with support from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Turkiye. Sanem Arikan, the vice chairperson of AHiD promised to engage in various peace activities and promote mutual cooperation between IWPG and AHiD through this MOU.

Civil Society Network, Cambodia

On Sep 17, Global Region 12 (Regional Director Lee Soojeong) signed an MOA with Civil Society Network from Cambodia at Kensington Resort in Gapyeong, Gyeonggi-do province. This treaty laid the foundation for strengthening the partnership between the two organizations and promoting peace. The two organizations are planning to engage in various peace projects together and contribute to peace realization with Cambodia Branch. Tompen Virak Vitou, president of Cambodia Civil Society Network, said, “I will work for sustainable peace activities with the Cambodia Branch Manager.”

Ballerina Management Institute Trust, India

On Sep 19, Global Region 3 (Regional Director Eun Ju Heo) signed an peace MOA with Ballerina Management Institute Trust (BMIT) at Kensington Resort in Gapyeong, Korea. Ratna Joshi, the president of BMIT, agreed to share information with IWPG and strengthen the peace network to spread peace activities all around the world.

Femme Solidarity, Australia; Adept Women Association, Saudi Arabia; Valledupar city, Colombia 

On Sep 17~18, Global Region 2 (Regional Director Seo-yeon Lee) signed MOUs for peace initiatives each with Femme Solidarity (Director Sarah Chong), Adept Women Association (Chairwoman Sherazi Numera Mohsin), and Valledupar city (Secretary of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism Hon. Maria Martha Lacouture). 
They promised to participate in IWPG’s peace initiatives, such as peace projects, PLTE, DPCW promotion through the press and social network, and establishment of Peace Committees. They discussed detailed plans and agreed to cooperate for peace. 
Director Sarah Chong said, “We need collective effort to introduce new initiatives on world peace through PLTE and establish sustainable peace. I wish to participate in next year’s conference with practical results of my peace activities. I will introduce IWPG to female leaders who can promote PLTE and spread the value of peace to Australian women in the community.” 
Chairwoman Sherazi Numera Mohsin said, “IWPG is the source of prosperity, stability, resilience, and growth. IWPG will become more active if a branch is established in Saudi Arabia.” 
Secretary Maria Martha Lacouture said, “I am honored to participate in such a large international event called the 2024 International Women’s Peace Conference, and I am grateful to IWPG for giving me this opportunity. I will officially invite IWPG to the peace event and establishment of the IWPG Peace Monument in Valledupar.” 
Regional Director Seo-yeon Lee said, “There are a lot of peace activists and peace organizations worldwide, but still peace has not fully come. Let’s continue to work with IWPG to spread the value of peace education and motivate women to lead the way to peace.” 

Peace Lecturer Training Education (PLTE)

– Peace Realized through Female Peace

Myanmar

On every Saturday in September, Global Region 4 conducted PLTE online in Myanmar for 50 trainees. 
Peace Lecturer Shwe Sin Aung, technical staff officer of the Ministry of Cooperative and Rural Development, said, “Lecturing PLTE gives me inspiration and strength. This lecture trains and motivates individuals, especially women, become advocates of peace, giving them an opportunity to contribute to world peace. The trainees can advance peace. If they understand that the knowledge that they have acquired through this education can have a positive impact on their community and put in a lot of effort, they will be able to achieve much. PLTE facilitates the network between the trainees and world peace supporters.” 
The trainees also had positive reactions to PLTE.
Nu Nu Kyin said, “I am happy to be given the opportunity to take this peace education. I learned a lot of peace and felt peace. I will share this to the people around me.” 
Kay Thwe Moe said, “In the third lesson, I learned how much influence culture has on people and how harmful games and social media are to people. IWPG conducts peace activities and encourages women’s participation during the lecture based on three goals. I could sense the clear objective of the lesson: using the knowledge gained through the education to realizing peace. The lectures were clear and easy to follow. I want to thank the lecturers who have taught me throughout the course.” 
Ning San Niang said, “Today I realized that greed and selfishness are the main causes of war. Humans cause war, so it is our responsibility to become ambassadors to establish and spread peace all around the world.” 
Myint Myint Thwin said “Lesson 6 directly reflects the current political situation of Myanmar. Learning about peace is a valuable cause.”

Democratic Republic of Congo

On Sep 10, Global Region 10 opened PLTE Class 24-3 online to 22 people gathered in-person. One trainee, Yena Endeza, said, “Women are very often forgotten in the process of establishing peace. This will become a good opportunity for women to uphold their own rights and raise awareness of the role and value of women in protecting nations, communities, religious communities, and public and private institutions requiring peace.”

Kazakhstan

On Sep 10, Global Region 10 held the orientation of Kazakhstan PLTE class 24-4 online. Trainee Azhikhanova Gulzhan said, “I can understand my life more deeply through the lecture. I learned a new way to find peace in my life because I wanted to reflect on my emotions and goals. This course will be very rewarding and inspiring.” Shaimardanova Nazigul said, “I am happy to take PLTE. What bigger dream do we have than to influence one single thing, peace? I’m sure that this education will bring warmth to all the listeners. More than anything, I hope that we become a country that seeks peace and tranquility.”

Ethiopia, Syria, Iraq, Palestine, Colombia

In September, Global Region 2 conducted PLTE online in 5 countries: Ethiopia, Syria, Iraq, Palestine, and Colombia. 
There were many female students, including Soliyana Abdi, Liya Girma, and Jerusalem Alemayhu from Ethiopia; Dilber Ahmad from Syria; Huda Rifed Ahmed from Iraq; Deema Juneidi from Palestine; and Nelly Corzo Martinez from Colombia. 
Jerusalem Alemayhu from Ethiopia said, “I learned that the cause of war is human greed, and the video on the Syrian civil war was very heartbreaking. We should take PLTE to bring world peace as soon as possible.” 
Deema Jeneidi said, “Peace Education is really needed because Palestine is suffering from the scars and brutalities of war, and I want to make women and youth take this education. I will introduce IWPG to other organizations so they can be educated on peace.” 

Hinigaran, Philippines

On Sep 28, Manila Branch, Philippines, (Branch Manager April Otadoy) held the PLTE Completion Ceremony at Hinugyaw Inn. This class was focused on conflict resolution, community engagement, and harmony. All 67 trainees became qualified under the community vision of “sustainable community development.” 
Vice mayor Mary Grace Arceo, who participated in the ceremony, said, “Peace Education is the foundation for building a resilient society. Through PLTE, we can develop individuals to become peace messengers, investing in the future of Hinigaran. 
Manila Branch signed an MOA with the vice mayor of Hinigaran city and the Hinigaran Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office, strengthening future partnership.

Filming PLTE lectures in Khmer 

On Sep 20, Global Region 12 filmed PLTE lectures into Khmer at the Jeonju Branch office with Teng Rithy, professor of Panhacheat University, and Pov Pheaknita, member of Management team of UFYC, as peace lecturers. These lecture videos will be used to promote and recruit PLTE trainees in Cambodia. The two lecturers understood the value of providing PLTE in their own native language and constructed the lecturers to be easily understandable to a Khmer-speaking audience.

Spreading a culture of peace

Andong, Korea