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International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG) participated in the 69th UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) held at the UN Headquarter in New York in commemoration of Mar 8 International Women’s Day. IWPG underlined the value of “Women’s Peace Education” for sustainable peace. IWPG also focused on signing MOU/MOAs for peace realization, advocating for the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW), facilitating Peace Lecturer Training Education (PLTE), networking with civil society organizations, and spreading a culture of peace.
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IWPG stands at the center of Women’s Peace Education, spreading its influence at UN CSW
– IWPG participates at the 69th UN CSW to commemorate the 30th anniversary of BPfA
– IWPG and AU co-host platform to discuss women empowerment
– Chairwoman Hyun Sook Yoon, at Side Event hosted by the Philippines, “Female participation in the peacebuilding process is a requirement for a sustainable society.”
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The International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG, Chairwoman Hyun Sook Yoon), participated in the 69th UN Commission of the Status of Women (UN CSW) from Mar 10 to 21. IWPG hosted three major events to raise awareness on the importance of peace education and led efforts to bring justice and peace to women and girls in Africa.
On Mar 10, IWPG co-hosted a Side Event on the theme, “Fostering Critical Pathways for Reparations, Gender Justice and Peace for African Women and Girls: A Post 2025 Agenda,” with major African Union (AU) stakeholders, including Gender Is My Agenda Campaign (GIMAC); AU Women, Gender, Development and Youth Directorate (AU WGYD); AU International Center for Girl’s and Women’s Education in Africa (AU CIEFFA); and UN Women, at the Permanent Observer Mission to the UN Conference Hall.
This meaningful event celebrated the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Platform for Action (BPfA) and 25th anniversary of the UN SCR 1325. Prestigious figures such as Simone Yankey-Ouattara, Acting Coordinator of AU CIEFFA; Jeon Na-Hyeong, Secretary General of IWPG; Melissa Ruvimbo Kubvoruno, Chairperson of GIMAC Young Women Network; Coumba Fall Venn, Executive Director of Femmes Africa Solidarité and GIMAC Network Coordinator; and Prudence Ngwenya, Director of AUC Women Gender & Youth Directorate, presented their speeches.
IWPG also prepared 2 other events apart from this Side Event. On Mar 12, the IWPG HQ hosted an online NGO parallel event themed “Women Learn Peace, Women Change the World.” Against the backdrop of escalating conflicts all around the world, IWPG emphasized the role of education in strengthening the role of women in peacebuilding.
At the online forum, 600 people joined to present exemplary cases of women’s peace education around the world and discuss the future roadmap. There were presentations on the positive impact of IWPG Women’s Peace Education in communities in Asia, Latin America, Europe, and much more.
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Next, on Mar 18, IWPG, BMI Trust, All India Women’s Conference (AIWC) co-hosted an offline NGO parallel event on “Women Empowerment & Peace Education” at CCUN. This event introduced various discussions on women empowerment and the value of peace education. Gyusun Lee, Director-General of Peace Education of IWPG, gave a keynote speech on “The Necessity of Strengthening Women’s Rights and Expanding Peace Education.”
Ratna Joshi, Chairperson of BMIT, presented “Education is the basic ingredient for women’s empowerment and contributes to their full participation in the decision-making process and access to power, leading to equality, development, and peace.”
During her remarks as a panelist at the Side Event hosted by the Philippines on March 17 at a UN conference hall, IWPG Chairwoman Hyun Sook Yoon said, “Peace education enables women to become active agents of peace to resolve imminent issues. Let’s us take action for our children so that there are more capable and empowered women in the world to make peace a reality.”
Mar 8 is International Women’s Day, celebrating the social, economic, political empowerment of women and promotion of gender equality. UN CSW is part of the series of events to commemorate this day, focusing on global discussions on gender equality and women rights advocacy. As this year marks the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Platform for Action and the 25th anniversary of UN SCR 1325, IWPG’s events held during CSW hold more meaning and value in the history of the women’s movement.
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The Global Regions at UN CSW69
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- Global Region 5 facilitates international cooperation on women’s peace education
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Global Region 5 (Regional Director Su Jin Park) established the foundation for collaboration in Women’s Peace Education through multiple meetings with various government officials and civil society leaders.
The most prominent achievement was the meeting with Hon. Gbeme Horace Kollie, Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection of Liberia. During the meeting held at the Permanent Mission of Liberia to the UN, IWPG presented sample cases and the curriculum of IWPG Peace Education. Hon. Kollie said, “The government, along with various other organizations, will consistently cooperate to find multi-faceted measures.”
Next, there was a second meeting with H.E. Isata Mahoi, Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs of Sierra Leone. The second after the first at last year’s CSW68, this meeting was a discussion on actual avenues of collaboration.
Regional Director Su Jin Park, in her speech at an event hosted by India Development Foundation (IDF), said, “Women’s Peace Education is not merely the teaching of knowledge, but a process of making peace come true.” Many participants showed interest in IWPG’s model and the impact created in the local communities, and several organization were willing to collaborate with IWPG.
Global Region 5 also met with Hon. Fatou Kinteh, Minister of Gender, Children and Social Welfare of Gambia, and the leader of an American peace organization to discuss partnership based on Women’s Peace Education and MOU signing.
Regional Director Su Jin Park said, “Through this year’s 69th UN CSW, we could promote the value and potential of Women’s Peace Education to the international society. We will keep expanding so that women of each country can become the drivers of peace.”
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- Global Region 5 signs MOU with major welfare organization in India
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Global Region 5 signed an MOU with India AkshayaShakti Welfare Association at the UN Headquarters. The two organizations agreed to launch a project on self-reliant peace and women empowerment.
Mini Suboth, CEO of AkshayaShakti Welfare Association, said, “Our partnership with IWPG will open many opportunities for Indian women” and expressed her plans to spread IWPG’s Women’s Peace Education along with this peace project.
Regional Director Su Jin Park said, “This partnership will be the foundation to bring both peace and self-reliability in India. The two organizations with create practical change through joint campaigns and education support.”
The two organizations will engage in art projects such as peace-themed exhibitions and support the socioeconomic self-reliance of women.
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- Global Region 10 discusses peace partnership with AGORA from Mexico
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Global Region 10 (Regional Director Hwa Jeong Kim) signed an MOU with AGORA (led by Alexia Cortez) on Mar 17.
AGORA is a legal advisory NGO that explores local issues and its solutions based on social justice, peacebuilding, and the Sustainable Development Goal (SDGs) to provide legal foundation and evidence to the government.
Ms. Alexia Cortez said, “We can spread the seed of peace and love if IWPG and Mexican women come together for peace. Peace can spread to the individual, family, workplace, and even the government.”
Regional Director Hwa Jeong Kim said, “Through this MOU, we will cooperate to spread peace culture and Women’s Peace Education so that women can be empowered and grow as leaders of the local community.”
Global Region 10 also managed to gather 1,400 students from Latin America for the Women’s Peace Education class that opened in January, and more than 300 Mexican women are currently following the education.
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- Global Region 10 meets with the Deputy Permanent Representative of Mexico to the UN
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On Mar 17, Global Region 10 met with Alicia Guadalupe Buenrostro Massieu, Deputy Permanent Representative of Mexico to the UN, at the UN Permanent Mission of Mexico to the UN.
Deputy Permanent Representative Ms. Alicia first expressed her gratitude to IWPG for conducting peace education in Mexico, where over 600 women have signed up and participated in the education.
She requested for IWPG to scale up this education, and IWPG Secretary General Na Hyung Jun explained the case of Côte d’Ivoire.
IWPG Chairwoman Hyun Sook Yoon requested that an influential female leader in Mexico help spread peace education in the country and also emphasized the importance of cooperating with the Ministry of Women of Mexico to establish an IWPG branch in Mexico. She also highlighted the necessity of an international law for peace and asked for support toward the promotion and institutionalization of DPCW.
Ms. Alicia promised to promote the DPCW to the capital government, especially the president, and expressed her commitment for future partnership with IWPG.
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- Global Region 2 Discusses Women’s Peace Education Partnership with Six Countries
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Global Region 2 also met with Mariam Lashkhi, a lawmaker and the Head of International Relations of Georgia. IWPG Secretary General Na Hyung Jun said, “IWPG, a non-profit and politically neutral organization, has been cultivating women peace activists around the world and recently launched Women’s Peace Education programs in Mongolia, Turkey, Azerbaijan, and more. I look forward to the International Loving Peace Art Competition taking place in Georgia to promote peace awareness among future generations.”
Ms. Mariam Lashkhi responded, “I wish to cooperate with IWPG to contribute to the economic independence and political participation of women. I plan to emphasize peace participation, including peace workshops, through the National Assembly Gender Equality Commission.”
There was also significant progress with Tanzania. John A.K. Jingu, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Gender of Tanzania, said, “Women are no longer the victims of conflict but the drivers of peace,” and pledged to partner with IWPG. Secretary General Na Hyung Jun expressed her support for empowering women in policymaking and political processes through the Women Leaders’ Peace Empowerment Program.
During a meeting with Yemeni Ambassador Abdullah Ali Fadhel Al-Saadi, Regional Director Seo Yeon Lee said, “Yemen is facing a severe humanitarian and human rights crisis. IWPG will continue to build connections with the international community to achieve sustainable peace.” Ambassador Al-Saadi stated, “I will explore the possibility of the Yemen Women’s National Committee participating in the upcoming September World Peace Summit, depending on the UN General Assembly schedule.”
Global Region 2 also held a meeting with Colombian Ambassador Leonor Zalabata Torres. The two parties discussed the current status of Women’s Peace Education and ways to expand local peace networks. Regional Director Lee said, “IWPG is currently active in Bogotá and Cali, with 1,000 women participating in Women’s Peace Education.” Ambassador Torres responded, “I hope indigenous Colombian women can participate in the Valledupar peace event hosted by IWPG.” She also requested that IWPG visit local indigenous communities to help break the cycle of violence there.
Kurabachew Tlrfesa Dabesa, 3rd Committee Expert of the Permanent Mission of Ethiopia to the UN, shared the current challenges facing women’s education in Ethiopia, including regional conflicts and the need for greater African Union cooperation. Expert Dabesa said, “Due to early marriage and financial constraints, many women cannot pursue higher education. Female illiteracy is particularly high in rural areas.”
Regional Director Lee responded, “Women’s education is key to peace and sustainable development. IWPG will expand its education and peace initiatives in Africa in collaboration with the African Union and diplomatic channels from Korea.”
The IWPG Melbourne Branch Manager also participated in an NGO Parallel Event. Branch Manager Jesmeen Khera Bachan Singh emphasized the importance of Women’s Peace Education and the need for an international law for the cessation of war. She said, “Women have led economies, strengthened communities, and driven peace. IWPG’s Women’s Peace Education is making a significant contribution to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”
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- Global Region 2 Signs MOU with Equality Organization for Training and Human Rights from Jordan
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On March 10, Global Region 2 signed a peace project MOU with the Equality Organization for Training and Human Rights from Jordan (led by Hiba Issa Odeh Haddadeen) at the Wyndham Hotel.
The Equality Organization for Training and Human Rights is an organization that strives for women’s empowerment and just, equitable social transformation through partnerships that drive sustainable development.
The two organizations agreed to cooperate for peace and discussed concrete plans, including hosting IWPG peace events, advocating for the legislation of the DPCW, building a Women’s Peace Education network, and recruiting Jordanian women as IWPG members.
Hiba Issa Odeh Haddadeen said, “This partnership will allow us to share experience and knowledge in the field of women’s rights and peace and move forward.”
Seo Yeon Lee, Regional Director of Global Region 2, said, “We are very happy to be able to spread the value of peace and take one step closer to peace with Jordanian women through this partnership.”
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- Global Region 7 focuses on building international peace networks
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Global Region 7 (Regional Director Eun Kyung Kim) focused on building international peace networks.
From Global Region 7, along with the Regional Director, Director of International Affairs Katie Kim, Paris Branch Manager Femy Orianne Radji, Director of Cultural Planning Yeo Jin Kim joined the trip to New York and had eight meetings with major government officials and NGO leaders.
Through cooperation with the Ministry of Family, Women, and Children of Côte d’Ivoire, IWPG managed to spread Women’s Peace Education in 10 regions in 2025. Lamarane Barry, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Ministry of Women, Family, and Children, said, “IWPG’s Women’s Peace Education program has already secured funding from the government.”
Global Region 7 continued with active collaboration with female leaders from Europe, Africa, and Asia. They discussed collaboration regarding Women’s Peace Education with Germany Ergosoma, Malaysia Soroptimists Empower Change, Mali Hopeful Future Initiative, and nine organizations joined IWPG as new members.
Regional Director Eun Kyung Kim said, “Through this year’s CSW, we were able to lay the foundation for peace projects in Europe. We are planning to spread our message of peace mainly through the International Loving-Peace Art Competition in Europe and Africa.”
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- Ulaanbaatar Branch (Mongolia) provides training for Peace Committee Representatives and Peace Instructors in Bulgan Aimag
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On Mar 22, Ulaanbaatar Branch of Mongolia (Branch Manager Tumurkhuyag Enkhtaivan) provided skillset training to 11 Peace Committee Representatives and Peace Instructors in Bulgan Aimag.
The training covered PLTE rules and education guidelines, drafting education proposals and requirements, and more.
Ts. Bujidma, leader of LEOS, asked for more PLTE classes to be opened and said that she would start Women’s Peace Education for local women within five months through the lecturers that have been trained through this session.
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- Ulaanbaatar Branch (Mongolia) holds Women’s Peace Education Completion Ceremony for Mongolian Armed Forces, Air Force Command online
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On Mar 26, Ulaanbaatar Branch of Mongolia held the Women’s Peace Education Completion Ceremony for Mongolian Armed Forces, Air Force Command online. There were a total of 180 people, including 131 graduates, who participated in this ceremony to promote peace leadership among female soldiers and officials and peace culture within the army.
Ch. Pagamdulam, one of the most excellent graduates, said, “I am touched to see my hard work and learning bear fruit. I will use the knowledge and understanding that I have received through Women’s Peace Education to spread the value of peace within the community and encourage more women to engage in peace activities.”
Regional Director Mi Sook Lim said, “As everyone now has the wisdom and leadership of a peace messenger, not just of a female soldier, let’s love each other and shed the light of peace all around the world.”
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- Global Region 7 holds Women’s Peace Education Completion Ceremony for Atlanta, U.S.A., and Prague, Czech Republic
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Global Region 7 held the Women’s Peace Education Completion Ceremony online for the classes that opened in the Prague and Atlanta. The graduates took 7 lessons including from “Peace and Women,” “Peace and International Law,” “Peace and My Role,” and “The Value and Skills of a Peace Instructor” from Feb 17 to Mar 23. There was a total of 32 students.
The graduates said, “IWPG’s PLTE taught me why education is important for peace, and now I realize peace is truly necessary, so I want to participate” and “Just by discussing the value of peace, I can feel that I am one step closer to peace. I now understand that peace begins with me.”
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- Online Women’s Peace Education in Cameroon ends in success
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Women’s Peace Education took place online in Cameroon from Feb 10 to Mar 28. 15 new IWPG members participated in the lessons twice a week. Ntansi Julienne, a previous PLTE graduate, acted as the instructor, and 14 of the graduates signed up for PLTE in April to become peace instructors.
Sylvie Kamasa, one of the graduates, said, “When women receive education and are given the opportunity for leadership and support in a peaceful environment, they can become the pillar of society. We can build a peaceful world through peace in the family and DPCW advocacy.”
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Networking and Collaboration
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- Global Region 5 launches peace network with national broadcast reporter
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On Mar 1, Global Region 5 had an online meeting with Dilisha Abesundara, reporter of Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation (SLRC).
SLRC is one of Sri Lanka’s biggest national broadcast, and Dilisha Abesundara is in charge of reporting, investigation, coverage, video editing, and much more on the Sinhala channel.
Reporter Dilisha, always keen on women issues, has expressed her interest in IWPG’s peace work by saying, “I look forward to our mutual relationship.”
After the meeting, reporter Dilisha joined IWPG as a member. Global Region 5 will continue to expand its peace network within the media industry in Sri Lanka.
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- Global Region 10 holds 2nd Peace Family Festival jointly with 6 Branches in Korea
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On Mar 29, Global Region 10 held the 2nd Peace Family at Sejong Spatel.
70 members and press workers from Daejon, Cheongju, Cheonan, Asan, Seosan, and Gongju Branch gathered at this event. IWPG aimed to share the peace activities of the Peace Committee Representatives and facilitate the Peace committees as local peace leaders and explore potential peace activity ideas.
Peace Committees from each branch also came forward to present their peace activities. Global Region 10 introduced the outcomes of the 69th UN CSW, and the members were given an opportunity to network.
Sanghee Woo, Representative of Yeongdong Peace Committee, presented a case study. She said, “I wish to continue to work with IWPG and will try to practice what I learned through Women’s Peace Education. I hope Nogunri Park becomes the platform for peace events, education, and activities.”
Polindi, Representative of Cheongju Peace Committee, said, “Through IWPG’s Women’s Peace Education, I learned my value and respect for others and now understand the cause of war and importance of practicing peace. I will try to encourage more people to engage in peace work.”
Sotome Misako, a member of Seosan Branch, said, “Today’s gathering was very fruitful, and I was impressed by the presentations and discussions on peace activities.”
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- Global Region 2 Forms Partnership with Colombia to Host International Women’s Peace Meeting.
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On March 17, Global Region 2 of the IWPG (International Women’s Peace Group) officially announced a partnership with the Office of the Mayor of Valledupar, Colombia, to co-host the International Women’s Peace Meeting from October 26 to 30, 2025. The upcoming event will serve as a platform for leaders and peace activists from various countries to seek practical solutions for peacebuilding and to promote the value of Women’s Peace Education.
The official partnership meeting was attended by Seo Yeon Lee, Regional Director of Global Region 2; Ernesto Miguel Orozco Durán, Mayor of Valledupar; Maria Marta Lacouture, Minister of Economic Development, Environment, and Tourism; and Oscar Cantillo, representative of the mayor’s office.
Mayor Ernesto Miguel Orozco Durán stated, “Our city’s doors are wide open to cooperate with IWPG for the advancement of women and world peace.”
Director Seo Yeon Lee emphasized, “IWPG will actively work with Valledupar to expand peace education across Colombia and strengthen women’s capacity nationwide.”
IWPG plans to invite prominent international speakers and national leaders selected by the mayor’s office to participate in the five-day forum. The Women’s Peace Education program will be conducted both online and offline, offering participants practical tools for peacebuilding.
The Valledupar mayor’s office will oversee event logistics and collaborate with the Valledupar Chamber of Commerce to ensure a successful conference. Oscar Cantillo, the office representative, noted, “This will be one of the most significant events to be held in Colombia.”
Meanwhile, Global Region 2 aims to accelerate the formation of a global women’s peace network through this initiative and is working with the Valledupar mayor’s office to co-develop official invitations for key international participants.
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- Rotterdam Branch (Netherlands) visits non-profit organization to discuss peace
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On Mar 5, Rotterdam Branch of Netherlands (Branch Manager Dejavu Vieira) visited Leger des Geils, a non-profit organization located in Amsterdam.
Leger des Geils is a branch of the Salvation Army, which started in England in 1865, working in 130 countries to conduct social welfare projects that alleviate poverty and social inequalities. Its main initiatives include aid for the homeless, rehabilitation, refugee protection, senior welfare, protection of family and children, and much more.
During the visit, IWPG introduced its peace activities and engaged in deep discussion on the value of peace and role of women in the current era. Leger des Geils showed great interest in IWPG’s vision, promised to promote IWPG, and asked for a follow-up visit in the future.
On Mar 8, Rotterdam Branch visited Kunsthal Art Museum in De Hallen, Amsterdam. The museum official showed interest in IWPG’s peace activities and were willing to support the International Loving-Peace Art Competition. Through the visit, eight museum officials and citizens joined IWPG as members.
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- Global Region 8 discusses Women’s Peace Education scale-up strategies with Professor Lan Anh from Vietnam
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On Mar 9, Global Region 8 held an online meeting with Professor Lan Anh from Vietnam, a PLTE graduate. During the meeting, the two parties discussed ways to develop Women’s Peace Education and the International Loving-Peace Art Competition in Vietnam.
Professor Lan Anh recommended opening a workshop for college students to study realistic education issues and expressed her commitment to establishing peace culture in Vietnam.
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- Establishment of Burkina Faso Ouagadougou Peace Committee and Myanmar Kachin Peace Committee meeting
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On Mar 22, Global Region 4 held the Burkina Faso Inauguration Ceremony online. Josiane Ouedraogo, leader of Genit Care Africa, was appointed as Representative of the Ouagadougou Peace Committee, and Sabine Ouedraogo, General Director of
Village of Hamade Ouedraogo Foundation, and Sanon Kadidia Amiee, Project Manager of Permanent Secretariat for Non Governmental Organisations, will act as the committee members. There was a discussion on ways to bring peace to Ouagadougou.
Committee Representative Josiane Ouedraogo said, “I’m happy to launch the Ouagadougou Peace Committee. My meeting with IWPG at last year’s CSW will become a valuable opportunity for Burkina Faso. I hope all women of Burkina Faso can work together for peace.”
On Mar 26, the Myanmar Kachin Peace Committee was held at Diamond Hotel. Committee Representative Kham Yin gave an opening speech, followed by discussions on peace activities and Women’s Peace Education. PLTE is planning to take place bi-daily starting from the end of April up to the start of May. Executives of the Peace Committee will take turns lecturing two lessons each.
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- Cameroon Buea Peace Committee holds peace workshop with Suncity Solidarity Women
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On Mar 31, 4 members of the Buea Peace Committee visited Suncity Solidarity Women in Wondo Quarter, Buea, and held a peace workshop with 20 people.
There, Peace Committee Representative Nkanwhi Patience introduced IWPG and peace.
Later Juliet, one of the committee members, gave a presentation on “How can we be at peace with ourselves?”, and Kristie-Brown explained ways to reach peace in the family and community.
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Dissemination of Peace Culture
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- The 9th anniversary of DPCW celebrated in Prague, Czech
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On Mar 25, IWPG Czech team co-celebrated the 9th Anniversary of DPCW with HWPL at Vnitroblock. There was a presentation of HWPL’s peace education program and an exhibition of children’s drawings on “bird of peace.” Three women that showed interest in Women’s Peace Education joined IWPG as members.
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- Washington D.C. Branch holds celebration of 9th anniversary of DPCW
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On Mar 18, Washington D.C. Branch (Branch Manager Chikodili Deborah Ekweozoh) hosted an event called “Voices of Change” to celebrate the 9th anniversary of DPCW.
This event was co-hosted by HWPL; the American University Women & Politics Institute; and Department Peace, Human Rights and Cultural Relations. 40 people attended including Mayor of Alexandria participated.
Other key panelists included Barbara Favola, Virginia senator; Lucia Cherina, representative from the Mozambique Embassy; Jasmine Write, White House reporter; Betsy Fischer, Director of Women & Politics Institute; and Claudine Kuradusenge-McLeod, Chair of Peace, Human Rights, and Cultural Relations at American University.
Through this event, IWPG raised awareness of peace activities in the States and formed a partnership with American University.
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- “Peace Walk” held in Prague, Czech… “a demonstration of female solidarity”
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On Mar 1, IWPG Czech team held the Peace Walk gathering at Stromovka in Prague. Nine IWPG members participated, and there was a deep discussion on the legacy for the future generation, women’s education, and social change. Alina, a participant, said, “The Peace Walk gathering is a demonstration of female solidarity and I look forward to the fruits of peace.
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- Manila Branch (Philippines) Holds Women’s Month Event in Cavite
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On March 23, the Manila Branch of the Philippines (Branch Manager April Otadoy) held a Women’s Month event in Toclong I-A, Imus, Cavite, with 60 attendees. Held under the theme “I can do it, You can do it, We can do it – because we are women!”, the event introduced IWPG’s vision and activities, emphasizing the role and value of women in peacebuilding and solidarity.
Oktubre Sanez, Chairman of the Barangay, and Susana Cuenca, City Councilor, participated in the event and expressed their hopes for more active peace initiatives in the future.
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- Manila Branch (Philippines), holds Women’s Moth event in Hinigaran
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On March 27, the Manila Branch of the Philippines celebrated Women’s Month and the achievements of Hinigaran with 200 participants at the Hinigaran Covered Court. IWPG introduced the PLTE (Peace Lecturer Training Education), and an award ceremony was held for the graduates of the first PLTE class. In April, women’s empowerment training will also take place as part of Women’s Peace Education.
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- Kampala Branch (Uganda) holds the preliminary of 7th International Loving-Peace Art Competition
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On Mar 29, Kampala Branch of Uganda (Branch Manager Atuhura Primrose) held the Uganda preliminary of the 7th International Loving-Peace Art Competition (ILPAC) at Mbazzi Riverside School with 12 participants and 22 staff and members.
The participating students said that they realized the value of peace and peaceful means through the competition.
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- Yeongdeungpo Branch holds ILPAC exhibition at National Assembly Hall
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On Mar 31, Yeongdeungpo Branch (Branch Manager Eunhee Kim) held the exhibition of the past ILPAC events at the 3rd Lobby of the National Assembly Hall. The exhibition was arranged to share the message of peace drawn by children and youth with others.
This exhibition presented 40 pieces of artwork awarded during the 5th and 6th ILPAC. Through the exhibition, IWPG aimed to contribute to spreading peace culture and raising awareness on the meaning of the competition. The exhibited drawings are a manifestation of children’s imagination and hope for world peace and cessation of war.
Branch Manager Eunhee Kim said, “IWPG has been hosting this competition every year and is committed to Women’s Peace Education and the value of peace. I hope that the people who look at these drawings feel the children’s aspiration toward peace demonstrated in these drawings and experience the seed of peace blooming in their hearts.”
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- South Africa Branch holds workshop to eradicate gender-based violence
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On Mar 28, South Africa Branch held a workshop on Gender-Based Violence and Femicide themed “Accelerating Change” at Sherwood Park Hall in Mannenberg, Cape Town, to commemorate International Women’s Day.
Through various presentations, the workshop successfully raised awareness and strengthened partnerships to provide the participants with practical GBV prevention strategies.
IWPG gave a presentation on Women’s Peace Education, and participants from Gugulethu Health Forum, 1000 Women and the Mannenberg People’s Centre showed great interest in partnership with IWPG and had meetings.
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- IWPG New Zealand team holds gathering to commemorate International Women’s Day
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On Mar 8, IWPG New Zealand team had a meeting at Eastcliffe Retirement Village, Ōrākei, to celebrate International Women’s Day. Coordinator Chloe introduced Women’s Peace Education, and Peace Committee Representative Shona Hammond Boys gave a speech on IWPG activities and the importance of “accelerating action.”
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Batool Kazmi
Pakistan
Global Region 3 Peace Committee
Representative of IWPG Karachi Peace Committee
IKarachi International School Teacher
Advocate for Education for Sustainable Development (UNESD)
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1. Please introduce yourself and what made you work for peace with IWPG?
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My name is Batool Kazmi. I am an educator, Representative of IWPG Karachi Peace Committee, Peace Lecturer, and a passionate advocate for Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) now as Mentor Global Schools Program, UNSDN mentor, European International University, and furthermore, Master Trainer Pearson, advocate of the Wonders of This Planet~Climate Action, Finalist of Asia Teaching Award Pearson Lecturer Award, and IWPG. My journey with IWPG began from a deep belief that peace is not just the absence of conflict but the presence of justice, understanding, and empathy. IWPG’s vision aligned perfectly with my own mission to educate and inspire communities, especially the youth, to become peace ambassadors. Taking part in IWPG’s Peace Art Competition as an educator was the time that I got introduced to this wonderful platform. I believe in growth, support and promoting a culture of respect. Through my posts, messages, lectures, I integrate the message of promoting peace, love and harmony.
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2. What was the most impressive moment of IWPG’s peace activities?
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One of the most impressive moments was witnessing women from across the globe, regardless of their culture, religion, or nationality, come together during the IWPG peace conferences. The collective power of women’s voices advocating for peace and the DPCW (Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War) showed how unity and solidarity can create meaningful change. It was a moment of inspiration that reinforced the importance of our global sisterhood.
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3. What is your action plan for peace as Representative of Karachi Peace Committee?
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As the Representative of the Karachi Peace Committee, my action plan focuses on three core pillars:
Education for Peace SDG #16: Integrating peace education in schools through curriculum development, workshops, and teacher training.
Community Engagement: Sharing peace dialogues, and cultural exchange activities to promote mutual understanding.
Policy Advocacy: Collaborating with local and international educators, women from all professions, institutions and policymakers to be peace representatives, avail Peace education. Reform themselves, work towards a better peaceful future for us, and generations.
I believe we all can be one voice under the IWPG umbrella to spread peace.
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4. Is there a message you want to send to the IWPG peace family?
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Peace is not something you wish for; it’s something you make, something you do, something you are, and something you give away.” – Robert Fulghum
To my dear IWPG peace family: Let’s continue to stand united in our mission to build a world where every individual—regardless of gender, background, or belief—can live in dignity, harmony, and peace. Your work matters, your voice is powerful, and together, we are shaping a more hopeful and just future for generations to come.
Peace education promotes justice, equity, respect, unity and love.
Let’s inspire others to join hands with us—join the IWPG peace family and be a part of this beautiful journey towards lasting peace.
Be a member of our loving peace family where you are loved, respected, heard, and your voice can be shared.
So are you ready to be make difference?
Ready to be a Peace Advocate?
Show the world power of women empowerment!
Power of unity.
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Information on Periodic Membership Dues 📨
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Click the button below, if you want to pay the IWPG periodic membership dues or to donate.
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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
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