IWPG 2025 January Newsletter

In December, the International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG) signed an MOU/A with 17 organizations for peacebuilding. Additionally, IWPG continued to ▲advocate for the legislation of the DPCW, ▲promote the activation of the PLTE, and ▲network with civil society.

On Dec 18 of last year, IWPG Ulaanbaatar Branch (Branch Manager Tumurkhuyag Enkhtaivan) held an MOU signing Ceremony with 12 organizations including the Art Design Technology Institute and At the Women’s Committee of the Air Force Command at the Ulaanbaatar City Premium Palace Summit Hall. 
Twenty-nine people attended the event, including L. Bat-Ayush, Director of the Design and Technology Research Institute, and L. Nyamtseg, Chairwoman of the Women’s Committee of the Air Force Command.
During the ceremony, representatives from twelve organizations signed an MOU with IWPG and expressed their commitment to promote peace in 2025 by signing the “Peace Pledge.”
The event provided an opportunity for leaders of Mongolian organizations and Peace Committee Representatives to exchange information and experiences, serving as an important milestone for further collaboration and growth with IWPG.

Throughout December, IWPG Global Region 2 (Regional Director Seoyeon Lee) signed MOUs with five organizations in Yemen to advance peace initiatives. The organizations include Generation Without Qat (President Laila Ali Naji Al-Faki), the Association for the Care and Protection of the Rights of Working Children (President Fatima Mohammed Yaslam Omar), the Democratic Women’s Foundation (President Johara Hamoud Thabet), the Alima Human Rights Research Center (President Mohammed Qassem Nouman), and Peace and Development for Positive Initiative (President Ahmed Mohammed Khaled Rania).
Both sides agreed to collaborate on practical and concrete plans, including supporting IWPG peace events, promoting PLTE programs, advocating for and urging the implementation of the DPCW, and encouraging membership in IWPG.
Laila Ali Naji Al-Faki, President of Generation Without Qat, stated, “By working with IWPG, we will not only protect women from sexual violence but also support women affected by conflicts and provide psychological and social assistance to survivors of violence. Through collaboration, we can actively conduct research and produce reports on women and peace.”
Fatima Mohammed Yaslam Omar, President of the Association for the Care and Protection of the Rights of Working Children, expressed plans to implement joint projects with IWPG aimed at helping women affected by violence achieve peace and stability. She also emphasized efforts to encourage more women in Yemen to participate in peace activities.
Johara Hamoud Thabet, President of the Democratic Women’s Foundation, said, “Through PLTE, we aim to enhance the rights of women and girls while promoting IWPG’s international peace initiatives.”
Mohammed Qassem Nouman, President of the Alima Human Rights Research Center, stated that he would actively engage in ongoing peace activities and PLTE programs for local communities and schools in Yemen.
Ahmed Mohammed Khaled Rania, President of Peace and Development for Positive Initiative, said that their organization would share project management strategies and evaluation processes through IWPG’s specialized programs.
Regional Director Seoyeon Lee stated, “I hope that by transcending time and space and uniting under the theme of peace, we can lead the way in realizing peace through continuous cooperation.”

On December 14, IWPG Global Region 5 (Regional Director Sujin Park) hosted an online Completion Ceremony for overseas PLTE Class 6, attended by 45 members from India and Africa who shared their determination as peace leaders and congratulatory messages for one another. Bhakti Maniar from India said, “PLTE has become a turning point in my life.” She pledged to spread the value of peace. Agatha Sushila Anthony Dias made encouraging remarks, saying, “The efforts of the graduates will initiate peace to advance.

On Dec 20, IWPG Global Region 5 hosted an IWPG Peace Education Completion Ceremony for Class 6 in Korea. The event was co-hosted by the Daegu, Pohang, Gumi, Gyeongju, and Andong Branch, with about 30 attendees, including the graduates and staff members. Young-mi Lee from the Gyeongju Branch said, “I have come to realize the reality in which we cannot enjoy peace, and I will begin to practice peace and spread it.” Eun-sung Lee from Gyeongju Branch said, “Everyone needs to receive peace education, and I will do my best to promote the value of peace.” Kyung-sun Park, Andong Branch Peace Committee Representative, mentioned, “I learned that leading by example is the beginning of peace.” Regional Director Sujin Park offered encouraging remarks, saying, ”I hope each of the graduates will shine the light of peace wherever you are.”

IWPG Manila Branch in the Philippines (Branch Manager April Otadoi) hosted the PLTE Completion Ceremony on Dec 10 at the MDRRMO Session Hall, attended by thirty women leaders.
The graduates visited the IWPG Peace Monument to film a promotional video for PLTE and shared their plans for achieving strategic peace in 2025.
Additionally, they proposed fostering peace in the local community by wearing IWPG uniforms, hosting monthly meetings, and managing an IWPG Kapalong Facebook page.

IWPG Global Region 10 (Regional Director Hwa Jeong Kim) hosted a joint Certification Ceremony for PLTE Class 6, attended by 200 participants from 9 countries, including South Korea, Japan, Mexico, Turkiye, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Brazil, North Macedonia and the Democratic Republic of Congo. 
Sanem Arikan, IWPG Publicity Ambassador, commented on her peace activities, “After completing the PLTE, I have actively engaged in activities for world peace. I hope you will achieve remarkable peace efforts with the strength you gained through peace education.”
Maria Fernanda Camara Morales, Director of Creadoras de Futuro and a graduate from Mexico, shared her thoughts, saying, “As the director of Creadoras de Futuro, I want to express my respect for your dedication to peace and education, as well as my gratitude for this collaborative relationship. The willingness shown by all of you, who provided the opportunity to learn in Mexico, empowers women in the country to become the leaders driving change in their local communities. Let’s work together to make peace and sustainability a reality in this world.”

On Dec 29, IWPG Global Region 3 (Regional Director Eun-Ju Heo) hosted the 2024 Year-End and PLTE Completion Ceremony. Approximately 100 participants attended, including Global Region 3 staff and overseas Peace Committee members. 
The branches in South Korea (Busan, Masan, Jinhae, Geoje, Yangsan, and Tongyoung) and the overseas Peace Committees (India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Afghanistan, São Tomé and Príncipe, Maldives, and Sri Lanka) watched a video to review last year’s activities and presented plans from the overseas PLTE graduates from the second half of last year. Additionally, there was a ceremony to appoint the new Peace Committee Representative and an awards ceremony for outstanding domestic and international activities. 
The event allowed Global Region 3 to review the past year’s work and make resolutions for the following year.

IWPG Global Region 2 hosted an online PLTE for Colombia and countries in the Middle East in December.
The Middle East group education had approximately 100 participants, including leaders and members of governments, agencies, and organizations from Yemen, Syria, Iraq, Lebanon, Jordan and other countries.
IWPG’s PLTE is an educational program that nurtures women peace lecturers who raise awareness of the importance of peace, unite women globally for peace, and teach the spirit of peace. The women peace lecturers trained through the PLTE promote peace across their regional communities and societies, transforming the world.
Dr. Faeza Abdel-Raqeeb Salam, Deputy Minister of Culture, shared her thoughts, stating, “By spreading peace—beginning with oneself, then to others, and expanding to local communities around the world—we can certainly resolve disputes. I am truly grateful for this opportunity to gain wisdom through PLTE.”
Hoda Al Sayed, Director General of the Ministry of Interior, noted that PLTE is vital for women in the Middle East who are passionately seeking peace. She emphasized that every woman should listen and learn from others around the world. This education is crucial for inspiring inner motivation toward the absoluteness of peace and facilitating a shift in perception.
Amira Jamal, President of Our Step Association, stated, “In our time, filled with wars and conflicts, PLTE is the education we need. I look forward to every session.”
Mirella Chamarra, a participant from Colombia, expressed her gratitude: “Through the PLTE, I appreciate that we had a chance to achieve harmony and gain knowledge of peace that we were lacking. I felt I could advance myself and achieve peace with my family and colleagues.”

IWPG Global Region 4 hosted an online year-end peace gathering for participants from various countries. A total of 65 participants from eight countries attended the gathering which featured screenings of peace activities, a report of the year’s results and a presentation of the new year’s goals. 
Aye Mya Mya Myo, Spokesperson for the Myanmar Women Parliamentarians Network, delivered her congratulatory remarks: “I am honored by the remarkable work of IWPG and the strength of 3.9 billion women all around the world. It’s inspiring to see so many women uniting for their common goal: peace. Women’s peace education and the DPCW are vital for achieving sustainable peace. By educating women about peace, resolving conflicts and international law, we can become active agents of change and help facilitate peace and stability in our local communities. Once again, I express my heartfelt gratitude to IWPG and all of you who have been committed to advancing peace and empowering women.”
Moreover, a free discussion on peace, an MOU signing, and a Recognition of Merits certificate ceremony were held.
Roger Nshimirimana, Founder and Representative of Kugasaka Web TV, who signed an MOU, shared her reflections, saying, “IWPG’s vision and commitment have deeply inspired me, and I am eager to work within that inspiration. Kugasaka Web TV promotes peace in the regional community by supporting women affected by war and injustice, as well as children and older adults. To achieve sustainable development in local communities, I will maintain my commitment to peace and aspire to create a future where inclusivity, understanding, and harmony flourish by collaborating with others with a shared passion for peace. I am grateful to Kagasaka Web TV for giving me this chance to partner with IWPG again.
Felicidade Victoria Timora Dos Santos Takeleb, a member of Lautos Si Animators who received a Recognition of Merits certificate, offered remarks reflecting her commitment: “I would like to express my deep gratitude to IWPG for giving me the opportunity to contribute to peace-building activities. IWPG’s unwavering support and trust motivated me to engage in meaningful work, fulfilling my passion for creating harmony and inclusivity in our society. The Recognition of Merits for Peace Award inspires me to keep advocating for peace and serves as a reminder that every small effort can create significant change. I will strive to move toward a brighter and more peaceful future.”

On December 20, IWPG Global Region 5 met with Dr. Mega Gokhe, Principal of Thakur Shyamnarayan Kandivali B.Ed. College in Mumbai, India, to discuss the direction of Women’s Peace Education, which will begin in January 2025. Through this collaboration, Global Region 5 aims to promote the value of peace and support participants in becoming peace leaders.
On December 10, they met with Seema Shaikh, Principal of Pragnya Bodhini High School in India, to discuss collaboration on the peace project. Seema Shaikh and six educators from her school chose to participate in Women’s Peace Education. Based on this education, they plan to implement a peace project in Indian schools and continue their partnership with IWPG.

IWPG Global Region 10 hosted a preparatory meeting with the Kazakhstan Peace Committee on Dec 13, to discuss women’s peace education plans and operation measures in 2025. As a result, Women’s Peace Education was scheduled to start on Jan 17, 2025, and April and October, whereas the Peace Committee will meet once every month. The Kazakhstan Peace Committee Representative Saule Gubaidullinovna, an educator, actively promotes IWPG Peace Education with distinctive passion and enthusiasm.

Yingyan Cao, Branch Manager of IWPG Berlin Branch, attended a Living Advent Calendar event held at Lindenstraße 5, Frankfurt Oder. The event, hosted by Rodina e.V., which signed an MOA with IWPG, was celebrated by IWPG members and staff, Ms. Svetlana Tiukkel, Rodina e.V., and Aneta Szczesniewicz, Coordinator for the Slubice Cooperation Center. The event served as a chance to discuss cooperation in 2025 and enhance collaboration with other groups in Frankfurt (Oder) and Slubice, Poland.

IWPG Manila Branch in the Philippines hosted its 1st Year-End Meeting on Dec 30 with the PLTE Class graduates in Hinigaran, Negros Occidental. 
The event provided an opportunity to express gratitude for past collaboration and the achievements of peace efforts, to strengthen the sense of solidarity, and to reaffirm commitment to the shared goals. 
The graduates especially expressed their determination to make a foundation for a new leap toward 2025 and actively advance peace initiatives for a peaceful future.

IWPG Washington D.C. Branch (Branch Manager Chikodili Deborah Ekweozoh) hosted the first Interfaith Holiday Peace Dinner in collaboration with Heavenly Culture World Peace Restoration of Light (HWPL) and the American Islamic Congress at Manassas Masjid in Virginia.
The event highlighted the impact of interfaith activities in advancing peace led by women. The event welcomed over 40 attendees, who participated in various cultural and interfaith exchanges, with heartwarming performances representing Christianity, Islam, and Sikhism that uplifted the evening. 
As a result of hosting this event, IWPG formed relationships with the Islamic Relief USA and the Mozambican Community Association, and nearly half of the attendees expressed interest in staying connected and becoming members. Many also expressed enthusiasm for attending similar events in the future, emphasizing the importance of interfaith dialogue in building a peaceful community.

On Dec 21, IWPG Tokyo Branch in Japan (Branch Manager Ohki Kazumi) hosted the December International Women’s Peace Network Regular Meeting online. Ten participants had the opportunity to experience Korean culture through the session ‘Simple and Delicious Kimchi on the Table’ led by instructor Choi Tae Seong. Following the session, the Peace Committee representative and members exchanged ideas about the upcoming activities.

IWPG Global Region 8 (Regional Director Eun Hee Kim) hosted 2024 Year-End Peace Journey online on Dec 28, with the theme ‘Women’s Voices for Peace-building’. 
With over fifty attendees, including members from S. Korea, the Netherlands, Zambia and Vietnam, Global Region 8 reported overseas peace activities in 2024 and presented next year’s agenda. In addition, the participants signed peace agreements, expressing their commitment to peace efforts next year. 
Florence Chilese-Nkhuwa, CEO of Lifeline Childline Zambia, said, “It’s an honor to stand in front of you as one of the first graduates of PLTE Zambia. Peace activities in Zambia should be rooted in collaboration and inclusivity. Let’s promote peace education by strengthening partnerships with various stakeholders, including the government, civil societies, and educational institutions.”

IWPG Rotterdam Branch in the Netherlands (Branch Manager Niurka van Adrichem) visited Per Men’s on the outskirts of Amsterdam on Dec 18 to proceed with volunteer work and a meeting. 
Per Men’s, founded in 2020, is an organization that addresses various social issues, such as homelessness, youth issues, family support, and others, to create a sustainable residential life environment by collaborating with local communities.
Niurka van Adrichem, the Branch Manager, explained the need for peace and the role of women. Per Men’s showed a huge interest in peace education activities and requested that women’s peace education be conducted. Per Men’s decided to introduce other women and peace-related organizations to the Rotterdam Branch and continue practical discussions regarding peace education in the future.

On Dec. 5, IWPG Global Region 2 conducted a meeting with the Colombian Chamber of Non-Profit Entities (Cámara Colombiana de Entidades sin Ánimo de Lucro, COLCES) to discuss planning for a women’s leadership event.
Both sides agreed to network and collaborate in introducing IWPG’s peace initiatives and promoting a culture of peace at the women leaders’ meeting.
COLCES is an organization that promotes collaboration for national and local development and growth, with 1,100 affiliated partner organizations worldwide.
José Cano, President of COLCES, stated, “It’s an honor to co-host the International Women Leaders’ event with IWPG, whose peace efforts have impressed me the most. I look forward to working for peace with women leaders in my country.”

IWPG Global Region 4 hosted the Peace Awareness Seminar on Dec 12 at the Dili English Language Center in East Timor. A total of 20 participants attended the seminar.
The Peace Awareness Seminar was held for IWPG members and the general public to introduce IWPG and PLTE, which included discussions of the value of IWPG and the meaning of true peace.
Felicidade Victoria Timora Dos Santos Takeleb, a member of Lautos Si Animators and the Representative of the Dili Peace Committee, managed the event and lectured Session 1 of  PLTE.
She remarked, “Many young people showed interest in IWPG and PLTE and participated in the seminar. I am thankful to IWPG for allowing me to moderate today’s session, and I hope to see the offline events held regularly in East Timor moving forward.”

On Dec 7, IWPG South Africa Branch and Lerato Family Foundation co-hosted the United Against Gender-Based Violence Interactive Workshop at Manenberg People Center in Cape Town. 
The event was part of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence campaign (GBV), and 47 attendees, including leaders of local communities, collaborated to resolve gender-based violence. 
The workshop aimed to boost interactions on gender-based violence prevailing in the local society, share the resources, and find solutions. The attendees agreed to cultivate a comprehensive approach to solving GBV issues.

The IWPG Czech Team hosted an online seminar, Peace Cafe, twice in December. The attendees shared experiences and inspirations on how to practice peaceful values in daily life. The topic of the fourth session on Day 2 was ‘The Power of Arts,’ which they discussed as a way of spreading peace. In the fifth session, the discussion continued with a theme, ‘Women and Self-Respect’: how essential it is to recognize one’s own value for peace to achieve inner peace.

Jesmin Akter, a member of the Dhaka Peace Committee who signed an MOA with Global Region 3 and the Director of Art Box, promoted PLTE to encourage female students to join the PLTE. They discussed an additional program to add peaceful exchange as an offline special training in the school as a follow-up activity. Afia Afrida, who completed the peace lecturer’s activity through this meeting, committed to engaging in peace work more actively.

PLTE is a valuable course that everyone should take. It helps individuals shift their mindset from negative to positive. In particular, I learned to step back and avoid escalating conflicts when arguments intensify.
Through this course, I discovered that women’s gentle strength is a key that can either ignite or extinguish conflicts. After taking PLTE, my perception of life changed, as I realized that peace in the world begins with ourselves.
We live in a diverse world among neighbors, and every human life around us deserves respect. Non-violent communication and continuous dialogue are indeed the solutions to our problems. However, disrespect, arrogance, and greed foster violence within us, leading to even greater violence.
As mothers who nurture our families and lives, we must continue emphasizing values and actions that promote harmony and understanding among people to achieve lasting and meaningful peace.
Through PLTE, I learned the necessity of ending the war, the history and limitations of past peace movements, and how IWPG has been run, which was truly fascinating. IWPG is overcoming the shortcomings of previous peace efforts.

All activities with IWPG have been inspiring and instilled in me a sense of responsibility for peace among those I live with.
One of the most memorable initiatives is the “Loving Peace Art Competition,” which allows children to express their vision of a peaceful world through their artwork. My swim club, SEALS Swim Club, participated in this competition, and I was deeply moved to see how children perceive peace in their hearts.
One child expressed that “peace is when my heart can fly freely,” while another said, “Peace can be achieved when we entrust the Earth into God’s hands.”
I firmly believe that if we continue to teach the younger generation how to resolve conflicts peacefully, the world will change. Therefore, I believe that peace education should be incorporated into early childhood, primary, and secondary school curricula.

We should all become peace advocates. 
1) Establishing an official “Peace Day” in Fiji to commemorate peace efforts.
2) Advocating to the Ministry of Education to introduce peace education from early childhood throughout schools.
3) Empowering women by teaching them self-sufficiency to break free from poverty.
4) Emphasizing the importance of the environment—if we teach this at home, our future will never deteriorate. We should become women who beautify our surroundings, plant flowers, and nurture trees.
5) Promoting kindness to everyone in every aspect of life, including gatherings, communities, festivals, public concerts, dinners, and sports events.
6) Our ultimate goal in Fiji is establishing an IWPG Peace Monument. I hope to create a small park as a peaceful environment where visitors can experience and learn about what peace truly means and what IWPG represents.

I am from Fiji, where we live in a close-knit community. I hope the world recognizes that “it takes a village to raise a child.” We have a collective responsibility to teach our children to become valuable members of their communities. When people feel respected, they can contribute positively to society.
I believe that “if you educate a man, you educate a family; but if you educate a woman, you educate a generation.” Women should pursue education and engage in meaningful activities to make the world a better place. Let us never forget that for our husbands to love us more, for our sons to respect women, and for us to protect and honor the vulnerability of women, we must first cultivate peace within ourselves.