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IWPG (International Women’s Peace Group) held commemorative events for the 6th anniversary of April 26 International Women’s Peace Day. Additionally, IWPG proceeded with signing MOU/MOAs , advocating for the legislation of the DPCW, promoting the activation of the PLTE, networking with civil society, and spreading a culture of peace.
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“Women, the agents of peace…” 3,500 people gather to celebrate the 6th Commemoration of International Women’s Peace Day with IWPG
– Events held all around the world… opening the path to world peace with the solidary of women
– Chairwoman Hyun Sook Yoon, “Please unite with us so that the DPCW becomes the peace law”
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International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG) held commemorative events for the 6th anniversary of April 26 International Women’s Peace Day under the theme “Women Bring Peace that the World Needs” in 70 major cities in 40 countries all around the world. The events took place between April 26 to early May and gathered 3,500 participants globally, reaffirming their commitment towards peace.
In 2019, IWPG declared April 26 as “International Women’s Peace Day” with the vision of “world peace and cessation of war,” protecting precious lives from war and passing down peace as a legacy to the future generations. IWPG is an international NGO registered in the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and Department of Global Communications (DGC), with its headquarters in South Korea and 115 branches in 132 countries and 850 partner organizations in 68 countries.
This year’s commemoration took place in major cities within Korea, including Busan, Daejon, Seoul, Incheon, and Iksan, and various countries around the world, such as the Philippines, Ethiopia, Australia, Lebanon, the United States, the Czech Republic, and Japan.
In Busan, the commemoration gathered 300 people, and in Daejon, 110 people came together at Gapcheon Waterfront Park to celebrate and take part in the flashmob dance and peace march. 200 people participated in Incheon, and in Iksan, 30 members celebrated and opened an IWPG booth at Seodong Park.
In Goyang, Goyang, Seodaemun, Paju, and Eunpyeong Branch held a joint event at Imjingak Pyeonghwa Nuri Park.
A commemorative event was held at Peace Culture Bunker in Dobong-gu, Seoul, and a peace campaign at Yangjaecheon River, Gangnam-gu.
In the Philippines, a peace delegation visiting from Korea from April 22 to 27 held the ceremony in front of the 3rd IWPG Peace Monument with IWPG members and discussed peace activities with various leaders there.
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This year’s event highlighted the significance of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW) and advocated for its legislation. The DPCW is an interactive solution for peace, contributed by people all around the world. It proposes practical measures to fundamentally cease war.
Through the events, participants reaffirmed their commitment toward peace and stressed the significance of women in driving world peace. The event conveyed the message that the solidarity of women is crucial to ending war and preventing conflict and that their empathy and warmness is critical element to peacekeeping.
There were also various booths and activities that citizens could participate in, such as making mini windmills with the pattern of the Korea flag, handing out fans, promotion on the streets, exhibitions of the International Loving-Peace Art Competition drawings, aroma hand massages, peace quizzes, planting, and bracelet making.
In her commemorative address, IWPG Chairwoman Hyun Sook Yoon said, “We need real peace, not just as a rhetoric. As written in UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security (WPS), women must be the main agents of peacebuilding and be protected from war and conflict.”
She also added, “Alone, one may be weak, but together, we are powerful. Women around the world, please unite with IWPG to all become leaders of peace through peace education and work with your fellow women so that the victims of war and violence are protected and the DPCW becomes the peace law of the world.”
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Commemorative Events for April 26 International Women’s Peace Day Held around Globe
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Yangon Branch of Myanmar (Branch Manager Crystal Po Gyaw) hosted a commemorative ceremony of the 6th anniversary of April 26 International Women’s Peace Day, attended by a total of 21 people.
The event began with a commemorative speech by Crystal Po Gyaw, the branch manager. It also included a screening of the April 26 activity video, an introduction to the DPCW, a lecture on peace psychology aimed at overcoming trauma.
Myat Thu Thu Aung, the founder of Innovation for Educational Life, said, “In Myanmar, there are numerous women traumatized by the civil war and the recent earthquake. It would’ve been even better to conduct activities under the theme of trauma and peace.”
Yin Yin Mya, an Executive Committee Member of Myanmar Psychology Association, stated, “IWPG members observed the April 26 video and could learn about the DPCW effectively. Today’s event is an excellent outcome for the Yangon Branch.
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On April 26, Global Region 5 (Regional Director Su Jin Park) hosted an online exhibition and global solidarity event to commemorate the 6th anniversary of April 26 International Women’s Peace Day. The event highlighted the peace work of women who gathered in one place, transcending national borders and cultural differences.
The exhibition themed ‘Peace We Bloomed: Women’s Footsteps towards Peace’ highlighted the journey for peace led by women on the international stage, including meetings and activities at the 69th UN CSW.
Regional Director Su Jin Park, assured, “International Women’s Peace Day is when we look back on the path we’ve walked,” and “Let’s not forget peace that begins with me is the beginning of every peace activity.”
IWPG plans to broaden its Women’s Peace Education and cultural exchange program to promote the global peace movement initiated by women.
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- Antananarivo Team of Madagascar
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The Antananarivo Team of IWPG opened its first PLTE class on April 26, the International Women’s Peace Day. 22 participants discussed the significance of peace education and women’s participation in peacekeeping efforts worldwide, particularly in Madagascar. The Chairwoman’s speech commemorating International Women’s Peace Day was motivational and encouraging for the participants to continue with the training program. One of the participants said, “I feel excited thinking of the things I can do for peace.”
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IWPG Czech Team hosted a commemorative ceremony of International Women’s Peace Day on April 26. The event was successfully held with 23 attendees, including 5 PLTE graduates, guests, volunteers and staff. The ceremony featured a commemorative video of International Women’s Peace Day, IWPG Chairwoman’s greetings, a presentation of IWPG Czech Team’s activities, Peace Tree, and a musical performance. One of the participating PLTE graduates shared her reflection, saying, “I am grateful to be attending this event. Peace can exist everywhere, such as in family, friends, social life and daily routines, and I think that peace education must be spread.
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- Goyang, Seodaemun, Paju and Eunpyeong Branches of Korea
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Goyang, Seodaemun, Paju and Eunpyeong Branches of Korea jointly hosted a Peace Walk to commemorate the 6th anniversary of April 26 International Women’s Peace Day. The walk began at the Peace Bell Tower of Peace Nuri Park at Imjingak in Paju, and continued past the Statue of Peace and the UN Forces Memorial up to the Pinwheel Hill.
Eun Gyeong Kim, Regional Director, remarked, “Since women and children are the biggest victims of war, women’s voices and solidarity are more important than anything. At Imjingak, the symbolic place of division between North and South Korea, we strive to illustrate a future of harmony and coexistence, transcending conflict and division, through women’s wishes for peace and reunification.”
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On April 26, Global Region 9 hosted a commemorative event for the 6th anniversary of International Women’s Peace Day in Bupyeong-gu, Incheon. The event held under the theme of ‘Women Achieve the Peace that the World Needs’ gathered about 200 participants, who made commitments to fulfill their roles as women and stand in solidarity for peacebuilding.
Im Mee Suk, the Regional Director, stated, “By highlighting the social roles of women and raising awareness of the importance of their contributions to peace, we aim to promote peace activities led by women from diverse cultural backgrounds within their own countries.”
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- Manila Branch of the Philippines
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Manila Branch of the Philippines (Branch Manager April Otadoy) hosted a commemorative event for the 6th anniversary of April 26 International Women’s Peace Day in front of the 3rd IWPG Peace Monument in Kapalong, Davao del Norte, Philippines.
The event, attended by IWPG members from the Philippines, Korea, and Indonesia, emphasized the importance of peace, alongside Maria Theresa Royo Timbol, the mayor of Kapalong, who hosted the gathering to mark its significance.
Mayor Timbol remarked, “It is critical to empower women affected by war and conflicts. True transformation begins at the grassroots level, rooted in families and local communities.”
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On April 26, Global Region 1 (Regional Director Na Hyeong Jeon) hosted a commemorative event for the 6th anniversary of International Women’s Peace Day at Yangjae stream in Seocho-gu, Seoul.
On the day, approximately 30 IWPG staff members participated in sharing the meaning of peace with citizens through various activities, including conveying messages of peace, promoting the DPCW, and flogging.
Global Region 1 staff promoted IWPG with pans, toppers and balloons featuring the logo, as well as flogging for environmental protection.
Na Hyeong Jeon, the Regional Director, emphasized, “We prepared a public participation campaign and peace flogging for anyone to join the peace effort. Peace begins with interest and practice.”
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Global Region 2 (Regional Director Seo Yeon Lee) hosted a webinar themed ‘One Voice for Peace’ commemorating the 6th anniversary of April 26 International Women’s Peace Day.
The event was attended by approximately 500 people, including female high-level dignitaries, international peace activists, leaders, and members of women’s organizations, online.
For the event, women from various countries volunteered to present peace performances at the landmarks of each city. These performances, which took place in 20 cities across 14 countries associated with Global Region 2, including Australia, Ethiopia, Colombia, Tanzania, Yemen, Jordan, Bahrain, Syria, Lebanon, Kuwait, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia, featured the song ‘We are the light’ with variations tailored to the culture and language of each country.
Seo Yeon Lee, the Regional Director, remarked, “Women were victims of war for a long time, but now have arisen as subjects who design peace and rebuild the future. Transcending the differences of language, culture, and time, we are gathered to make ‘one voice for peace’. I wish this time today could be remembered as the true beginning of changes around the world.”
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IWPG Namibia hosted a commemorative event for the 6th anniversary of International Women’s Peace Day at Henties Bay on April 29.
Approximately 38 women attendees from various organizations gathered in Henties Bay and raised their voices on urgent issues such as alcohol and drug abuse, prostitution, and a growing concern regarding the deterioration of women’s moral values. The attendees emphasized the urgent need for peace to rebuild the ethical and social foundation of the local community.
Ms. Celine Mpareke, the coordinator of IWPG Namibia, stated, “Peace is not an ideal far from reality. When women recognize their values, their influential power extends across the globe.”
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Global Region 10 (Regional Director Hwa Jeong Kim) hosted commemorative events for the 6th anniversary of April 26 International Women’s Peace Day in Korea, Mexico, Astana, Kazakhstan, Ankara, Türkiye, and Japan.
Sanem Arikan, Peace Committee Representative of Ankara; Saule Khozhamuratova, Peace Committee Representative of Astana; Aranza Alexa Angel Olvera, Karim Abigail Santana Luna, and Melania Tapia Caña from Mexico; Ootawara Masako, Peace Committee Representative of Tokyo; Kozawa Mariko; and Oikawa Yoko organized a commemoration for the 6th anniversary of April 26 International Women’s Peace Day, engaging members, citizens, students and others in meaningful peace activities.
Hwa Jeong Kim, Regional Director, stated in her speech at the ceremony, “Now, women speak peace and achieve peace at the center of the world. The DPCW is the only answer to ending war and leaving the world in peace, without war, for future generations. Let us support and make solidarity together.
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Global Region 4 (Regional Director Jang Myung-ok) hosted the commemorative ceremony for the 6th anniversary of April 26 International Women’s Peace Day at Busan Teachers’ Pension Convention Center Grand Auditorium on April 29.
The event was jointly organized by six Korean branches with approximately 300 attendees, including IWPG members, local figures, and citizens. The ceremony, themed ‘Women Achieve the Peace that the World Needs,’ began with a five-year project planning report, followed by congratulatory letters from both Korea and abroad, along with arts performances and congratulatory remarks.
Im Seung-mi, president of UNESCO Busan Association, emphasized, “A culture of peace is spreading worldwide, but many countries are still affected by war. I was impressed with practical peace activities.” She added, “The current international law cannot prevent war fundamentally. Global peace must be achieved through the legislation of a new international law and women’s solidarity.”
The Regional Director, Jang Myung-ok, said in her greeting remarks, “Peace is not a future but begins with ourselves. If 4 billion women around the world stand together, the world without war will be accomplished.”
The following speech presented IWPG’s vision for peace and a collaborative solution with the media. Jeon Yong-bae, CEO of Busan Economic Broadcasting, explained, “IWPG strives to create a world without war with a heart of the mother. You must closely work with the media to spread the message of peace.” He also stated, “The media can contribute to the dissemination of peace dialogues by doing in-depth coverage, highlighting women leadership, and co-hosting peace campaigns, etc.”
Yang Jin-seon, the Chairwoman of the Association for Loving Buk-gu Council, said in her speech, “Working with IWPG for the last four years, I could learn how to practice and act for peace throughout my life. Peace begins with the hand of each woman.” She also committed, saying, “DPCW is a participatory solution for peace, which is made by citizens all over the world. To leave a legacy of the world without war to future generations, we should continue learning, stay united, and act.”
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In celebration of World Women Peace Day on April 26, Global Region 3 hosted commemorative events across India, led by key Peace Committee representatives: Shanthi Socrates, Representative of the Chennai Peace Committee; Ratna Joshi, Representative of the Pune Peace Committee; and Aruna Walter, Representative of the Bengaluru Peace Committee.
These events were organized independently by each city’s Peace Committee and featured a variety of peace-themed cultural activities involving local residents and students. Highlights included “Create Your Own Peace Placard,” human peace chains, peace dedication dance performances, and interviews with women peace advocates. Participants shared the importance of peace through creative and collaborative expressions.
IWPG’s mission and activities were introduced at each event, including promotions for the PLTE (Peace Lecturer Training Education) program and membership sign-ups.
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MOU/A Signing for Peace Projects
– Women Around the World Uniting Under Peace
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- Global Region 10 holds MOU signing ceremony with Biltes Koleji, Türkiye, for mutual collaboration
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Global Region 10 (Regional Director Hwa Jeong Kim) signed an MOU with President Gamze M Demir and Principal Mehmet Ümit Aktürk during their delegation trip.
On the same day, the International Loving-Peace Art Competition was held for the first time at Biltes Koleji. Going forward, the competition is to be held annually at every associated school of Biltes. In addition, 29 teachers from the school joined the IWPG membership and decided to participate in Women’s Peace Education.
Mehmet, the principal of Biltes, remarked, “I am glad to cooperate and appreciate spending time with my students and teachers and sharing friendships with them. Türkiye and Korea are close to each other. I could feel the strong bond throughout the event.”
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- Global Region 2 signs MOU with women organizations in Yemen
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On April 7, Global Region 2 signed an MOU with Community Protection and Development Supporters Foundation (CPDS, President Akdar Mukhtar Nasser Bashajirah) to collaborate to advance peace.
Community Protection and Development Supporters Foundation, based in Aden, Yemen, is a non-profit development organization dedicated to advancing human rights and justice for women, girls, children, and marginalized groups. The organization focuses on gender equality and peacebuilding, working to foster community development from a human rights perspective.
Through this agreement, the two organizations committed to practical and concrete collaboration on several key initiatives, including the promotion of women’s peace education, support for IWPG’s global peace solidarity efforts, advocacy for the legislation of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW), and the implementation of various programs and information-sharing initiatives aimed at empowering women in Yemen.
Akdar Mukhtar Nasser Bashajira, President of CPDS, stated, “This partnership with IWPG will serve as a crucial stepping stone in empowering Yemeni women and advancing peace within our communities.” She emphasized, “Through this agreement, we aim to bring about meaningful change, particularly by amplifying the voices of women and marginalized groups on the international stage.”
Regional Director Seo Yeon Lee said, “Women, who often bear the greatest burden in times of war and conflict, must now take a leading role in building peace.” She added, “We are committed to working hand in hand with the women of Yemen to promote the values of life, human rights, and peace around the world.”
Both parties plan to establish regular communication channels and develop concrete action plans to expand collaboration with local women’s organizations in the future.
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- Kachin State Peace Committee, Myanmar, conducts Peace Lecturer candidate training
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Kachin State Peace Committee of Myanmar conducted a training for Peace Lecturer candidates at the office of the Shan Women’s Development Network, which began on April 27 with 12 participants, covering two sessions each time every Sunday.
Peace Education is being conducted by four instructors, including Kham Yin, Director and Founder of Shan Women Development Network, who completed PLTE, each teaching two sessions.
Nang Hont Sein, one of the trainees, said, “Nature has been giving to us, but humans have been ignorant. Today through the training, I got to learn more about love and sacrifice.”
Aye Thandar Aung shared her thoughts, “Through the IWPG training, I could learn about various cultures. To achieve peace, I believe we must first make a change in our culture. I now understand lust causes things that shouldn’t have happened, and we should live with the satisfaction of the present situation. To spread culture and promote peace, we should make a difference in our culture by creating good habits and dropping bad ones.”
Nang Hkaung Lin remarked, “I’ve learned so much about culture and gained new knowledge. It’s quite interesting and I’m excited about the upcoming sessions.”
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- Global Region 5 expands Women’s Peace Education in India
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Global Region 5 (Regional Director Park Su Jin) is striving to spread the message of peace by carrying out Women’s Peace Education and the PLTE makeup training in India in April.
At Thakur Shyamnarayan Kandivali B.Ed College in India, about twenty female students completed the eight sessions, during which they learned about the relationship between women and peace and the role of peace leadership, continuing to make active contributions.
Meanwhile, three Indian graduates from PLTE Class 6 in December of last year are attending a makeup session to enhance their skills as instructors.
Park Su Jin, Regional Director, remarked, “The activities for learning peace are making concrete results with women in India. We will foster women leaders through continuous education and exchanges.”
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- Manila Branch, Philippines, offers makeup sessions to PLTE graduates
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On April 26, Manila Branch of the Philippines (Branch Manager April Otadoy) initiated Peace Lectures Empowerment Program for graduates from PLTE Class 1in Kapalong, Philippines.
The program was designed to empower graduates in their teaching capacity as peace lecturers and to activate peace education activities in the local community. Potential graduates from Class 2 also joined, contributing to the expansion of the IWPG peace network.
The activity was held in conjunction with the establishment of the IWPG Peace Committee, a collaborative platform designed to operate locally-based peace initiatives in a more structured and sustainable manner, playing a central role in the grassroots peace movement.
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- Global Region 2 conducts joint Women’s Peace Education for South America and Middle East
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Global Region 2 conducted a joint Women’s Peace Education project for the Middle East and South American regions in April, which currently has approximately 200 female participants. Some of them are serving as Peace Education instructors to spread the message of peace within their local communities.
IWPG Women’s Peace Education focuses on empowering women to end war and establish sustainable peace. Additionally, it contributes to enhancing mutual understanding and cooperation across religious, ethnic, and political conflicts, while also fostering women’s peace leadership.
Wafa Ali Al-Kurdi, Certified Trainer, Madmar Academy for Performance and Human Development in Jordan who attended the training, expressed her feelings, saying, “I appreciate IWPG and am really happy to participate in this wonderful education.”
Seo Yeon Lee, Regional Director, stated, “Today, the world needs Peace Education that spreads the value of reconciliation and coexistence over confrontation and competition that end up with war, conflicts, climate crisis, etc. I urge everyone to spread the true spirit of peace through Peace Education to the local communities and take the lead in planting the seed of peace in each country and region as peace activists.
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- Wonju Branch, Korea, opens Women’s Peace Education special lecture at Hoengseong Senior College
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On April 9, Wonju Branch (Branch Manager So Yeong Park) conducted the Women’s Peace Education special lecture at Hoengseong Elderly College.
The lecture was held on the first day of the elderly college, with 57 attendees, to reflect on the meaning of peace.
The Peace Education Manager of IWPG Wonju Branch emphasized, conducting the first session, “Peace is to realize the precious value of yourself and neighbors to live together in understanding and harmony. IWPG Women’s Peace Education teaches us how to harmonize within the family and between generations through peace that begins with me.”
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Networking and Collaboration
-평화에 뜻이 있는 시민들과 의기투합
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- Berlin Branch, Germany, participates in a local action day
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The Berlin Branch of Germany (Branch Manager Yingyan Cao) participated in a local action day called “WIRtschaft in Aktion,” hosted by the Volunteer Center Frankfurt (Oder) under the Caritas Association of the Archdiocese of Berlin-Brandenburg Region. Sponsored by the local business community of Frankfurt (Oder), which collaborates with social, cultural, and educational institutions, the project aims to encourage volunteer efforts and support non-profit organizations (NPOs) through joint initiatives. At the event, attended by approximately 100 people, the Branch Manager raised funds and forged partnerships while introducing the International Loving-Peace Art Competition and related peace campaigns to companies and stakeholders in Frankfurt (Oder). As a result, three institutions, including Waldorf School, confirmed their participation in the art competition.
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- Rotterdam Branch, Netherlands, holds International Women’s Peace Network Regular Meeting
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On April 26, the Rotterdam Branch of the Netherlands (Branch Manager Dejavu Vieira) held an International Women’s Peace Network Regular Meeting, commemorating International Women’s Peace Day, in Heemraadsplein, Rotterdam.
The event offered a platform for local residents and visitors to network around the theme of peace. In particular, the Children’s Zone for families received great feedback, featuring exciting activities like the bounce playground and face painting.
Through the event, the Rotterdam Branch promoted the International Loving-Peace Art Competition, which is held at the end of May, to parents, inviting them to participate in the competition and join the IWPG membership.
As a result, 36 people newly joined IWPG membership, showing their deepest empathy and support for IWPG’s international peace endeavors.
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Spreading of Peace Culture
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- Global Region 5 –India AkshayaShakti Welfare Association Completes 120m Peace Canvas commemorating Earth Day
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On April 20, Global Region 5 and India AkshayaShakti Welfare Association initiated together Earth Day Peace Art Project in Maharashtra, India. The event, the first international collaborative project after signing an MOU between the two organizations, proposed a new form of peaceful solidarity through arts and culture.
With the slogan ‘Together for Peace and a Better Earth, Countdown towards 2030’, the project featured a drawing performance on a 120-meter-long peace canvas. More than 80 people, including local artists, students, and citizens, contributed to the performance to create a large-scale art piece, which was officially inscribed as the world’s longest peace art project in the Asia Archive Institute.
The canvas will be divided into 1.5-meter sections to be donated to 80 schools so the students can learn about the message of peace.
Park Su Jin, Regional Director, stated, “Transcending an ordinary art project, the event is the beginning point of international solidarity for peace. I will create more platforms of peace through global collaboration.”
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- International Loving-Peace Art Competition Preliminary Round held at St. Mathew’s High School&Junior College, India
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On April 12, the preliminary round of the 7th International Loving-Peace Art Competition was held at St. Mathew’s High School & Junior College in India. A total of 66 students participated, depicting their thoughts on peace under the theme of ‘What can we do for peace?’
Before working on their drawings, students had time to watch a video on a theme about peace and engage in a brief discussion on various topics such as ‘offering kindness’, ‘efforts to understand one another’, and ‘hearts to respect embraces differences’.
At the competition, practical solutions for peace were depicted in the participants’ drawings, such as planting trees, resolving conflicts, communicating through dialogue, and being kind to everyone. The process of listening and sharing allowed the students to reflect on themselves, which was something beyond what occurred in a regular art class.
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- Ulaanbaatar Branch, Mongolia, holds International Loving-Peace Art Competition
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Ulaanbaatar Branch of Mongolia (Branch Manager Tumurkhuyag Enkhtaivan) hosted the 7th International Loving-Peace Art Competition successfully.
A total of 78 people from the 116th school and 107 people from the 22nd school gathered on Apr 17 and 22 respectively to draw a peaceful world on their paper.
The principal of the 116th school expressed gratitude to IWPG and committed, saying, “I will actively cooperate to hold the competition every year so that more children can understand the importance of peace and express it through their drawings.”
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- Global Region 10 holds 7th International Loving-Peace Art Competition Preliminary Round
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On April 18, Global Region 10 hosted the 7th International Loving-Peace Art Competition in Türkiye, followed by Kazakhstan, Rawalpindi in Pakistan, and Tokyo in Japan.
Notably, in Kazakhstan, three schools participated in the competition. The Peace Committee Representative of Astana, Saule Khozhamuratova, who organized the event, said, “The International Loving-Peace Art Competition sheds a new light. It enables people to recognize the best side of each other, encourages them to volunteer for peace, feel a sense of unity, and open their hearts.” Kuanova A.K., a teacher at Atyrau Kulsary School, shared her thoughts, saying, “The International Loving-Peace Art Competition is a wonderful platform for children to express their visions, desire for peaceful life, and thoughts about human values in an artistic way. I am so proud of my students and believe they will grow into active citizens caring about global issues by experiencing events like this.”
One participant, Zumabergen Akerke, said, “I drew people of different countries holding hands. This represents friendship and peace. Peaceful life is not just the absence of war but respecting and looking after each other.”
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- Kampala Branch, Uganda, hosts 7th International Loving-Peace Art Competition
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Kampala Branch of Uganda (Branch Manager Sara Atwongire) hosted the 7th International Loving-Peace Art Competition at Cruciform International Ministries on April 5. The event provided an opportunity for children and teenagers to make artistic expressions of their thoughts and emotions freely and deliver messages of peace.
A total of 15 participants showcased the works they prepared to illustrate personal narratives at the event.
The young participants shared their feelings, saying, “I was happy to express my heart through the drawing and wish there were more opportunities like this.” Each work reflecting images of love, peace, and hope from different standpoints made a deep impression on them.
Branch Manager Sara Atwongire remarked, “I was impressed with the passion and creativity of every student participant,” and added, “I will keep providing chances for children to express their dreams and draw peace.”
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- Dhaka Peace Committee hosts 7th International Loving-Peace Art Competition
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On April 15, the Dhaka Peace Committee successfully held the preliminary round of the Peace-Loving Drawing International Contest at Glenrich International School in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Approximately 80 students participated in the event, submitting artwork inspired by the theme of peace. Many of the entries reflected unique and creative interpretations of the meaning of peace.
The event was organized by Rania Alam, Representative of the Dhaka Peace Committee, in collaboration with Peace Committee members Syeda Sadia Hasan and Nusrat Jahan, both of whom are graduates of the IWPG Peace Education program.
The organizers also used the occasion to introduce the purpose of Peace Education and the international drawing contest, fostering deeper awareness of peace initiatives among youth.
This event aimed not only to encourage artistic talent but also to promote the values of peace from an early age through education, thereby planting the seeds for a more peaceful future.
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- Rotterdam Branch of the Netherlands
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On April 11, Rotterdam Branch of the Netherlands conducted volunteering activities at Leger des Heilswomen, a women’s care center in Amsterdam.
Leger des Heils, a branch of the Dutch Salvation Army, is dedicated to operating care centers for women and children in need, to alleviate poverty and promote social welfare.
The Rotterdam Branch prepared a warm dinner for women at the care center and donated sanitary products. Volunteers served a macaroni dish to show their heartfelt support for the women.
The volunteer activities, which went beyond simple donations, provided a meaningful experience in delivering emotional comfort along with messages of respect and solidarity. Moreover, it offered an opportunity to promote IWPG’s peace activities and values while ensuring the potential for sustainable collaboration.
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Nang Kham Yin
Myanmar
Founder&Director of Shan Women Development Network
Chairperson of the Kachin State Peace Committee, Myanmar
IWPG Peace lecturer
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1. Please introduce yourself.
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My name is Nang Kham Yin, and I’m a mother of two children living in Kachin State, Myanmar. I’m the founder and director of Shan Women Development Network, a peace lover and a peace maker for Women, Peace and Security. I also focus on social cohesion. I lead awareness sessions on gender and peace, providing leadership capacity training, livelihood training such as sewing, clothing printing, and local product making. I also take the lead in developing income-generating activities and various initiatives for women in our community.
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2. What led you to work with IWPG, and how is IWPG different from other organizations?
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Our country has been suffering from a domestic bout for more than 70 years. I have experienced these things since I was a child. We couldn’t receive proper education and didn’t have access to health services. There was only poverty and fear. I believe that mental and physical safety for women and children is a long-term survival of society. So, my spirit wanted to build peace through women’s power and was pushing me to work with IWPG.
The International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG) is a non-profit organization comprised of women from all over the world who establish and carry out practical peace activities. IWPG guides the issue with its unique approach. It has a mission to identify and address the fundamental root causes that block the work of world peace. The basic spirit contained within IWPG is ‘the power of women’ and ‘the heart of the mother’. IWPG is a gathering place of love for peace. We can work together to promote peace among women worldwide. IWPG is systematically and continuously working on various activities to promote peace.
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3. What have you realized through the PLTE, and what are your thoughts or feelings about lecturing PLTE classes?
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Through PLTE, I was able to study the value of the Earth’s gifts and the worth of each human being. It is also important to foster mutual respect for one another. I learned the term “the motherly heart.” The impact of harmful words can damage the heart, while kind words can bring satisfaction. I believe we can build peace with a loving heart, free from hate speech among those with different beliefs and cultural traditions.
It is essential to promote PLTE and Peace Education. Everyone needs Peace Education from their own family, village, and townships to the country and throughout the world. So, we must try together. Our women have a motherly heart, and we must work together in peace through planting activities and various peace movements.
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4. As the Chairperson of the Kachin State Peace Committee, what kind of activities would you like to carry out together with IWPG? Please share your plans and goals.
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As the Chairperson of the Kachin State Peace Committee, I would like to carry out together with IWPG, such as;
(a) The dissemination of peace knowledge through Peace Education and PLTE
(b) By developing peace knowledge by performing peace campaign and peace art sessions.
(c) Building social cohesion through the exchange of traditional culture
(d) The construction of a Women’s Exchange Learning Trip will embody the idea of “We are One”.
Women in Kachin State will have access to more Peace Education and will work in various sectors with the same peace goal.
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5. Please share a message you would like to convey to the global peace family.
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Firstly, l would like to express my appreciation and respect to IWPG for its efforts in promoting peace and empowering women around the world. I believe that if we have a regular distribution of Peace Education to women and young girls, it will be able to benefit peace in our community through the world. Therefore, let every individual urge each other to start Peace Education and work as long as possible. Let’s remember “We Are One”.
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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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