From Marketing Project Manager to Peace Educator
Q. Please introduce yourself and tell us what led you to become a peace educator.
“Hello, my name is Femy Orianne. I originally worked as a marketing project manager. While working in marketing, I had many opportunities to closely observe people’s attitudes and behaviors. Through this, I came to reflect on how significantly a lack of peace, kindness, and togetherness in our daily lives affects people’s actions and relationships.
In that process, I realized that peace is not merely an ideal state of mind. I came to believe that it is a practical part of life that we must learn to apply to our lives and be able to pass on to others. That conviction led me to become an IWPG peace educator. Being able to share the value of peace I learned with women around the world is deeply precious to me.”
“An Education That Makes Peace Accessible”
Q. What do you think is the greatest strength of IWPG’s Peace Lecturer Training Education (PLTE)?
“I believe the greatest strength of PLTE is that it makes peace accessible, concrete, and actionable in real life. When people hear the word ‘peace,’ many might view it as a distant ideal. However, after receiving the training, one realizes that peace is not something created only by special individuals. Peace can begin today with the small actions we take.
Particularly, it is crucial that it starts with women understanding their self-worth and learning to respect themselves. Once inner peace takes root, relationships with family members change, and relationships with neighbors can change as well. As that transformation extends to those around them, I believe it impacts the community as a whole.”
Q. This time, unlike the online sessions, you conducted face-to-face training in person in Côte d’Ivoire. Was there a difference you felt on site?
“There is definitely a difference between online education and in-person training. While knowledge and messages can be conveyed through a screen, there are emotions and energy that can only be felt when meeting face-to-face and sharing the same space.
During this training, I could immediately see the participants’ expressions and reactions. I was also able to communicate more deeply as I listened directly to their stories. I believe the process of the lecturer’s sincerity and the participants’ hearts connecting with one another is itself a crucial part of the education.”
“Leaving a Piece of My Heart in Abidjan”
Q. Having met and trained Ivorian women directly for three days, what was your most profound impression?
“I felt immense gratitude simply to be able to participate as a lecturer in such an ambitious peace project. Being able to directly share the changes and learning I experienced through peace education with Ivorian women will remain in my memory for a long time.
To be honest, I feel as though I left a piece of my heart behind in Abidjan. Although three days was not a long time, we drew closer to one another as we conversed and learned together. And through their eyes and stories, I realized once more how vital a role women can play in building a peaceful society.
I believe the women of Côte d’Ivoire have the power to believe in their own strength and build peace. I returned to Paris with that conviction in my heart.”
A Letter That Turned Doubt into Conviction
Q. Was there a particularly memorable moment at the training site?
“Two moments stand out in my memory. When I finished my first lecture, all the participants stood up and applauded. I was deeply moved at that moment.
And after the training concluded, one participant handed me a letter. She honestly shared that on the first day of training, she had doubted whether ‘peace education could truly change reality.’
However, she said that over the three days of training, she realized how crucial it is to first find peace within oneself. She also said that she had gained a fresh perspective she had never considered before.
Reading that letter made me reflect once again on why I am doing this work. If someone’s thoughts change even a little, and that change extends to their family and people around them, I believe that alone makes peace education meaningful.”
“Women of Côte d’Ivoire, Believe in Yourselves”
Q. Finally, do you have a message you would like to deliver to the women of Côte d’Ivoire?
“I want to say to the beloved women of Côte d’Ivoire: You possess the power to build a peaceful future. I hope you do not let difficult realities or political conflicts take away your hope.
Please apply the things you learned in this training to your own lives first, and pass them on to your families, neighbors, and communities. Each and every one of you can become an active agent of peace. Believe in yourselves. Believe in the power you hold. And I hope you remember that you are not alone. IWPG will also stand by your side as a companion on the journey toward peace.
We are united in peace. We are one!”
