Peace does not begin with grand slogans, but with small acts of recognizing our differences and listening to one another. The IWPG Gwangju-South Branch created a space for dialogue on peace and human rights, where participants came together to explore how these values can be put into practice in their communities and everyday lives.

The International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG) Gwangju-South Branch, led by Branch Manager Lee Kyung-ah, held a regular World Women’s Peace Network gathering on August 28 at the medium-sized conference room of Jeonil Building 245. More than 30 members and invited guests attended the gathering under the theme, “Understanding and Communicating on Peace and Human Rights.”

The gathering was organized to deepen understanding of peace and human rights and explore ways to put these values into practice in the local community and in everyday life.

A Gathering That Began by Sharing Thoughts on Peace

The event began with an icebreaking session, where participants shared their thoughts and experiences about peace and naturally connected with one another.

They then reviewed IWPG’s activities and took part in a peace and human rights education session, followed by a Q&A and reflections. Through the program, participants reflected on the value of peace and their role in the local community.

The peace and human rights education session was led via video by Kim Min-su, a member of the Memorial Committee of the Mokpo 5·18 Democratic Honored Persons’ Bereaved Families Association. Kim emphasized that recognizing and respecting differences and resolving conflicts through dialogue are important starting points for peace. He also explained how peace and human rights can be realized in everyday life.

Finding Solutions Through Dialogue, Beyond Conflict

During the following Q&A session, Kim Ok-su, a former member of the Gwangju Metropolitan City Seo-gu Council, shared her thoughts on ways to communicate and the role of citizens in peacefully resolving conflicts and issues within the local community.

Participants agreed on the importance of listening to diverse voices, understanding one another’s perspectives, and working together to find common solutions.

Recognizing that people may have different thoughts and perspectives, and choosing to resolve those differences through dialogue rather than leaving them as sources of conflict—this gathering provided an opportunity to reflect together on how the values of peace and human rights can be practiced within the local community.

A Small Commitment to Peace

During the “Peace Bell” experience, participants placed their wishes and messages for peace into the bell and made a commitment to practice peace in their everyday lives.

Lee Hee-kyung, who attended the event, shared her reflections, saying, “I realized that peace is not something someone else creates for us, but something we create together. It made me want to begin with small acts of understanding and respect for one another.”

Branch Manager Lee Kyung-ah said, “Through this gathering, we were able to share that peace and human rights are closely connected to our lives and local communities. We will continue to create diverse spaces for communication and participation where citizens can learn about the value of peace and put it into practice.”

The IWPG Gwangju-South Branch plans to continue engaging with the local community, promoting the values of peace and human rights, and organizing various educational and networking activities to help citizens put these values into practice in their daily lives.