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IWPG’s 4th Annual Commemoration of the April 26th International Women’s Peace Day

- 10,000 female members and leaders participated in on/offline events held in 54 countries around the world.

4,000 People participate in the 4th Annual Commemoration of the Apr 26th International Women’s Peace Day event in Kapalong City, a province of Davao Del Norte in the Philippines

Kapalong City in the Philippines celebrated the Apr 26th International Women’s Peace Day on Mar 31. The event was organized by Maria Theresa Timbo, Mayor of Davao Del Norte and IWPG Branch Manager, and Edgardo Timbol, vice mayor, and Edwin I. Jubahib, Governor of Davao Del Norte participated.

As religious conflicts between the Muslims and the Catholics have continued for 40 years in the Mindanao region, the Mindanao residents yearn for peace more than anyone else. This event was an opportunity to raise awareness of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW) drafted by HWPL, and 4,000 participants gathered to urge for peace.

Various activities, such as face painting, took place during the event, and 14 Barangay residents conducted a Peace Walk around the village while holding banners to urge for peace and harmony in the region.

Mayor Maria Theresa Timbo said that Kapalong City will support the DPCW and celebrate the Apr 26th International Women’s Peace Day every year.

Commemoration Event is held at the Dar es Salaam Branch in Tanzania

Dar es Salaam Branch of Tanzania celebrated the 4th Annual Commemoration of the Apr 26th International Women’s Peace Day on Apr 26 3:00 PM at the Dar es Salaam Samsara Hall with 60 attendees. Pendo Addie, the Branch Manager of Dar es Salaam Branch, started with her greeting remarks, followed by speeches by Joice Shebe, Chief Editor of Clouds Media Group, and Fatma Fredrick Kikkides, Chairwoman of the Community of Reconciliation Tanzania, making the event even more meaningful. After the event, the members went out to the streets to participate in the Peace Walk and various performances.

Apr 26 ‘International Women’s Peace Day’ Peace Performance in Colombia

* 50 women and members gathered in Bogota, Colombia to participate in a performance for the 4th Annual Commemoration of the Apr 26th International Women’s Peace Day.

Melbourne Branch (Australia)

Mumbai, India

The  4th Annual Commemoration of the Apr 26th International Women’s Peace Day, along with the 5th International Loving-Peace Art Competition and a Peace Walk to relay a message of reconciliation and peace took place in Mumbai, India for 3 days from Apr 27 to 29 at Anjuman-I-Islam`s Saif Tyabji Girls` High School & Junior College (President Shama K Tarapurwala). President Shama K Tarapurwala emphasized that we should encourage smiles and positive practices from people through various peace activities and that the students should become the protagonists of peace in a world without weapons and war.

Madurai, India

Program Manager Tamil Moni of EKTA Resource Centre For Women located in Madurai, India (Global Region 3) has been commemorating the Apr 26 International Women’s Peace Day every year since she has completed PLTE. She gathered 48 members to commemorate the 4th anniversary this year. It was an opportunity for attendees to draw symbols of peace, write messages of peace, and think of what they can do to practice peace.

Yangon Branch, Myanmar

Mandalay Branch, Myanmar

Tokyo Branch, Japan

The Democratic Republic of Congo

On Apr 26, Ligue Pour La Solidarte Congolaise, a cooperative organization of IWPG Global Region 10, hosted the 4th Annual Commemoration of the Apr 26th International Women’s Peace Day in the Goma region with 24 attendees. The attendees pondered upon the meaning of this day and understood the importance of respect toward human life, nonviolence, benevolence, respect toward others, and the facilitation of environmental protection and solidarity through education on the dissemination of a culture of peace. They promised to take part in peace activities more actively.

Pakistan

Various women around the world come together as one in the 4th Annual Commemoration of the Apr 26th International Women’s Peace Day overseas

* LA Branch (Branch Manager Angela held the 4th Annual Commemoration of the Apr 26th International Women’s Peace Day online with IWPG members from 5 countries including U.S., Peru, Nigeria, and Argentina.

* Global Region 2 held the 4th Annual Commemoration of the Apr 26th International Women’s Peace Day online with Australia, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Columbia, and the Middle East region with 500 participants under the theme of “Peace starts from me.”

* On Apr 29, Global Region 3 had an opportunity to discuss various activities needed for world peace and women empowerment with members from India, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. Parasto Yari, an international lawyer for human rights and Former Senior Advisor to State Ministry for Peace & Women human rights defender, Sheveta Rai Talwar, joint secretary of All India Women’s Conference from Afghanistan, and Rekha Saha, a legal aid secretary of the central committee of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, were the 3 speakers. Through this event, attendees could discuss activities for world peace and women empowerment.

* On Apr 29, Global Region 4 held the 4th Annual Commemoration of the Apr 26th International Women’s Peace Day online in South Sudan and Rwanda. With a total of 10 participants, Annna Tazita Samuel, founder of Women For Change, was the MC, and IWPG Peace Lecturer Nyiraneza Charlotte gave a speech on Peace Education. Next, attorney Jackline Nasiwa gave a speech on the topic of DPCW and peace.

* On Apr 29, Global Region 4 held the 4th Annual Commemoration of the Apr 26th International Women’s Peace Day online in East Timor. With 6 participants in total, the attendees chanted the International Women’s Peace Declaration together after Felicidade Victoria Timora Dos Santos. 

* On Apr 27, Global Region 4 held the 4th Annual Commemoration of the Apr 26th International Women’s Peace Day online in Cameroon and Burundi with 16 participants. Lucy Nkongho Diffang gave a speech on the DPCW on behalf of the Cameroon members, and Niyizigama Virginie gave a speech on “the strengthening of women’s partnership for sustainable peace” on behalf of the Burundi members.

Iraq sends a message of congratulations to Georgia in commemoration of Apr 26 International Women’s Peace Day

On Apr 16, Global Region 2 met with Pascale Isho Warda, the President of Hammurabi Organization for Human Rights Organization, and explained the meaning of Apr 26 International Women’s Peace Day and emphasized that all women around the world should become one to achieve world peace. President Pascale Isho Warda congratulated the 4th anniversary of the Apr 26 International Women’s Peace Day and promised to continue to cooperate with IWPG.

Cultural-Humanitarian Fund `Sukhumi` of Georgia is currently helping 480 women who are suffering from the Russia-Ukraine war. Alla Gamakharia, chairperson of the Cultural-Humanitarian Fund “Sukhumi”, sent a message congratulating the 4th anniversary of Apr 26 International Women’s Peace Day with other organization members by holding up pickets of IWPG.

The 4th Annual Commemoration of the Apr 26th International Women’s Peace Day is hosted by each Global Region all around Korea

Global Region 1 held the 4th Annual Commemoration of the Apr 26th International Women’s Peace Day on Apr 26 with 170 women leaders and members. The event was simultaneously interpreted into 3 languages (English, Indonesian, Japanese), and the participants promised to strengthen the solidarity of women all around the world.

On Apr 29, the Korean branches of Global Region 3 jointly held the 4th Annual Commemoration of the Apr 26th International Women’s Peace Day at the Design Council Busan Event Hall with 380 participants.

On Apr 29, the Korean branches of Global Region 5 jointly held the 4th Annual Commemoration of the Apr 26th International Women’s Peace Day at the Daegu Policy Institute Conventional Hall with 200 people.

On Apr 26, the Korean branches of Global Region 7 jointly held the 4th Annual Commemoration of the Apr 26th International Women’s Peace Day in front of the Peace Bell at Paju Imjingak with 200 people. Above is a picture of the participants flying ‘peace planes’ to North Korea.

On Apr 26, Global Region 9 held the 4th Annual Commemoration of the Apr 26th International Women’s Peace Day with 350 women leaders and members. The event was simultaneously interpreted into English, German, and Mongolian, and the participants promised to gather the hearts of women all around the world and strengthen solidarity.

On Apr 26, the Korean branches of Global Region 11 jointly held the 4th Annual Commemoration of the Apr 26th International Women’s Peace Day at Gyeonggi Community Media Center with 130 people. 

IWPG Brings the Hearts of Women Desiring Peace Together as One

PLTE fever spreads in Iringa and Dar es Salaam of Tanzania

On Apr 26, in Iringa, Tanzania, an event was held to promote IWPG through the special lecture of Professor Mkanibwa Mogoti Ngoboka of Ruaha Catholic University and conduct a DCPW online signature campaign. 
Professor Mkanibwa Mogoti Ngoboka is currently actively promoting PLTE and finding and training women peace lecturers in the Iringa area.

On Apr 20, Frida Sebastian Ombella, the Peace Instructor of Dar es Salaam branch in Tanzania conducted PLTE education and introduced IWPG and the DPCW. One participant said, “I will fulfill my role as a woman to realize peace,” which demonstrates that this event was an opportunity to remember the value of peace education and set their visions as a woman peace lecturer.

On Apr 22, Global Region 2 discussed the current status of women peace rights and the solutions with Ferial Abu Hamdan, Head of Development without Limitation, and Sanaa Hassan, consultant-trainer of Volunteer for Lebanon-scope.
Ferial Abu Hamdan said, “In Lebanon, we have recently started the “Lebanese Mother Movement” to protect our family and lives with dignity. It is now ever the more important for women to become one and respect human dignity. We all want to live in a world of peace. Thus, I hope IWPG becomes a beacon of hope to women all around the world who are suffering.” Development without Limitation also sent a congratulatory message to IWPG on the 4th Annual Commemoration of the Apr 26th International Women’s Peace Day.

Myanmar Yangon Branch conducts PLTE

In April, Yangon Branch in Myanmar (Global Region 4) conducted PLTE (Peace Lecturer Training Education) lesson 5~7. The lessons took place online every Saturday online with 13 participants. Instructor May Oo Khine, CEO of Golden Plain, said, “As a lecturer, I could understand peace more and more deeply the more I lectured. The students liked the lessons and participated in the activities passionately. Through PLTE, they also learned how to peacefully resolve conflicts with others.” 
After lesson 6, one of the students, Theiant Theiant Aung, said, “It was interesting to learn of peace activists in today’s lesson. Learning the stories of others motivates us.” After lesson 7, May Mi Kyaw said that PLTE was helpful and said, “Just as it is important to learn the rules and instructions to become a good trainer, I am happy to receive this education.”

Global Region 9 launches peace activities in Orkhon, Mongolia

Mongolia Branch of Global Region 9 is striving to facilitate peace activities in every region in Mongolia. As a part of these efforts, the Branch held a Peace Meeting and PLTE session in the Orkhon region for 3 days starting from Apr 21. As this region is a 1-day car ride distance from the capital, UlaanBaatar, it is the first time that a IWPG peace activity took place in this region.
The Branch Manager of IWPG Mongolia Branch, 6 other staff members, and IWPG Advisory Munktuya, also Head of Assembly of Mothers with the Order of Mothers, visited Orkhon in person for this event held under the theme of making a peaceful society through female peace leadership. On the first day of the event, 30 women came from Orkhon and Bulgan, and 7 to-be Peace Committee Representatives were introduced. After that, for  3 days, 21 Orkhon and Bulgan women took PLTE and signed a pledge to support the DPCW.  
E. Davaajhargal, who came all the way to Orkhon from Bulgan  to attend the event, said, “The last 3 days was a beautiful journey. I will return to Bulgan and practice what I have learned through PLTE by forming a Peace Committee and planting the seed of peace.” 
T. Enkhtaivan, Mongolia Branch Manager, said, “This was a meaningful event because it signified the spread of peace work all across Mongolia.” and promised to devote more to peace activities.

Networking and Cooperation of Women all around the world working for peace

Indonesia Branch meets with various influential female organization leaders

On Apr 4, IWPG Indonesia Branch had an online meeting with female NGO leaders that are very influential within Indonesia.
The Branch Manager first met with Keumala Dewi, Executive Director of the Center for Research and Child Protection, PKPA Foundation. The second meeting was with Salmiah Ariyana, Management Board Member of Association for Women in Small Micro Business Assistance; Emmy Astuti, Executive Director of Association for Women in Small Micro Business Assistance; Chlara Yunita Prabawati, Head of Student Affairs of Faculty of Nursing at Muhammadiyah University of Surabaya; and Widartanti, an entrepreneur. She introduced IWPG to them and explained the importance of DPCW and PLTE and how IWPG participated in UN CSW67. 
The Branch Manager also met Dian Sovana and Dea Fauziah from Indonesia Women Leader Association on Apr 18. Ms. Sovana had connections with government officials, so she agreed to connect IWPG so that IWPG could conduct its peace activities in Indonesia. All the people who came to the meeting registered as IWPG members and signed up for PLTE.

Hong Kong Branch discuss peace with IMTAC Magazine

On Apr 25, Global Region 2 met with Amira Ali El Jamal, President of One Step Association, to discuss various ways to conduct women peace activities in Jordan. IWPG shared information on other female peace activists that have been actively working with IWPG even before the pandemic. Amira Ali El Jamal also promised to do peace work going forward and continue cooperating with IWPG. She also sent a congratulatory message to IWPG on the Apr 26 International Women’s Peace Day.

Peace in Qatar starting from the women

IWPG Promotion and Cooperation in Kuwait

On Apr 28, Global Region 2 had a meeting with 6 UMCAP members including Aisha Albakit and Leden Rose Flores. This meeting was an opportunity to discuss how more people in Kuwait are interested in peace due to many changes that Kuwait women are experiencing after living as immigrants in Kuwait for many years. 
Aisha Albakit promised to show the IWPG promotional video to her organization members and continue to closely cooperate with IWPG and recruit new members. She also sent IWPG a message congratulating 4th Annual Commemoration of the Apr 26th International Women’s Peace Day.

Sydney Branch participates in Eid al-Fitr event

On Apr 25, Global Region 2 Sydney Branch participated in the Eid al-Fitr event hosted by Samira Mashal, the representative Afghan Women Support Center at Auburn Community Center. This event took place at the end of Ramadan, an important religious ritual for Muslims, and gathered about 50 refugee women, children, and Afghanistan residents. 
Sydney Branch not only volunteered during the event, it also opened a booth that promoted IWPG and introduced peace education. Ms. Samira Mashal was  open  to further future collaboration. Safia from Afghan Women Support Organization, who came to the event, said, “I want to know more about IWPG’s peace activities and share information.”

Global Region 2 holds Peace Committee Representative Meeting in Tanzania Branch

On Apr 15, IWPG Global Region 2 held a Peace Committee Representative meeting online. Pendo Addie, IWPG Dar es Salaam Branch Manager; Regina Fredrick, Representative of the Siyanga Peace Committee and elementary school teacher; Mkanibwa Magoti Ngoboka, Representative of the Iringa Peace Committee and assistant professor at the Ruaha Catholic University; and Lilian Msaki, Representative of the Arusha Peace Committee and regional representative of Health Africa participated. 
During this meeting, Global Region 2 shared the results of participating in Tanzania events and visiting the Tanzania embassy during UN CSW67 and discussed how to hold the Apr 26 International Women’s Peace Day event in Tanzania this year. 
They also discussed the vision of IWPG Peace Committee activities and encouraged each other to gather more membership registrations and promote PLTE and receive signatures in support of the DPCW.

Peace Committee Representative Msaki promotes IWPG in the Arusha region of Tanzania

On Apr 20, Lilian Msaki, Representative of the Arusha Peace Committee, visited many schools in the region to promote the 4th Annual Commemoration of the Apr 26th International Women’s Peace Day and the 5th International Loving-Peace Art Competition.

Signing MOU/As to Realize Peace Initiatives

IWPG Berlin Branch signs MOA with East Side Gallery

On Apr 1, IWPG held a MOA Signing Ceremony with East Side Gallery, run by artist Kani Alavi. 
Kani Alavie is the founder of East Side Gallery and the leader of the Berlin Wall Project, which covered 1.3 kms of the east side of the Berlin wall with 105 drawings from various artists around the world in 1990. 
When former Korean president Guen Hye Park and Jae In Moon visited Germany, Kani Alavie explained this mural to them in person and also told them that peace through art can also be established in the DMZ, just like the East Side Gallery. 
The International East Side Gallery Berlin-Seoul Association was established in 2011, and the International East Side Gallery Seoul office was opened in 2016. The gallery has been consistently discussing peace art with Korea on various levels and is particularly passionate about IWPG’s Loving-Peace Art Competition, participating as a jury every year.

Global Region 4 signs MOA with Women’s Empowerment Enterprise Network in Cambodia

This Month`s Interview

I got to know about IWPG through Soroptimist International, as it was recommended by our Regional President. I attended an IWPG event, “Peace of Cake” in London, I liked the atmosphere, and I felt the warmth. I felt welcomed and when I came through the door I felt as though I was wanted. What motivated me to get involved was the culture, the young ladies were very progressive.

For me, having grown up in the UK, peace is associated with choice. Having the freedom to choose what I do, where I go and how I do it, gives me a sense of peace. Therefore, achieving peace in the UK depends on individuals realising their value and respecting the value in others. When we have this as a starting point, we can move forward to work together and improve our environment and prospects.

The key impact of the PLTE training is that it has made me become even more aware of my own actions. One of the first lessons reminds us that peace starts with me first. Therefore, if I am going to be reminding others about peace and what it means to be peaceful, then I am going to have to walk my talk. In addition to encouraging me to be reflective, some lessons have actually challenged me, as they have made me look at aspects of society that I am not always comfortable with, but are prevalent in the world today. For example, looking at violence and the way that people treat each other when they focus on their own wants and needs without considering the impact that it has on others around them. Notably, Lesson 5.

That is a good question! As women we can sometimes be ignorant of our own power. Many of us want to do good, however we do not always know the best way to go about it. Therefore, some of the key roles that women play in resolving conflict is through being the example themselves, being the educators and galvanising others to create supportive communities to advance to the wellbeing of their society. Access to education gives women and girls a voice, much like the old proverb: “If you educate a man you educate an individual, but if you educate a woman you educate a nation.”

My hope in becoming an IWPG Peace Lecturer is that I can share the benefits of us living in a peaceful society. Also, to show women that peace can begin with them, and that they do not need to wait for someone else to initiate it. Quite often people are in conflict with each other due to fear. If we can understand each other better, and show that we have more to gain when we come together, we can enjoy a more peaceful existence.

Answer to eradicate war and achieve peace!

Signatures in Support of the ‘Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW)’