IWPG holds 5th commemoration of International Women’s Peace Day

Global Region 3 of the International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG) held a ceremony online (ZOOM) on April 27 under the theme of “Women achieving peace that the world needs” to mark the 5th commemoration of the April 26 “International Women’s Peace Day.”

The event was declared on April 26, 2019 as the “International Women’s Peace Day” with the wish of realizing peace at the end of war, in which women around the world unite to protect precious lives from war and pass down peace as a legacy to future generations. It is gaining support from numerous leaders and women, including the first lady, the queen, the ambassador, politicians, journalists, religious leaders.

Following the commemorative speech of Hyun Sook Yoon, Heo Eun-ju, Regional Director of IWPG Global Region 3, had opening greetings and recited the International Declaration of Peace. With the video of the April 26 event, there were 3 speeches from the chairman of the Association for Childhood Residents in Geoje, Korea, Daybatta Chavan Batil, gender activist & co-founder, DHUP Foundation in India and Jannatul Bakia Sweety, Sustainable Cities and Communities Researcher and founder of Root & Label in Bangladesh. They introduce women’s role for peace in each country and took pictures to commemorate the call for an end to the war.

“Our goal is peace on the global stage, and let’s pass on the world of peace as a legacy to future generations. Peace is a long-cherished dream of mankind and the most basic element for human life, so let’s make a world of peace that must be achieved someday as one of us,” Hyun-sook, IWPG Chairwoman said in her commemorative speech.

Heo Eun-joo, Regional Director of the Global Region 3 said in an opening greeting, “Women are symbols of social solidarity. It brings more consideration and understanding, and respects the diversity of viewing the world through different backgrounds and experiences. This diversity is essential for us to understand and empathize with each other. That is why we deserve to take on the role of mediators as well as victims of war and conflict. When women participate, solutions will be presented in a more diverse and inclusive way.”

“I believe that the IWPG’s activities will turn into a wind of peace and bring peace to our country as soon as possible,” said Jung Ju Won, Chairwoman of Association for Childhood Residents in Geoje. “Women’s power is essential for Korea’s peaceful unification, and if women from all over the world become one with the IWPG at the center, it will blossom world peace along with the unification of the two Koreas. I promise to continue working hard for peaceful unification and world peace.”

“The concept of the world as one family serves as a moral and ethical compass, guiding individuals and societies towards actions that promote justice, equality, and the welfare of all beings. It underscores the principles of non-violence, compassion, and social responsibility inherent in Indian philosophical traditions.” said, Daybatta Chavan Batil, gender activist & co-founder, DHUP Foundation, India and she introduced Indian women as peace keepers, SEWA, Manipur’s women’s peace movement as case studies.

“By addressing the root causes of inequality and environmental degradation, we can create a more just, peaceful, and sustainable future for all. Together, let us work towards a world where women’s rights are respected, and where every individual has the opportunity to thrive.” said Jannatul Bakia Sweety, Sustainable Cities and Communities Researcher and founder of Root & Label in Bangladesh.

With some quizzes related to IWPG and women on the globe, it was the time to learn the knowledge on peace and gather the heart to become one by taking a commemorative photo. 

Meanwhile, IWPG is an international Women’s Peace Group, an NGO registered both in UN DCG and UN ECOSOC and is working actively for various peace activities such as International Women Peace Network, Spreading Peace culture, etc and uniting with UN women organizations together for urging the legislation of DPCW.