IWPG hosts International Women’s Peace Conference

The vital role of women in peace-building has been emphasized at the open mic session during the 2024 International Women’s Peace Conference.

Dr. Ngozi Orabueze, Chief of Staff of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile, put emphasis on the vital role of women in peace-building at the open mic session during the 2024 International Women’s Peace Conference held at Kensington Resort in Gapyeong, Gyeonggi province on September 19.

International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG) hosted the conference.

“Women are powerful agents of change. Women, the bedrock of any society, have shown exemplary skills in building understanding, patience, and nurturing. These qualities have made women the perfect entities to build peace worldwide,” Orabueze said in the conference.

She said, “I represent over 70 million Biafrans. As a woman from Biafra, my role in this mission is to create awareness in the world on how peaceful co-existence, respect for individual basic rights, equity, justice, and understanding can make the world a better place.”

She described that the pain of war in Biafra was caused because “peace has been lacking” and emphasized, “We must choose dialogue over confrontation, compassion over cruelty. To our brothers and sisters in the Nigerian union, we extend an olive branch. Let us work together towards a future where every ethnic group can thrive, free from fear and oppression.”

The open mic session allowed people from various backgrounds to come forward and express their thoughts freely. The participants came forward to share their stories and highlight the value of women in peace work.

Agatha Sushila Anthony Dias, the founder of Amcha Ghar, an Indian organization that supports vulnerable children, said, “Women are often the most affected by war, bearing the heaviest burdens. Historically, women have been submissive, but now, empowered by education, they have the strength and knowledge to protect their children and shape a more peaceful future.” 

Having participated in HWPL’s peace activities for more than 7 years, she said, “I’ve witnessed the incredible work done by the core team and members worldwide and firmly believe that the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW) will soon be universally accepted and implemented.”

Jang Jung-hee, Chairwoman of the Board of Bang Jeong-gwan Research Institute, said, “The reason women must participate in peace work is that they have the potential to drive peace activities in our communities that embrace children, families, and neighbors. Practicing peace starts from the childhood. Reading peace books, practicing peace, and thinking peace are some peace activities that we must develop with our children.”

Maria Martha Lacouture, Secretary of Economic Development, Environment and Tourism, Valledupar City Hall, said, “Women were always at the center of social change. We must set an example and support projects for dialogue and the peaceful resolution of conflict, supporting initiatives on environmental protection and sustainable peace. In 2025, Valledupar will be evidence of a shared society of peace. 

Thandar Aung, the founder of Myanmar Professional Institute, said, “When we invest in peace, we nurture the next generation of leaders and change-makers. I see it as my responsibility to be a voice of reason and empathy in every space I occupy—whether in my professional work, my community, or as a mentor to the younger generation.”

One IWPG official who planned the open mic session said, “The theme of the conference, ‘Female Leaders Acting Upon Peace’ is not only referring to leadership from women in a certain social position. Regardless of position or title, anyone can practice peace and spread a positive impact to the people around them.”

IWPG is an international women’s NGO registered in UN ECOSOC and UN DGC. It has 114 branches in 122 countries, and 730 partner organizations in 66 countries. Under the vision “achieving sustainable world peace,” IWPG is actively working to build peace networks, spread peace culture, conduct women’s peace education, and support the legislation of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW).