TACLOBAN CITY– A global women’s organization has launched a peace initiative in the Philippines by declaring April 26 as International Women’s Peace Day, aiming to unite women worldwide in advocating for the end of war and the establishment of lasting peace.
“This day is about encouraging women peace advocates—regardless of borders, race, religion, or ideology—to continue working for peace, with the hope that many more women will join the movement,” said Na Hyeong Jeon, secretary general of the International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG), during a commemorative event hosted by the local government of Kapalong in Davao del Norte.
In a statement, IWPG called on women around the world “to join hands in the pursuit of peace,” adding that the visit of its international branch managers to the Philippines is expected to inspire more collaborations after witnessing local peacebuilding efforts firsthand.
Joining the celebration were IWPG officials and peace advocates from several countries, including Hwi Young Lee, Bitna Lee, and Hyeju Park (IWPG Headquarters); Cecilia Ao, IWPG Hong Kong branch manager; Cathy Xuan and Jiong Xu from IWPG Shanghai; Ana Milana Puspita Sari and Noinsen Elita Helpria Rumapea from IWPG Indonesia’ and April Otadoy and Crysthel Catalan from IWPG Manila.
The event also gathered IWPG Kapalong members, graduates of the Peace Lecturer Training Education (PLTE), wives of pastors from the Moral Recovery Program (MRP), and various local stakeholders.
“The initiative aims to bring together women who share a motherly heart and a desire to protect the lives of their children and future generations,” IWPG noted.
IWPG is a non-governmental organization with special consultative status under the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). It advocates for a sustainable global peace order by addressing the root causes of conflicts and war—whether among individuals or between nations.
(RONALD O. REYES)
