By Hassan Osman Kargbo
At the 69th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), IWPG Global Region 5, the leadership of Regional Director, Sujin Park, intensified its efforts to promote Women’s Peace Education, engaging in crucial discussions with international stakeholders and government officials. The initiative focuses on empowering women through education aimed at fostering peace, addressing the urgent need for gender equality and sustainable conflict resolution strategies.
During CSW69, IWPG Global Region 5 held its inaugural meeting with Liberia’s Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Hon. Gbeme Horace Kollie. The pivotal meeting, which took place during a side event at the UN, set the stage for potential collaboration between IWPG and the Liberian government.
Following the event, minister Kollie visited the Permanent Mission of Liberia to the United Nations, where discussions continued regarding actionable pathways for incorporating Women’s Peace Education into Liberia’s educational framework.
The IWPG delegation shared extensive details about their educational curriculum, and highlighted successful case studies from other regions. Minister Kollie expressed enthusiastic interest in the programs, asserting, “We will explore ways to implement Women’s Peace Education in collaboration with various organizations in Liberia, and ensure continued attention and cooperation at the government level,” a response that signifies a step towards actualizing the introduction of Women’s Peace Education within Liberia, a development that could have far-reaching implications for women’s empowerment and peacebuilding in the region.
In a further demonstration of progress at CSW69, IWPG held a second meeting with H.E. Isata Mahoi, the Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs of Sierra Leone, a gathering that served as a follow-up to their previous encounter during CSW68 and aimed to solidify the momentum towards a collaborative partnership focused on Women’s Peace Education efforts.
On March 13, IWPG Global Region 5 also participated as a keynote speaker at an event organized by the India Development Foundation (IDF). In her address, Sujin Park emphasized the necessity of prioritizing Women’s Peace Education as a foundational element for sustainable peace. “This is not just education in the conventional sense, but a process of actively building peace. It encourages women to discover their value and take on leading roles in society,” she explained. The presentation was met with significant enthusiasm, with attendees lauding the transformative impact of the Women’s Peace Education program on the lives of women and expressing a willingness to foster future collaborations.
Throughout the course of CSW69, IWPG delegates engaged with a diverse array of government officials and leaders from women’s and peace organizations across various countries, including The Gambia and the United States. During a productive meeting with Hon. Fatou Kinteh, Minister of Gender, Children and Social Welfare of The Gambia, the IWPG delegation introduced the Women’s Peace Education program, discussing its potential positive effects on gender equality and community peace efforts. Noteworthy discussions also took place regarding a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with a U.S.-based organization, indicating a promising avenue for future collaboration.
Reflecting on the impact of CSW69, Sujin Park remarked, “This year’s CSW69 was a meaningful opportunity to share the importance of Women’s Peace Education with the international community. We will continue expanding partnerships with various nations and organizations to further spread this education globally.” Her comments encapsulate IWPG’s commitment to fostering a culture of peace and solidarity through the empowerment of women.
IWPG is a globally recognized women’s NGO registered with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and the UN Department of Global Communications (DGC). With its headquarters in South Korea, IWPG boasts 112 branches in 115 countries and collaborates with 808 organizations across 68 nations. The organization is dedicated to the vision of achieving lasting world peace and is actively involved in promoting Women’s Peace Education, advocating for the implementation of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW), and fostering global solidarity in the pursuit of a culture of peace.
As the conversations initiated during CSW69 continue, IWPG Global Region 5 is poised to play a crucial role in advancing Women’s Peace Education, striving towards a future where women are empowered as leaders in the peacebuilding process.
