13th Global Network of Women Leaders for Peace: A Meeting of Solidarity, Empowerment and Transformation

Written by: Roswitha Dueck de Giuliano

On October 26, 2024, the Crowne Plaza in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, was the setting for a momentous event: the 13th edition of the Global Women Leaders Network for Peace, organized by Women's Federation for World Peace (WFWP) Dominican Republic. This meeting brought together approximately 130 participants, women from different sectors and countries, who came together under the motto "Let's Build World Peace Through Love and Solidarity of Human Beings."

Beginning with Harmony and Hope
The day began with a powerful invocation led by Carmen Rosa Belliard, whose message of peace and unity set the tone for the event and established an atmosphere of harmony and reverence that accompanied the entire day. Next, Dr. Margarita Cornielle took on the role of Master of Ceremonies, guiding attendees through each segment of the program with elegance and a firm commitment to the values of peace and female leadership.

Dr. Bélgica Ramírez, President of WFWP Dominican Republic, offered an emotional welcome speech. With deep empathy and eloquence, she highlighted the importance of unity and the empowerment of women, inviting participants to continue fighting for equal rights and opportunities around the world.

Testimonies of Resilience and Empowerment
International speaker Leticia Centurión shared her inspiring experience as a young mother, facing challenges and transforming herself through her experiences. With four children, Leticia reflected on her aspirations and her commitment to creating a better world for women. Her testimony, full of courage and overcoming, motivated all those present to embrace their dreams, despite the obstacles, and to continue fighting for a better future for future generations.

Rosalía Sosa, Vice-Rector of Extension of the Autonomous University of Santo Domingo, warmly greeted the attendees, highlighting the importance of this meeting as a space to share experiences and strengthen female leadership in various areas of society. She thanked the organizers for offering a platform that fosters the unity and empowerment of women, highlighting how these types of initiatives contribute to the development and strengthening of female leadership.

Peace as a Pillar of Development
The international president of WFWPI, Moriko Hori, offered an emotional report on the organization's activities at a global level, highlighting the international initiatives carried out from Japan to promote peace, equality and female leadership. Her intervention, full of passion and commitment, left a deep impression on all those present, who were able to better understand the global impact of the actions of the WFWPI.

Former congresswoman Karen Ricardo also addressed words of gratitude to God and to the prominent figures present at the event. In her speech, she celebrated the importance of active participation in these spaces, highlighting how these meetings contribute to strengthening female leadership. She called for recognition of the invaluable role of women leaders in society, who, with their effort and dedication, are making a difference in the world. At the end of her speech, she invited all those present to join in applause for women leaders.

Dr. Juana Encarnación, Dean of the Faculty of Education Sciences at UASD, thanked the invitation of the president of WFWP Dominican Republic and highlighted the importance of living in peace, stressing that peace is a fundamental pillar for both personal and social development. Her speech was a profound reflection on how peace should be the foundation of all actions aimed at comprehensive development.

A Report on the Achievements of the Global Network
Ms. Yumiko Yamaguchi, Vice President of WFWP Dominican Republic, presented a detailed report on the 12 events previously organized by the Global Women Peace Network. She highlighted the achievements made at each meeting, such as the positive impact on the empowerment of women and the promotion of peace at a global level.

For her part, Ms. Minou Tavárez expressed her deep concern about the election of irresponsible leaders at a global level and stressed the urgency of a change towards a more committed and responsible leadership. She acknowledged that there are reasons for pessimism in the current context, but emphasized that the key to a better future lies in assuming responsibility in the exercise of leadership. She called for reflection on the direct impact of leaders' decisions on society, urging the election of those who lead with integrity, vision and a genuine interest in the collective well-being.

After enjoying a delicious lunch, the young people of the Family Federation for World Peace captivated us with a series of beautiful artistic presentations, full of talent and emotion. Their performance, which combined diverse cultural expressions, left a deep impression on all those present, showing the power of art as a means of promoting peace and unity.

Roswitha Dueck de Giuliano, Regional President for Latin America and the Caribbean of the Women's Federation for World Peace, presented a report on the various activities that are taking place on the continent. In her speech, she placed special emphasis on the importance of resolving the history of conflict that has marked the region, highlighting the significance of the WFWP's emblematic "Bridge of Peace" ceremony. This event, she noted, symbolizes a crucial step towards reconciliation and understanding, promoting the union of peoples and the construction of a lasting peace.

Pastor Dulce Martínez expressed her deep gratitude to God for having guided her to the Women's Federation. In her speech, she shared how this experience has allowed her to acquire the deepest values, which she considers fundamental in her personal and spiritual path. She emphasized that women possess a unique strength and an inner value much greater than what is often imagined, highlighting the importance of recognizing and empowering that inner strength to face life's challenges.

Lic. Mileysis Lachapel, president of the Foundation of Psychologists for Peace, explained that her organization was born with the purpose of being a pillar in the promotion of the culture of peace. In her speech, she highlighted the foundation's commitment to building a world where all citizens, regardless of their differences, are able to practice tolerance and actively participate in constructive discussions, such as the one we are experiencing at this moment. She stressed the importance of creating spaces where respectful dialogue and collaboration are key tools to resolve conflicts and promote social harmony.

Lic. Aleris Morán, President of the Gualey Development Board, shared her valuable work experiences in the community she leads. Through her story, she provided participants with key tools to strengthen their leadership in their respective fields. She highlighted the importance of empathy, perseverance, and community action, underlining how local leadership can be a catalyst for social change. Her intervention inspired those present to apply these principles in their own contexts, promoting transformative leadership that benefits communities and strengthens the social fabric.

Pastor Dulce Martínez and Prof. Aleris Morán were awarded the prestigious "Global Ambassador of Peace" Award in recognition of their invaluable contribution to fostering peace and leadership in their respective communities. This distinction highlights their unwavering commitment to building a more just and harmonious world, and their tireless work to promote values of solidarity, tolerance, and unity. Both leaders were applauded for their dedication to improving the lives of others and their positive impact on society.

At the end of the event, several of the participants shared deeply inspiring reflections, expressing their learnings and the impact of the activities carried out. Their words resonated with all those present, reinforcing the collective commitment to peace, female leadership and the construction of a more inclusive society. These reflections, full of wisdom and hope, motivated each of the attendees to continue forward on their path towards positive change.

The event concluded in spectacular fashion with an emotional and captivating repertoire performed by the talented singer Alicia Baroni. Her voice, full of nuances and emotion, enveloped the audience in a unique atmosphere, leaving an indelible impression on all those present. The carefully chosen selection of songs resonated deeply in the hearts of those present, transforming the closing of the evening into an unforgettable experience.