Southeast Launch of the Global Women’s Peace Network in the US
Written by Kiyomi Schmidt
The Global Women’s Peace Network (GWPN) Southeast US Region launch that took place on Friday, November 15, 2019 marked the milestone achievement of launching the GWPN in all five regions across the United States. Throughout these launches since November of 2018, the identity of the GWPN has continued to take root, substantial shape and form.
These launches honored Women’s Federation for World Peace (WFWP) Co-Founder, Rev. Sun Myung Moon, who at his last public appearance before his passing inaugurated the Global Women’s Peace Network, together with his wife Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, with the desire for WFWP to “expand and develop to the next stage, so that it can work together in solidarity and cooperation with women leaders and NGOs from all parts of the world, and strive to follow the path of the ultimate establishment of the world of peace.”
Morning Program
On the morning of Nov. 15th, 80 NGO leaders, women, supportive gentlemen, and young professionals gathered for the GWPN Southeast regional launch at the JW Marriott in Washington DC, with the theme “Women as the Turning Point for Peace.” Maryland local Emaculate Mungye eloquently guided the morning program as Mistress of Ceremonies. Myrna Lapres, WFWP USA Southeast Regional Director and key organizer of this conference, welcomed all to the southeast region representing Washington D.C. and nine states along the southeast coast. The occasion was marked with proclamations from Chris Van Hollen, United States Senator of Maryland, and Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser.
WFWP USA President Angelika Selle presented the foundational explanation of the GWPN in North America. Rather than positioning ourselves at odds with men, she expressed the uniqueness of the GWPN: to use our innately divine feminine gifts, bringing balance and well-being to the planet and to build a beautiful culture of peace. It is with this embracing aspect of leadership that we can solve social pressing issues for women, families, and the environment.
The main feature of the morning program was the keynote address by WFWP International Senior Vice President Dr. Sun Jin Moon, who spoke on the topic of “Women as the Turning Point for Peace.” This divinely inspired landmark speech and interactive discussion encouraged us to look within ourselves for the answers to life’s questions: Where did we come from, how were we created, and why are we here? These questions effortlessly led to a reflection of the nature of parents and our divine parent God. Both a male and a female are needed as parents, and as we are created in the image of God, does it make sense to consider the parent of humankind, God, as only male? Throughout history, the predominantly male centered understanding of God has perpetuated the image that women lack in divine value. To heal this, we must know our feminine divine essence in its entirety.
A short break and two inspirational selections by vocalist Patsy Casino, “The Colors of the Wind” and “Wind Beneath My Wings,” refreshed the room for the next portion of the program. Four panelists presented applicable topics based on their areas of expertise, cultural backgrounds, and life experiences.
Panelist Dr. Glovinia Williams, Equal Employment Opportunity Counselor and US Marine Corps, presented on “Women Building Bridges of Peace.” Dr. Williams shared how as women and peacebuilders, we have what it takes to create unity and resolve issues, but to do this we are required to seek and find the opposition and conflict. She emboldened us not to shy away from conflict, but to face it with self control and to grow ourselves. When we are able to stand up and rock the boat, new innovative solutions will come to light. She reassures, “You are a force to be reckoned with. Your femininity is grounded in sincerity and love. Love knowing, understanding and standing firm on your faith, utilizing your intuition. We have been given a peaceful leadership model. Mother Moon said it this way, ‘We women were not put on earth to be protected by men. We are individuals to help men become more complete. Through true love they are meant to be precious partners.’”
Dr. Marilou Tablang-Jimenez, Chair of the MedStar Montgomery Medical Center’s Department of Psychiatry, shed light on how far women have come, sharing on the “Personal Transformation as a Path to Peace.” Dr. Tablang-Jimenez painted a picture of the myriad of statistical disadvantages women face, experiencing high rates of sexual violence with coinciding PTSD, alcohol dependence, and depression. Given this backdrop of victimization, we can revel in knowing that we have not just survived, but are beginning to truly thrive. She shared incredible successes for women in business, medicine, and law in recent years, such as the increase of female attorneys in the US from 4% in 1970 to 38% currently. As we continue on the pathway to peace, we seek to transform from victims to valued equals in society. In her closing remarks she says, “Accept your weaknesses and flaws, and delight in your strengths. Love all that you have. You are not a piece of a puzzle. You are the puzzle with all the pieces in place.”
Helina T. Mekonnen, Founder and CEO of Chase the Dream - Culture, Arts & Beauty spoke next about “Women in Culture and Media: Instilling Peace in Communities.” Ms. Mekonnen recounted her experience as a young TV journalist in Ethiopia. Despite strong cultural beliefs that women should not pursue careers and remain homemakers, she was empowered by women in media who were not afraid to counter this mindset, breaking social and cultural barriers while spreading their visionary attitudes. It is with media that women can continue with spiritual strength to counter forces of destruction, from religious and racial divides, cyber bullying, and child and drug trafficking. In addition to media, she highlights the important role of culture in peacemaking. Through her desire for peace and harmony beyond ethnic and religious beliefs, she began an annual multicultural forum to celebrate diversity and humanity. She asserts, “No dream is out of reach as long as the chase is determined. To those dreamers, don’t let passing problems scare you. Never let startling thoughts turn you back, nor negative comments break your resolve. Great deeds which made the world a better place were once upon a time an idea in someone’s mind.”
The fourth and final panelist, Nadia Hassan, Executive Director of the Young Leaders Institute, spoke on her experience with “Inspiring a New Generation of Changemakers.” She described her vivid vision of a movement with one billion youth innovators rising to protect the planet and uplift humanity, centering on compassion, humility, sustainability and equity. Instead of dismissing this dream, she chose to leave her comfortable job to invest in her passion and make it a reality. Through the Young Leaders Institute, she now teaches problem solving and values based learning, using one’s moral compass to rise above challenges. She concluded by emphasizing the most highly regarded principle being love, as when we can love one another we will undoubtedly find peace!
Afternoon Program
Following the lunch break, the afternoon program activities were confidently guided by Mistress of Ceremonies, WFWP USA Newsletter Editor Natascha Phillips. Participants engaged with the panelists in a question and answer session, addressing major current issues in the media, racial divisions, religious intolerance, and the perceived threat of women in leadership. Additionally, each participant became a GWPN contributor through table discussions to design a project proposal to positively impact women’s leadership, family, or the environment. Selected projects will be further developed by GWPN committees.
As an additional networking tool and way to get involved with the GWPN, NGO and organization leaders were invited to sign up as a Global Friend, a new initiative of WFWP USA. WFWP USA Outreach Coordinator Kiyomi Schmidt outlined the details of the agreement, and shared about recent organizations who have signed up. CLICK HERE to find out more about the Global Friends and to apply. Further communications about this will be shared in the coming months.
Dr. Ki Hoon Kim, the Regional Chairman of Family Federation for World Peace (FFWP) in North America, came to give greetings for this final regional US launch of the GWPN. He emphasized the importance of not just talking about problems, but taking action and coming together to build our communities and renew our family relationships in the spirit of unity. Through the family we can practice peace, love, and unity and share it with the world. He thanked the leaders and staff of WFWP and applauded how our efforts have made a difference in the communities through these launches. He has seen how our message is spreading out, and is giving people much needed hope that we will come together in glorious harmony.