WFWP Africa Celebrates International Women’s Month

Written by: Flory Ledwaba

On March 8, 2022, Women’s Federation for World Peace (WFWP) Africa joined the International Community in celebration of International Women’s Day. This year’s theme is “Gender Equality Today for a Sustainable Tomorrow.” We held a virtual program, and in addition, the various WFWP chapters in the Africa region also held in-person celebrations.

In her opening remarks, Dr. Susan Kone, WFWP International Vice-President of Africa, shared how it is a special day to celebrate women all over the world, in terms of their cultural, social and political achievements as well as their uniqueness and value. She said: “Women, especially in Africa, have conquered many challenges including discrimination and all kinds of inequalities. Many women also have a social impact on their communities, but they are not always recognized and go unnoticed.”

Mrs. Stephanie Gueli read with fervor the Co-founder’s Address, Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon's speech titled: “Women Who Will Take the Leading Role in the Ideal World” which was given on June 10, 1992, during the first nationwide Rally of WFWPI in Seoul, Korea. She said: “The time in which we are living in, is the age where humanity has started to go beyond the barriers of ideology and language, the differences between cultures and the conflicts between races. It is the cherished desire of humankind for all war, oppression and exploitation to be banished forever from this world, leaving only the promised future of true freedom, peace and prosperity.”

Our guest speaker, Dr. Karambu Ringera, is the Founder of the Global Peace Initiative, the Tiriji Foundation and the New Generation Leaders (NGL) Program. She said that “despite the achievements that women have so far, there is still great work that needs to be done. One of the biggest challenges we are all facing is the safety of women all over the world. Women are generally the victims of gender-based violence. No one is helpless and hopeless if we set up the right conditions.” Dr. Ringera wrapped up her message by saying “women have to work together to gain peace and harmony and end gender-based violence.”

Mrs. Thulamsindo Rapotu, a poet, rendered a passionate poem about: “I am God’s Creation.”

The meeting ends with closing remarks by WFWP Africa Regional Secretary-General, Mrs. Flory Ledwaba and a call to action by WFWP Africa Education Director, Mrs. Bernadette Fogue.