WFWP IVPs’ Ethiopia Korean War Memorial Tribute in Chuncheon City
Written by: Mion Tsuchiaka
In 1994, the Women's Federation for World Peace (WFWP) began its groundbreaking work by sending 1,600 women volunteers to 160 countries. This year marks the 30th anniversary of this remarkable effort, and the WFWP International Vice Presidents (IVPs) from around the world, who have played a pivotal role in laying the foundation for WFWP's work globally, visited Korea for two days and three nights from June 19 to 21.
Accompanied by these volunteers, the Vice Presidents reflected on the significance of this milestone, thanked the volunteers for their hard work, discussed WFWP's progress, and held meetings to plan future developments.
Dr. Paris Moon (International Secretary General), Mrs. Vipa Thaveteermsakul (IVP of Asia Pacific 1), Mrs. Anne Bellavance (IVP of Asia Pacific 2), Mrs. Roswitha Giuliano (IVP of Latin America), Dr. Susan Kone (IVP of Africa), and Mrs. Mitty Tohma (IVP of Europe) visited Chuncheon city on June 22 to meet with the co-chairs of the WFWP Korea Chuncheon chapter, Mrs. Sung Ee Moon and Mrs. Harumi Tawaragi, and held a meeting with the Chuncheon Women's Organisations Council.
The meeting was moderated by Mrs. Sung Ee Moon, followed by welcoming remarks from Mrs. Chu Young-yi, Chairperson of WFWP Gangwon Special Autonomous Region. Mrs. Ki Yeon-ok, Chairperson of the Chuncheon Women's Organisation, gave a congratulatory speech, while Mrs. Choi Young-sun, President of WFWP Korea, delivered an encouraging speech. Dr. Paris Moon presented a report on international activities, and Mrs. Harumi Tawaragi reported on activities in Chuncheon.
The meeting also included the participation of several chairpersons from women's organizations in Chuncheon, including Mrs. Lee Ok-hee (Chairperson of the Chuncheon Korea Freedom Federation), Jang Mi-hwa (Chairperson of the Chuncheon Korean Unification Women's Union), and Mrs. Kim Jin-ok (Chairperson of the Green Railway Volunteer Group). These leaders introduced their organizations and discussed their global solidarity activities with WFWP.
After the meeting, the participants visited and toured the Ethiopian War Memorial in Gongjoseon, Chuncheon. They were welcomed by KFF officials and watched a film on the establishment and history of the Ethiopian War Memorial. A detailed briefing by Mr. Cha David, Director of the Ethiopiabet Association, informed participants about the sacrifices made by Ethiopia's veterans and victims for freedom. The group paid tribute to these heroes.
The participants also visited the Chuncheon Daejeon Peace Memorial Park in Geunhwa-dong, where they laid wreaths, cleaned up the environment, and honored the freedom-defending spirit of the heroes of the Chuncheon Daejeon War.
The visit of the WFWP International Vice Presidents to Korea, honoring the first WFWP volunteers, engaging with local women's organizations and honoring historical sites, underscored WFWP's enduring global impact over the past three decades. Celebrating this milestone reaffirmed their commitment to fostering global solidarity and peace, highlighting WFWP's ongoing dedication to building a more united world.
