Women as the Turning Point for Peace
Written by: Flory Ledwaba
On October 22, 2022 Women’s Federation for World Peace Africa launched the regional Global Women Peace Network (GWPN) with the theme: “Women as the turning point for Peace.” As many as 60 WFWP women leaders in Africa participated in the event. The aim is to bring together the worldwide WFWP community to reach out and collaborate with high-level peace-loving women and organizations. This launch is also in honor of the tenth anniversary of the ascension of the WFWP Co-founder, Rev. Sun Myung Moon, who at his last public appearance before his passing inaugurated the Global Women Peace Network together with his wife Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon on July 16, 2012. The event aimed to expand and develop WFWP 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 establishing a world of peace.
The Global Women’s Peace Network (GWPN) aims to solve pressing social issues and secure an environment for equitable human development. It seeks to ensure lasting peace and prosperity for generations to come. Continuous conflict in different parts of the region has been taking place for years. Women and children are the most affected by the instability caused by these conflicts. Through GWPN, WFWP Africa will join forces with many organizations and individuals working for peace in the region and beyond.
The virtual event featured the inaugural speech of the founder Dr. Sun Myung Moon which Mrs. Marthe Whyte read. A recorded video message by the elegant WFWPI President Dr. Julia Moon was played. Whyte said “it was her hope and desire to support our founder and share her burden of creating one global family under God. She implores all women from all walks of life to work together to bring a world of lasting peace.”
Mrs. Evelyn Chimfwebe the Subregional Director of southern Africa said in her welcoming remarks that great accomplishments happen when women support each other greatly women can bring a peaceful Africa. It is time to celebrate women leaders who are actively working in the community.
Mrs. Bernadette Fogue, WFWP Africa Education Director, presented the Global Women Peace Ambassador’s Award, an award to honor the achievements and service of individuals for the benefit of others. Lastly, Hon. Erinah Rutangye of WFWP Uganda read the resolution of the GWPN Africa. Mrs. Carroline Mulanga congratulated everyone on the launch of the GWPN in Africa. The event closed with a prayer by Mrs. Albina Tanui of WFWP Somalia and cheers of victory.
