Women's Voice for Peace (WFWP Asia)

Written by: Christine Rose Bulayo

In commemoration of the 71st anniversary of the Korean War, the WFWP Asia Pacific 1 hosted a webinar titled “Women’s Voice for Peace” with the main topic being “The Role of Women in Conflict Resolution and Peacebuilding.” The Korean War began 71 years ago in 1950. What is still unknown to many is that the war concluded with an armistice, meaning the two divided Koreas are still not at peace, despite being populated by people with a common history, culture and language.
The webinar was conducted on June 25, in Bangkok, Thailand, and had brought together a total of 1,148 peace advocates from not only Asia, but from all corners of the world.
First, a promotional video introducing WFWP was shown, followed by a welcoming address by Mrs. Julia H. Moon, President of WFWPI. Mrs. Moon highlighted the lessons from “Mother of Peace,” the memoir of Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, co-founder of WFWP. She shared how feminine qualities can help in the pursuit of the reunification of Korea, which is key to creating a peaceful world.
Congratulatory Remarks were given by Mrs. Kamoltip Phayakvichien, President of WFWP Thailand. Next, there was a musical performance by a group of Thai youths who performed Thai music with “Arirang” song accents, which emulated the rich culture of Thailand. After the musical performance, the event transitioned to the panelist discussion.
The first panelist was Mrs. Huwaidiyah Pitsuwan Useng, Member of Parliament (2001-2005). Mrs. Useng shared great insights on how the narrative shifted from women being mere victims of violence to gradually becoming the backbone of peace-building efforts.
Mrs. Meenakshi Sharma, President of WFWP India, called for women to empower and support other women of their locality and surroundings. By providing women necessary education and training, it can contribute to a world of peace and happiness.
For a brief intermission, a musical performance was led by a famous singer from the China Symphony Orchestra, Zhang TianFu, and a well-known Chinese soprano, Wang Shu. They performed a beautiful duet praising love and beauty while showcasing China’s beautiful culture.
The third panelist, Dr. Geetha Govindasamy, Senior Lecturer at the Department of East Asian Studies, University of Malaysia, shared points from the UN Security Council Resolution 1325. Dr. Govindasamy stressed the importance of including women in decision-making, as well as involving women in the peace process. She shared how encouraging it is to see that several women activists have been involved in initiating dialogues in the peace process of the two Koreas.
Lastly, Ms. Chang Jingjing, Vice President of the Marketing Department of Beijing Film Academy Education Center, concluded the discussion. Ms. Jingjing explained how women play an important role in family education and influencing children to build a culture of peace, starting from the family and gradually expanding to the society, nation and the world.
The Q&A session that followed, brought an informative and inspiring discussion which allowed a platform for the speakers and participants to engage. The last entertainment of the night was performed by Ms. Mehreen Mahmud, President of WFWP Bangladesh, as well as an internationally acclaimed multi-talented, multi-genre and multilingual vocal artist. Her performance was accompanied by an instrument named Dhol (a percussive instrument similar to drums).
Mrs. Vipa Thaveetermsakul, International Vice President of WFWP Asia Pacific 1, expressed her gratitude to the speakers, audience and working committees as she delivered the Closing Remarks.
The webinar was hosted by a Youth member of WFWP Asia Pacific 1, Ms. Kahee Dhakal.
WFWP Asia Pacific 1 wants to contribute and provide a platform for prominent women leaders in the Asia Pacific and the world, to give voice to women and explore different approaches and strategies to reunify and bring peace to the two Koreas. Through this webinar, WFWP Asia Pacific 1 hopes that women can be informed and empowered in learning that women have a role to work together with men in the peace building process.