FATMA RESHAD

Yemen – The World Women’s Peace Conference, organized by the International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG), was held in Cheongju, South Korea. The conference, held under the slogan “Beyond Conflicts: Women’s Leadership Toward Peace and Healing”, brought together more than 800 women leaders, politicians, activists, and civil society representatives from 44 countries. The event emphasized that women are not only victims of conflicts but also the builders and sustainers of peace.

Women representatives from Yemen also participated in the conference. Yemeni journalist Ahlem Selam, attending through the organization Media Women for Peace, was honored by IWPG with the title of “Peace Ambassador” for her efforts to spread a culture of peace through media. In addition, Faiza Abdulrab Salim, Deputy Minister of Culture of Yemen, received a plaque of honor for her contributions to peace-oriented projects for women, youth, and children.

The role of women in peacebuilding

Speakers at the conference stressed that women are active agents in peacebuilding. Under the slogan “We are the builders of peace”, women leaders from conflict zones delivered direct messages to the world. One of them was Mali’s former minister, Bouaré Bintou Founé Samaké.

Examples such as the Mindanao experience in the Philippines and the integration of peace culture into military institutions in Mongolia were discussed to show how women transform conflict zones into areas of healing and peace. The importance of peace education and its institutionalization was also emphasized to ensure the sustainability of peace across generations.

As part of the conference, a workshop titled “Peace Family”, with the participation of 90 women leaders, was held. In this workshop, practical strategies to strengthen the role of women in achieving lasting peace were discussed. The event also featured cultural activities and art exhibitions, and the conference was broadcast live in eight languages.

Na Young-jun, President of the International Women’s Peace Group, stated that the gathering of women leaders from different countries under one roof despite wars and conflicts provides a valuable ground for producing practical solutions for lasting peace.