“I Am the Peace”: IWPG Colors 53 Cities Worldwide with the Spirit of Solidarity
This April, the world witnessed a powerful movement led by women. To celebrate the 7th Anniversary of the "April 26 Declaration of World Women’s Peace Day," the International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG) hosted massive commemorative events across 53 cities in 14 countries.
From local grassroots lectures in Incheon to a historic official designation in the United States, the message was clear: "Peace is not something to wait for, but something to create."
🌍 A Global Milestone: Official Designation in Georgia, USA
One of the most significant achievements this year came from Clayton County, Georgia, USA. The county officially designated April 26 as "World Women’s Peace Day," marking the first time a local government has legally recognized this day. This provides a crucial institutional foundation for the women's peace movement to grow within the public sector.
🇰🇷 South Korea: A Tapestry of Local Action
Across South Korea, diverse programs engaged citizens in their daily environments:
Seoul & Gyeonggi: At the Peace Culture Bunker in Dobong-gu, a vibrant cultural festival featured "Worry Doll Making" and fusion traditional music performances.
Gwangju & Jeonlla: A "Peace Talk" was held at the Jeonil Building 245, connecting the spirit of the 5-18 Democratization Movement to the values of community peace.
Incheon (Yeonsu Branch): Bridging peace with lifelong learning, the branch hosted a lecture titled "The Growing Brain Does Not Grow Old," emphasizing that personal growth and mutual respect are the roots of a harmonious society.
Gangwon & Jeonbuk: Citizens sent peace messages through "Peace Postboxes" in 5 cities, while 100 participants in Jeonju Hanok Village combined a "Dance Challenge" with "Plogging" (picking up litter while jogging).
🌏 International Solidarity: Overcoming Obstacles
The spirit of peace knew no borders:
Mongolia: Over 800 people gathered. In the Zavkhan Province, participants completed a 7km Peace Walk despite a heavy storm, proving their unwavering commitment.
Australia & India: Melbourne hosted a network forum on "Women’s Leadership," while Chennai conducted an international webinar on women as the "Architects of Peace and Development."
Europe: Germany held a traditional bell-ringing ceremony, and the Czech Republic hosted non-violent communication workshops in Prague.
💡 Why This Matters: From Recipients to Protagonists
While the UN Security Council Resolution 1325 emphasized the role of women in peace 25 years ago, women’s participation in formal peace negotiations still hovers around 10%.
IWPG is changing this narrative. By promoting the slogan "I am the Peace," the organization empowers women to move beyond being "passive recipients" of protection and instead become "active protagonists" who institutionalize peace in their homes, communities, and nations.
"A single spark of awakening is just a small flame, but when women worldwide unite, it becomes a powerful current that changes the world. You are the peace." — Na-young Hyun, CEO of IWPG
About IWPG
The International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG) is an international NGO with consultative status with the UN ECOSOC and registered with the DGC. With 115 branches in 122 countries and 900 partner organizations, IWPG works tirelessly to realize sustainable world peace through education, advocacy, and global solidarity.
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