Healing through Solidarity: IWPG’s Major Breakthrough at UN CSW70

Bridging Addiction, Peace, and Justice—How Women’s Networks are Transforming Conflict Zones

A Milestone for Women’s Global Leadership

The 70th Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW70) in New York reached a powerful crescendo on March 17, 2026. The International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG), led by Secretary General Gyeong-nam Choi, concluded its impactful itinerary by hosting two high-level international sessions.

These events were not just meetings; they were a showcase of how IWPG has expanded its cooperation across continents—from the African Union (AU) to the Turkish government—proving that women are the primary architects of a more resilient world.

Resilience in Conflict: Moving Beyond Victimhood

At the Church Center for the United Nations (CCUN), IWPG co-hosted a groundbreaking NGO forum titled "Women’s Peace Leadership in Conflict-Affected Areas: Resilience and Change." The session was a collaboration with the International Network of Liberal Women (INLW) from the Netherlands and Green Crescent from Türkiye.

Secretary General Gyeong-nam Choi delivered a keynote address that challenged traditional narratives. She argued that women must no longer be viewed simply as "victims" or "beneficiaries" of peace. Instead, they are the central agents of reconstruction. To achieve sustainable peace, Choi proposed three critical transitions:

• Perception Shift: Recognizing women’s inherent leadership.

• Expansion through Solidarity: Connecting local initiatives to global networks.

• Institutional Integration: Reflecting the "voices of the field" in high-level policy-making.

"We do not speak on behalf of women; we empower women to speak for themselves," Choi stated, emphasizing IWPG’s commitment to authentic representation.

The "Anchor" Effect: Empirical Evidence from 5 Conflict Zones

One of the most compelling segments of the forum was presented by Kyeong-mi Lee, IWPG Strategy Team Leader. She revealed results from in-depth interviews with women in five major conflict-affected regions, including Yemen, Ukraine, and Myanmar.

The research highlighted a remarkable "Ripple Effect." Women who underwent Women’s Peace Education didn't just find personal healing; they became "anchors" for their communities. By practicing non-violent communication in refugee camps and war zones, these women rebuilt trust and organized local peace initiatives. Lee emphasized that for this grassroots leadership to sustain itself, international platforms must provide a structured support system.

Addressing the "Hidden Crisis": Women and Addiction

In a separate Side Event at UN Headquarters, IWPG addressed a critical public health issue: Behavioral Addictions in Women. Co-hosted by the Permanent Mission of Türkiye to the UN and the Drug Free America Foundation (DFAF), the session explored "Women-Friendly Public Health Responses."

The takeaway was profound: Isolation fuels addiction, while connection fuels recovery. Using a case study of a woman from South Sudan, Secretary General Choi illustrated how the trauma of war often leads to addiction, and how the "IWPG peace network" provides the social safety net necessary for long-term recovery.

A Network Without Borders

The activities at CSW70 demonstrated that IWPG’s role has evolved into a multi-dimensional peace platform. By addressing everything from legal justice and conflict resilience to public health and addiction, IWPG is proving that peace is an all-encompassing human right.

As an NGO with UN ECOSOC and DGC status, and with 115 branches in 122 countries, IWPG is no longer just dreaming of peace—it is building the human infrastructure to make it a reality.

Source: https://buly.kr/uVq3P8