2022 WFWPI Global Committee Year-End Gathering
Written by: Mion Tsuchiaka
As 2022 drew to a close, the entire world was in a festive mood, hoping for a peaceful year's end, a new resolution, and optimism for a happier and more prosperous new year. In order to express its gratitude to WFWP leaders, members, and colleagues, the Women's Federation for World Peace International convened the WFWPI Global Committee Year-End Gathering on December 20. Around 80 guests from various parts of the world join online to meet with their international friends and co-workers and to celebrate the holiday season with one another. It was heartwarming to see so many people dressed in diverse national and holiday attire, exhibiting their ingenuity and fashion inspiration, in accordance with a “sparkle” or “green” dress code.
Ms. Jacqueline Sou Aber, the emcee from WFWP Burkina Faso, welcomed everyone to the event, which was followed by two hours of interactive entertainment that included a welcoming session, a breakout session, a Christmas raffle, lovely entertainment, enjoyable games and a best-dressed award. Small group discussions before the main event gave everyone a chance to exchange holiday greetings. This was followed by a dance performance from the young people of Cameroon that was vibrant and impressive.
As the young people's dance was broadcast on the screen, the participants couldn't help but sway their bodies while enjoying the music. The questions posed by the moderator served as another icebreaker, "What would you hope to accomplish in 2023?” and "Where would you like to spend this holiday if you could spend it anywhere in the world?” Many participants said in their responses that they wished to visit their families in warm regions. Another participant stated, "I'd like to travel to Africa and personally meet the sisters I've been offering online consulting lessons to all year.”
The following activity, “yuletide pictionary,” required players to draw a picture of the word they were given within 60 seconds while other guests attempted to guess what the word was. It was a challenging but enjoyable experience, and both the audience members and the artists cracked a few jokes.
The highlight of the event was the holiday raffle, which offered amazing prizes including cash, bundles of greeting card designs and KakaoTalk emoticon sticker sets. After eight drawings, Ms. Irmgard Mäntler from WFWP Austria took home the top prize.
For the singing entertainment, there were four separate performances. Ms. Jane Ecsedi and Ms. Angelika Birdsong, two WFWP International Women in Korea (WFWP IWK) members, performed the violin and guitar accompaniment. A young member from Cameroon, Ms. Victoria Gonzales Tching Bobe, sang "O Holy Night" to get everyone in the holiday mood. "Santa Lucia" was performed by Japanese choirs in Europe. The crowd was then amused by the HJ Band, a group of young people from the tropical Philippines, as they performed "Peace Sign" from a well-known Japanese animation. In between the musical performances, the audience voted to determine who was sporting the best dress of the day.
The WFWPI Young Professionals team leader, Ms. Kefilwe Lebepe, was the best-dressed winner and dazzled the audience with her creative and stunning sense of fashion.
The attendees appreciated the time spent together, felt a strong network and connection with the leaders and members of the numerous national chapters and were inspired. Finally, it was time to confirm and reaffirm WFWPI's shared vision to keep spreading the message of love and compassion in life, even when we are apart, in order to bring about global peace.
