WFWPI Year-End Party
Written by: Mion Tsuchiaka
The Women's Federation for World Peace International (WFWPI) hosted a year-end party attended by nearly 200 leaders, members and guests from around the world, to celebrate the holiday season together while giving thanks and honoring the enormous work done throughout the year in different parts of the world. The program was exciting and fun, with a Holiday Raffle, beautiful entertainment, fun games, a Best Dressed Award, and an ugly Christmas photo contest, along with a selection of the best pitches by a young professional.
The moderator and emcee was Mrs. Jacqueline Sou Aber, a native of Burkina Faso. She welcomed all participants and opened the event with Christmas cheer. She then invited the WFWP International President, Mrs. Moriko Hori, to give the Opening Remarks. Mrs. Hori noted that 2023 was a year of challenges for WFWP, but also a year of many accomplishments, including the empowerment of women and children, awareness of environmental issues and the creation of a peaceful environment. Mrs. Hori stated, “Next year WFWPI set three global themes: women peace and security; women leadership through Global Women Peace Network (GWPN); and climate action and environment. Please focus on these themes to fulfill our vision and mission through great activities and partnerships with various organizations and NGOs.” Next, the emcee invited WFWP International Vice Presidents to give congratulatory remarks.
Entertainment was performed by Mrs. Angelika Birdsong and Mrs. Jane Ecstadi, representatives of WFWP International Women in Korea, who performed "Second Realm of the Heart" and won the hearts of the participants with their beautiful singing. Two fun interactive games were played that brightened the mood so that participants could relieve the fatigue of the year and have fun together. The first game was a quiz on "Christmas and WFWP," with questions related to both topics that allowed the audience to learn more about the organization's vision and mission. The second game was "Christmas Yuletide Pictionary" in which a selected person had to draw a word given by the MC and the others had to guess what the drawing was; as soon as the game started, the audience was filled with laughter and smiles and a sense of unity. Before moving on to the prize drawing, the presenter conducted another icebreaker by asking the question, "If you could spend this vacation anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?". The audience was able to share their list of desired travels, including their reasons, most of which boiled down to spending time with family living far abroad or spending time in warmer climates with friends.
The highlight was the nominations and gift-giving to the winners of the holiday raffle and awards show. The holiday raffle gifts included a greeting card design package for 2 people, a Kakaotalk emoji for 3 people, a private session with Dr. Isabel Costa for 40 minutes and a date with the International President. Everyone was thrilled when the names of the participants were chosen round by round. Among the awards were "Best Dressed," "Best Pitch from Young Professionals," "Best Ugly Christmas Sweater," and Announcement of "WFWPI's Most Attended and Engaged Chapter." Through live polls, viewers were able to cast their votes and choose the best of the best. All winners were chosen from different nationalities, showing the diversity of global chapters working together through WFWP.
The final entertainment was from Argentine young professionals Mr. Emi Corales and Mr. Thomas Dantas who added more holiday cheer to the hearts of the people with rhythmic music and dancing.
Each of the participants was satisfied and happy as they shared their thoughts during the reflection. One participant said she was surprised to see how many people from different regions and countries came together at the same time and was inspired to see the faces of longtime friends. Another participant expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to spend this fun time with her international family, making the end of the year more meaningful and happy.
WFWP International Secretary General, Dr. Paris Moon, closed the event by thanking everyone for their participation and involvement in WFWP IHQ projects and activities throughout the year, saying "I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year spent with family and friends; and I hope to see you in 2024 encouraged for a new journey with WFWP!"
WFWP IHQ would like to thank all the leaders, members and volunteers for their continued support and precious work in creating a safe and peaceful world together for our children and families around the world.
