International Women's Day event
Written by: Mrs. Roswitha Giuliano
The International Women’s Day event, organized by the Women’s Federation for World Peace (WFWP) in Latin America, was a transformative celebration of the strength, resilience, and leadership of women across the region. The event was expertly hosted by our Regional Secretary General, Andrea Fayad, providing a platform to highlight WFWP’s ongoing efforts in Latin America and the Caribbean to promote values education, ethical leadership, and peacebuilding.
The event showcased WFWP’s pivotal role in fostering social change through educational programs focused on values, ethical leadership, and community development. These initiatives empower women and youth to become agents of change within their communities. Workshops, conferences, and community activities have become essential tools for inspiring individuals to lead with integrity, compassion, and responsibility.
The event also honored the tireless efforts of women throughout Latin America and the Caribbean, celebrating their commitment to building stronger communities. It emphasized how leadership and education are central to social transformation. Deep gratitude was expressed to the peace ambassadors and regional leaders whose presence underscored the event’s significance.
A compelling video, prepared for a side event at the Commission on Drugs and Crime in Vienna, was shared. The video focused on youth resilience, family dynamics, and the transformative work of WFWP in Latin America and the Caribbean. It highlighted WFWP’s programs centered around values education and emotional well-being, which have made a tangible difference in communities. In Argentina, WFWP has led values-based education for over 20 years, addressing essential topics such as sexuality education and addiction prevention. In Santo Domingo, interactive workshops have been empowering young people to build moral principles and self-awareness. In Mexico, WFWP’s digital educational programs have supported students and families, fostering resilience and personal growth. The in-person conferences also provided a platform to discuss critical issues like violence prevention, emphasizing the importance of family values in overcoming societal challenges. The video underscored how WFWP’s character education programs are consistently nurturing and shaping leaders committed to fostering a culture of peace, responsibility, and ethical leadership. These transformative programs play a crucial role in building a more compassionate and harmonious world, empowering individuals to create lasting, positive change in their communities.
Mrs. Celia Zaduski, Vice President of WFWP Brazil, delivered heartfelt welcoming remarks, setting an inspiring tone for the event.
During the event, the MC emphasized the urgent need for collective action to build a better world through the cultivation of values, leadership, wisdom, and compassion. She honored the incredible work women are doing in their communities to create positive change and acknowledged the guidance of WFWP co-founder Dr. Hak Ja Han, whose vision of a peace-centered culture continues to inspire global efforts.
A core message of the event was the call for both women and men to step forward as leaders of change, promoting peace through maternal love, dialogue, and understanding. It also underscored the critical role of female leadership in transforming families, communities, and societies at large.
Prof. Gloria Dantas, Director of Subregion 2, read a powerful message on behalf of Senator Elsa Capillera. In her message, Senator Capillera highlighted the invaluable work of women in the region and emphasized the critical importance of their leadership in social transformation. She acknowledged the efforts of everyone involved in the event and reaffirmed the commitment to strengthening women’s roles in all aspects of society. Senator Capillera’s words resonated deeply with participants, emphasizing the importance of unity, peace, and empowerment.
March 8th marked a significant day to remember the struggles and achievements of women in the fight for equality and empowerment. A call was made for everyone to contribute to building peace and unity through love and reconciliation. Empowerment through true love was identified as a cornerstone in creating a peaceful and harmonious world. Mrs. Capillera highlighted the progress made with women holding key positions in ministries in the new government, marking a step toward gender equality. While much work remains, the increasing representation of women in decision-making positions is an encouraging sign.
She also celebrated the crucial role of women in mediation and community rebuilding efforts, acknowledging that their often invisible work has been vital in healing divisions and fostering peace. The event echoed the words of Nobel laureate Malala, celebrating the inspirational power of women and their ability to effect change through simple, everyday actions, such as a smile.
Following Senator Capillera’s speech, participants were divided into breakout sessions to engage in focused discussions. Each group addressed a different topic essential to creating a more peaceful world:
Building Peace in the Family and Community, moderated by Sonia Turpo of WFWP Dominican Republic.
Intercultural and Interreligious Dialogue, moderated by Mrs. Rosario Lopez, President of WFWP Peru, and Mrs. Yudith Guillen, Director of Subregion 3.
Female Leadership in Social Transformation, moderated by Mrs. Ana Zuñiga, President of WFWP Costa Rica.
Each group then shared concrete, actionable strategies for local implementation in their communities, drawing from their unique experiences in the field. Many of the presenters were new guests, deeply inspired by the event's inclusive atmosphere, which brought together women from diverse regions, cultures, and religious backgrounds. Their passion and enthusiasm reflected the power of this gathering in fostering cross-cultural connections and inspiring collective action.
The event concluded with powerful closing remarks by Mrs. Roswitha Giuliano, Regional President. She expressed profound gratitude for the heartfelt testimonies shared by the breakout groups. These testimonials, revealing how participants had overcome adversity and contributed to their communities, were a powerful reminder of the collective strength and determination to create a better world.
