United Nations Office Newsletter Summer 2018

United Nations Office Newsletter Summer 2018 United Nations Office Newsletter 2018 Global Women’s Peace Award Ambassador Anwarul K. Chowdhury Honored for Lifelong Commitment to Women’s Empowerment March 17, 2018 - New York, NY CONTENTS UN HQ in New York Ambassador Anwarul K. Chowdhury-------- 1 Rural Women and Girls------------------------- 1 Engaging the Rural Family --------------------- 2 CSW62 Highlights------------------------------- 9 UN at Geneva Gender Pay Gap---------------------------------- 3 Women and Global Migration ----------------- 3 UN at Vienna Partnerships for Gender Equality ------------ 4 Girls, Not Brides--------------------------------- 4 Support Strategic Chapters Taiwan---------------------------------------------- 6 Ivory Coast---------------------------------------- 7 Horizon Summit Bridging Generations of Peace Leaders — 11 (left to right) Alexa Ward, Prof. Yeon Ah Moon, Ambassador Anwarul K. Chowdhury, Carolyn Handschin Upcoming Events --------------------------------12

Ambassador Anwarul K. Chowdhury is the Former another without being unpleasant, without Under-Secretary-General and High Representative of being violent, without being disrespectful, WFWPI & IOM CSW62 Side Event the United Nations. The 2018 Global Women’s Peace without neglect, without prejudice. Once we Award was presented to Ambassador Chowdhury on are able to do that, we are able to take the next Fostering Hope for Rural March 17, 2018 during WFWPI’s Horizon Summit step forward in building the culture of peace. Women and Girls in New York City. The following is an abridged excerpt We need to focus on empowering the individual of Ambassador Chowdhury’s acceptance speech. To so that each one of us becomes – individually March 14, 2018 - Japan Society, NY read the full, unabridged transcript, please visit our – an agent of peace and nonviolence. By Julia Handschin website. The essence of the culture of peace is its On March 14, 2018, during the 62nd I am deeply moved by the honor bestowed on message of self-transformation and its message session of the UN Commission on the Status me as the recipient of the 2018 Global Women’s of inclusiveness, of global solidarity, of the of Women (CSW), the UN Office for the Peace Award presented by the Women’s oneness of humanity. Let us remember that the International Organization for Migration Federation for World Peace International work for peace is a continuous process. Each (IOM) and WFWP International (WFWPI) co- (WFWPI). I am touched by what the Board one of us can make a difference in that process. sponsored the side event, “Fostering Hope for of Directors of WFWPI said. In conveying Peace cannot be imposed from outside; it must Rural Women and Girls Through Integration the decision, they mentioned that the Award is be realized from within. and Education: Challenges and Impact.” being presented “in recognition of your lifelong commitment to the empowerment of women and for your leadership in the UN that resulted in the adoption of the groundbreaking UN Security Council Resolution 1325, on Women “ Unless women are engaged in advancing a and Peace and Security, in 2000.” My sincere thanks go to all of you for that. culture of peace at equal Peace is integral to human existence – in levels at all times with everything we do, in everything we say and men, sustainable peace in every thought we have, there is a place for peace. We should not isolate peace as something will continue to elude us. separate. We should know how to relate to one Chowdhury continued on page 2 Hope continued on page 5

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UN HQ in New York WFWPI & Guild of Service Co-sponsor CSW62 Parallel Event Engaging the Rural Family: The Vital Role of Education Vision Statement March 16, 2017 - Church Center for the UN, New York City Women working together to realize one global family rooted in a culture of sustainable peace.

Mission Statement Empowering women as peacebuilders and leaders in the family to transform the community, nation and world. Through e d u c a t i o n , a d v o c a c y, p a r t n e r s h i p , reconciliation and humanitarian service, WFWPI aims to create an environment of peace and wellbeing for future generations and people of all races, cultures and religious creeds.

Carolyn Handschin - Editor-in-Chief Yeon Ah Moon - Publisher Sungmi Orr - Editor, Layout & Design Christina Lange - Distribution Meera Khanna, Executive Vice President of the Guild of Service in India

This newsletter is published by the By Grace Prentice-Jung floor of the Church Center for the United United Nation’s Office of the On March 16, 2018, WFWP International Nations in New York City. There was a friendly Women’s Federation for World Peace Int’l co-sponsored a parallel event with The Guild atmosphere as members of different women’s 4 West 43rd Street of Service as part of the 62nd Session of the NGOs and participants of CSW62 greeted New York, NY 10036, USA UN Commission on the Status of Women each other. (CSW62) on the theme “Engaging the Rural Ms. Krista Smith, a recent graduate of the New York, USA: unoffice@wfwp.org Family: The Vital Role of Education.” The University of Bridgeport’s College of Public Geneva, Switzerland: unofficegeneva@wfwp.org speakers shared their insights on the role and International Affairs, served as emcee and Vienna, Austria: unofficevienna@wfwp.org and importance of education and sustainable co-chair of this event. She invited Ms. Meera methods of supporting rural communities. Khanna, Executive Vice President of the Guild www.wfwp.org The event started in anticipation as around of Service in India, to open the program. 135 people filled the room on the second Parallel Event continued on page 8

Chowdhury continued from page 1 One soul-stirring inspiration that I have experienced from my work for the culture of peace is that we should never forget that when “ W hen women join politics, they want to I would ask you – the young of today – to look into yourselves. In a world where material pursuits are the be-all and end-all of human endeavor, find a real space for spirituality in women – half of the world’s seven plus billion people – are marginalized, there is no chance do something. W hen your life. In your eagerness to get something quickly, never ever sell your soul. I am confident for our world to get sustainable peace in the real men join politics, they that you will make every effort to rid yourselves sense. It is my strong belief that unless women want to be something. and your fellow men and women of the evils are engaged in advancing the culture of peace of intolerance and prejudice, ignorance and at equal levels at all times with men, sustainable selfishness that compel us to repeat the cycle peace will continue to elude us. I will emphasize here that none of the 17 of discrimination, prejudice and violence. SDGs will make headway in any real sense, until Women bring a new breadth, quality and we make progress in realizing the objective of balance of vision to a common effort of women’s equality and empowerment. Gender moving away from the cult of war towards equality is a fundamental matter of human the culture of peace. I believe wholeheartedly rights, democracy and social justice and is also that women’s equality makes our planet safe a precondition for sustainable growth and and secure. sustainable peace. Empowering women’s political leadership Let me reiterate that I am proud to be a will have ripple effects on every level of society. feminist. All of us need to be. That is how When politically empowered, women bring we make our planet a better place to live for important and different skills and perspectives all. We should always remember that without to the policy making table in comparison to peace, development is impossible, and without their male counterparts. I underscore often development, peace is not achievable, but Professor Yeon Ah Moon, WFWPI President, and Ambassador Anwarul K. Chowdhury that when women join politics, they want to without women, neither peace nor development DO something. When men join politics, they is conceivable. want to BE something.

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UN at Geneva The Gender Pay Gap Can We Make Equal Pay a Reality? March 26, 2018 - United Nations Library, UN Office at Geneva Day by hosting a discussion on the subject called “The Gender Pay Gap: Can We Make Equal Pay a Reality?”. Olga Algayerova, United Nations Economic Commission for Europe “ At the current rate, it will take over 100 years (UNECE) Executive Secretary and Under- Secretary General, who also participated in to close the gender pay the 2017 Zero Tolerance to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) Conference in Vienna gap. organized by WFWP, made opening remarks. She declared that “the most difficult change value for men and women. Member States needs to take place at the individual level.” She may accomplish this through legislation, (center) Perm. Rep. of Iceland to the UN at Geneva continued, “Only if we, men and women, are or rather the introduction of a system for By Yesung Prevost-Kim willing to challenge norms and cultures, will we wage determination via collective bargaining Gender discrimination and segregation is an make equal pay a reality.” agreements. Women working in the UNECE issue affecting the majority of women around Christine Löw, Director of the UN Women earn on average only 18.2% less than what men the world through unequal labor possibilities, Liaison Office in Geneva, argued that societies make. This gender pay gap continues despite development in the professional sphere, and tend to value sectors dominated by women less the acknowledgment of the principle of equal women’s wages compared to men. Women not than those dominated by men. Consequently, remuneration. At the current rate, it will take only have lower salaries but lower pensions. In despite the Equal Remuneration Convention over 100 years to close the gender pay gap. order to have the same pension after retirement, ratified by 90% of the International Labour Iceland has been ranked as the globe’s most women have to work an average of ten years Organization’s (ILO) members, the gender gender-equal country by the World Economic longer than men. wage gap in the world stands at 23%. The Forum for nine years running. On January 1st, On March 26th, 2018, the United Nations goals of the Equal Remuneration Convention 2018, Iceland became the first country in the Library in Geneva commemorated Equal Pay is equal remuneration for work of equal Equal Pay continued on page 10

Women and Global Migration Root Causes and Innovative Solutions February 23, 2018 - UN Office at Geneva By Je-ok Presser and Carolyn Handschin Terribile, and the Ambassador of Italy, H.E. is a need for more platforms (like this) for WFWPI partnered with eight NGOs to host Mr. Maurizio Enrico Serra, all whose countries honest exchange,” he said. “How civil society a conference on “Women and global migration: are being highly affected by migration. looks at migration will give a better picture Root causes and innovative solutions” at the to the government but also civil society can

“ UN in Geneva. This forum was conceived as an understand the mandate of authorities.” opportunity to bring governments, experts and The first session, “Factors affecting practitioners together to debate and compare Migration is as old as Migration Flows,” facilitated by NGO CSW their knowledge, evidence and best practices. Differences in regional dynamics and growing humanity itself…[it] is President, Simone Ovart, gave space for NGO representatives from Zonta International, complexities made this forum more urgent not a threat. Ocaproce International as well as Bangwe than ever. The debates touched on different & Dialogue to discuss recent causes of areas, including the causes of displacement, Ambassador Serra pointed out that women displacement and to state the reality of the the relationship between migration and the and children are the most vulnerable and are situations in their fields of work. Mrs. Sonja labor market, remedies for better integration often forced to take dangerous routes to arrive Hoenig Schough, International President in the host countries, and the influences of in Italy. She said that possibilities need to be radicalization, all cross-cutting with migrant provided, such as work permits, residence women. permits and for migrants to learn the local Speaking to a packed room, the Director culture. Education is a paramount factor for General of the UN Office at Geneva, Mr. dignity. Therefore, investment in capacity Michael Moller, began his opening remarks building, local development and resilience is by reminding the audience that migration is crucial. Ambassador Terribile described how as old as humanity itself and that migration is the people of his nation have been working on a not a threat, but xenophobia is. Additionally, he long-term strategy to guarantee full integration. stressed that accurate statistics are crucial when Thousands of lives have been saved by their talking about migration. Opening Remarks maritime patrols. The Italian Ambassador were also given by the Deputy Permanent responded to a question by WFWP about Representative of Morocco to the UN, Mr. partnership and the gap the government Migration continued on page 10 Boukili, the Ambassador of Malta, H.E. Olaph expects civil society to fill in this crisis. “There

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UN at Vienna Activism Against Gender-Based Violence Girls, Not Brides After discussing the issue and its causes, the November 28, 2017 - Vienna International Center, UN Office at Vienna panel explored solutions. Raising awareness of the cultural norms in various places was By Amelia Riehl-Schnorr The reports given reflected on the worldwide deemed important in ending the child bride An event was held at the Vienna International dire situation of girls being forced into situation. The legal age of marriage for girls in Center in acknowledgement of the “16 Days marriage. This issue has strong cultural and many countries is 15 or 16, but researchers have of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence” traditional roots in patriarchal communities, found that most girls in childhood marriages campaign. Sonja Wintersberger, Deputy poverty, lack of opportunities and education, are under 15 years old. It was also discussed Director of the United Nations Information insecurity and social and gender norms. that local women leaders should be involved Service (UNIS) in Vienna, gave the welcoming The speakers emphasized that there are many in the process of preventing child and forced remarks and introduced the speakers and consequences that affect the girls who are put marriages. Policies and strategies must be panelists. into this situation. Some of these consequences incorporated into international laws. Another Participating in the debate was Margit include domestic violence, early death, health point mentioned in the panel discussion is Fischer, Former First Lady of Austria, President risks, fertility issues, unwanted pregnancies, that girls with higher levels of schooling are of the Science Center Network and President and, in general, a loss of childhood. less likely to marry as children and therefore of the Austrian Women’s Council. Panelists education plays a key role in preventing child

“ at the event included Zoe Birchall, Global marriage. It was noted that men and boys must Advocacy Focal Point for Girls Not Brides, also be involved in discussions and events and Kapila Gupta, President of the International Researchers have be given the opportunity to actively reflect on Inner Wheel in India, Sonja Hoenig Schough, President of ZONTA International, Viviane found that most girls girls’ rights. There are several organizations and private Tassi Bela, Gender and Human Rights Expert in childhood marriages initiatives that developed projects and programs in Cameroon, and finally, moderator Martina Gredler, Chair of the NGO Committee on are younger than 15 to allow girls to live in a safe environment. In these programs, girls have the opportunity to the Status of Women Vienna as well as UN years old. receive education and learn their rights. Representative for Soroptimist International.

NGO CSW Vienna, ACUNS & WFWPI Hold Conference on SDG5 & SDG17 Partnerships for Peace Meets Gender Equality January 20-22, 2018 - UN Office at Vienna

Among the panelists was Angela Me, Director Angelika Kessling, Head of Corporate of Research at the UN Office on Drugs and Communications at Robert Bosch AG, Crime. She shared that in order to be a leader encouraged everyone to strive for excellence in your field, it is beneficial to know “what you and to be clear about what they want. Kessling need,” “what helps” and “what is difficult.” also advised everyone to create opportunities, Having faced the reluctance of men to accept in addition to just taking opportunities. She also her authority, she had to be willing to take stated that having a clear “love it, change it, or risks and leave her comfort zone to become a leave it” mantra is useful in determining what is leader. In Ms. Me’s experience, it helps to have important to you and then helping you decide a supportive family and to find someone who whether it is in your realm of control or not. is willing to open up opportunities for you. Ms. By Amelia Riehl-Schnorr Me explained that the challenges involved on ACUNS (Academic Council of the United a path to leadership include recognizing that Nations System), together with the support of everyone has a learning curve and that being WFWPI and other members of NGO CSW willing to ask for help is also difficult. She in Vienna, organized a conference in January encouraged everyone to follow their passion 2018 on developments around Gender Equality and to take ownership and authority over (SDG5) within the framework of Partnerships their lives. for Peace (SDG17). Christine Muttonen, former President of the The event was well attended, with a large Organization for Security and Co-operation percentage of the audience being under 25 in Europe, spoke of changes needed in the years old. Both days held engaging panels on political sphere, saying, “Women bring a gender In her closing remarks, Heba Essam El-Din gender equality and female empowerment from perspective to the table and can educate others El-Sayed, an Egyptian alumna of UNODA’s the viewpoint of politics, health, education, about the needs of women and girls.” She also (UN Office for Disarmament Affairs) Women’s technology, research, communication and touched on security implications of climate Scholarship for Peace, reminded everyone not more. change, the role of culture as a peacebuilding to underestimate the value of expressing love One of the highlights of the conference tool and management’s responsibility to and genuine concern for those around you was the panel on “My Path to Leadership.” support work-life balance for men and women. throughout your career and life.

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New York continued… Hope continued from page 1 The event took place in the auditorium of the Japan Society, across from the United Nations Headquarters in New York City. The “ Children can fly if we give them wings. building’s incredible architecture of wooden ceiling panels to the serene water fountain in human behavior, social relationships, the foyer seemed a fitting metaphor of the hope experiential learning and decision-making. at the center of the event’s theme. The hope of this revolutionary discovery for Professor Panter-Brick is to establish a system of effective programs that will guarantee guest speakers. She expressed how fitting it proper access to child education. “There is no was that this event coincided with the UN life without hope,” she concluded. “Children debates on the Global Compact for Migration, can fly if we give them wings.” expressing her belief that partnerships with like-minded people and organizations could make the impact migration needs. According to Prof. Moon, by working together in harmony, through love and shared responsibilities, hope can be returned to those vulnerable in displaced Ms. Maryam Farooq, a pre-med student communities. at SUNY Westbury in New York, served as After a resounding applause from the emcee and welcomed the audience, promising audience, the emcee invited the panelists up an informative session on the scientific and to the stage one by one to give their different educational approach of human rights for rural perspectives and methods for instilling hope in women and girls. She invited two guest speakers rural women and girls. As the final panelist, Ms. Moriko Hori, to give the opening remarks: Mr. Ashraf El President of WFWP Japan, gave a presentation Nour, Director of the UN Office for IOM; on the organization’s project with the Karen and Professor Yeon Ah Moon, President of tribes in Thailand. The project assists young WFWPI. girls of the tribe by giving them easier access to education. Ms. Hori detailed how WFWP Japan assists in school management, building facilities and providing temporary foster parents for young girls who live too far from school. “Twice a year, I take young Japanese girls to these villages so they can see these young girls from the Karen tribe,” shared Ms. Hori. “In CSW, rural The first panelist, Dr. Sakena Yacoobi, women are said to have many bad experiences, who greeted the audience with a few words in but to see that these girls in Thailand have more Arabic, emphasized how vital education was in energy than the young Japanese girls offers a In Mr. El Nour’s statement, he acknowledged giving hope to young women. As the founder the instrumental role of CSW in the protection moving perspective on education.” and CEO of the Afghan Institute of Learning of women’s rights, which documents women’s (AIL), she stressed the importance of giving lives and uses those resources as tools for young women more opportunities for training advocacy. Despite the vulnerable position that to showcase and hone their skills. She insisted women find themselves in, Mr. El Nour is that the support for women’s rights must come hopeful that women are capable to resist and not only from government or men, but also remain resilient to the shocks that come with from the community. Dr. Yacoobi emphasized survival during migration. He adamantly shared that breaking away from old traditions that that people need to take more initiative to plan undermine women’s rights is necessary. In effective programs benefiting rural women. her closing statement, she said, “Women of Prof. Yeon Ah Moon thanked Mr. El Nour Afghanistan are really progressing…They will for his statement and shared how humbled she take on whatever challenges come their way!” felt to be in the presence of such esteemed Professor Catherine Panter-Brick, Professor After a rich question and answer session with of Anthropology and Global Health at Yale the panelists, the event came to a close with a University, whose research specializes in human loud round of applause from the audience. resilience and health impacted by conflict, Elisabeth Giuliano, a member of WFWPI, shared her realization that programs relating reflected, “For me, in order to achieve women’s to child education and development have to be equality, it is necessary to have them assured unpacked and examined to bring long-lasting of the basic services, such as security, access results. She described a method of tracking to technology and education. The only way to which programs were most effective in easing achieve that is by involving not only the women stress by analyzing a single strand of hair. She themselves, but also their families and their has successfully tracked stress levels affecting communities.”

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Support Strategic Chapters

WFWPI Co-Founder, Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, is putting emphasis on nations with a potential for appreciable development. Regional and global support of these strategic chapters is essential for their continued growth. Over the next few editions, our newsletter will highlight these thirteen nations, hoping that from amongst our readers, there may be ideas for networking and resource-sharing with the national WFWP chapter. Contact details are listed and they would surely be delighted to hear from you.

Taiwan With the dawning of the era of women, Taiwan has an important role to play. As society changes and with the advancement of women’s rights, Taiwanese women have made extraordinary contributions and achievements in both the private and public sector. WFWP was officially registered as an international women’s organization at the Ministry of the Interior in Taiwan in 1992. Since its founding, WFWP Taiwan has dedicated itself to uniting women who will take Youth Leaders Empowerment Camp co-organized with International Forum on Women’s Economic action for the moral education and healing of National Taiwan Normal University Empowerment families and their society. WFWP Taiwan was the first women’s organization to start an AIDS prevention project in Taiwan. Over the past 25 years of this project, WFWP Taiwan has been formally recognized by the government for their efforts in AIDS prevention, as well as their anti- smoking campaigns. In 1999, Taipei Municipal Library appointed WFWP Taiwan as “Lifelong Learning Co-organizers.” WFWP Taiwan has also consecutively received the “Excellent National Service project at a children’s home in Confucius’ Anti-Smoking Campaign press conference and awards People’s Organizations” by the Ministry of the hometown in Shandong Province, China ceremony co-organized with New Taipei City Interior. Their anti-smoking campaigns have reached over 70,000 students.

WFWP Taiwan’s 3 Main Areas of Focus 1. Safeguarding health and character education for youth 2. Women’s empowerment and the Happy Family Training Program 3. Women Entrepreneurs Charity Platform & women’s economic empowerment Happiness Family Empowerment Program at Taoyuan WFWP Taiwan board members WFWP Service Center WFWP Taiwan hopes to establish the Global Women’s Peace Center in Taiwan to provide a platform for broader international cooperation and resource sharing. By helping women in need in developing nations and offering vocational training for women, WFWP Taiwan hopes to empower women and youth to promote peace and have greater autonomy over their lives.

For more information, please contact Lily Lin at taiwan@wfwp.org. Launch of WFWP Taiwan’s Innovative Development WFWP’s 25th Anniversary Celebration & Happy Family Plans of 2018 Awards Ceremony in Taipei

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Taiwan & Ivory Coast Ivory Coast WFWP was established in Ivory Coast, also Since early 2017, WFWP CI’s priority has of Higher Education and Scientific Research. known as Côte d’Ivoire, in 1992 and officially been to improve the health of the general WFWP CI is also working with women in registered in February 1994. population, whose life expectancy is 53 years rural areas to raise their awareness of certain WFWP CI’s (Féderation des femmes pour old. issues, such as the importance of prenatal and la paix mondiale Côte d’Ivoire) programs are WFWP CI collects used clothes and makes neonatal visits in health care centers. centered on leadership training for women and donations to women’s associations and Partnerships have been established with girls, education for peace and reconciliation, orphanages. Quarterly blood donations are other women’s associations and NGOs, service projects, AIDS prevention education, organized in collaboration with the National strengthening WFWP CI’s reach and impact. an awareness campaign to prevent underage Center of Blood Transfusion. Since 2013, the “Hak Ja Han Moon Trophy” pregnancy in schools, technical support, and WFWP’s signature “Bridge of Peace” has been awarded to women who exemplify the medical assistance. ceremony has been carried out several times leadership and lifestyle of WFWPI’s co-founder Their signature “character education” to bring together conflicting communities as a model for women in Ivory Coast. This sessions are given in schools and different locally, offering a chance for reconciliation program is gaining more and more support localities to raise awareness of HIV/AIDS, and collaboration for peace and development. from community leaders. abstinence and underage pregnancy, all with Ambassadors for Peace, an honor given to WFWP CI’s greatest hope and future plan the aim of creating a healthy nation. those whose efforts have actively contributed is to establish a training center for girls and WFWP CI gives lectures and offers training to a peaceful society, have included female agricultural projects to help women out of to women on the qualities of feminine journalists and several ministers: the Minister poverty. leadership, which emphasizes fidelity as a of Women, Child Protection and Solidarity; For more information, please contact Hélène critical component to family stability and social and the Minister of Environment, Cleanliness Yessoh at cotedivoire@wfwp.org. harmony in the country. and Sustainable Development and the Ministry

Minister of Environmental Safety and Minister and wives of ministers attending WFWP CI event (center) Deputy Mariame Traore Sustainable Development

Ministers receiving WFWP CI’s charter (center) Ms. Ahoussou, wife of the Minister of State WFWP CI 25th Anniversary Celebration

Associations who received donations from WFWP CI WFWP CI clothing drive Cleanup service project at Abobo Town Hall

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New York continued… Parallel Event continued from page 2 Dr. Bishnu Maya Pariyar, founding by listening to their stories. Children’s education President of the Association of Dalit Women is not only a child’s issue, she stated, but also a Ms. Khanna acknowledged that we are Advancement in Nepal, was welcomed next family one. Through intergenerational learning all “comrades on the path to women’s to expound on her experience working with with families, Dr. Barrueco believes that empowerment” and expressed her delight at Dalit women and children in Nepal through children can learn and develop in a holistic and creating new bonds with WFWPI and young micro-funding, education, empowerment ultimately more successful way. women. She launched into a description of and sustainable farming. Dr. Pariyar shared India’s challenges and barriers, such as how the moving and emotional story of her rural 69% of the population is illiterate, that there upbringing in Nepal, one of challenge and is a very high level of violence against women, humiliation. However, through the support of and that women, especially rural women and her loving family and the Peace Corps, she was girls, are marginalized in society. Ms. Khanna able to transform her life through education. “It passionately spoke of the key role of education was suffering,” she said. “[However] I turned and how it intersects with the aforementioned that to love and power!” challenges. She drew attention to the way we conceptualize “education” – that education does not only exist in the classroom, but how indigenous “barefoot knowledge” is also The final panelist was a young professional very important. “This makes sense because who is a doctoral candidate at Yale University, traditional knowledge is [also] knowledge,” Ms. Maile T. Phillips. She shared her experience said Ms. Khanna. The audience applauded in the Peace Corps in Sierra Leone with a enthusiastically as she said, “There is an girls club initiative. The club focused on their absolute paradigm shift! The way we educate empowerment and educational themes of goal- in India is changing.” setting, leadership and sexual and reproductive health. Through working with the families of these young girls and their community, Ms. Through her inspirational story, she Phillips was able to encourage more girls to highlighted the power of practicing a logic attend school. of love in her own life and work. Dr. Pariyar passionately shared how she started her organization in order to help those who are marginalized, especially by gender. “Education is human rights!” she exclaimed. “We want to make sure that no one is left behind!” Dr. Pariyar’s ardent delivery ignited the audience The next speaker, Ambassador Isaiah into vigorous applause, especially when she Chabala, former Permanent Representative ended with “Educating the girl is educating the of Zambia to the UN and special advisor to whole community.” the NGO CSW NY Committee on Spirituality, The next speaker, Dr. Sandra Barrueco, Values and Global Concerns, gave his address an Associate Professor of Psychology at In closing, Ms. Alexa Ward, Director of by first acknowledging his faith and warmly the Catholic University of America, spoke WFWPI’s UN Office in New York, explained spoke about all of us being “one human about her intervention approaches for young how this event was primarily organized by family.” Ambassador Chabala focused on what ethnically and linguistically diverse children and a young adult team from WFWPI, which we can do rather than on the challenges of families in the United States, including migrant included the emcee, Krista Smith, co-chair those in rural communities. He spoke about and seasonal farm workers from Mexico. Maryam Farooq, Dustin Knoblauch, and Naria his experience after retiring as Permanent Garder, who were met with great appreciation Representative, feeling called to social justice from the speakers and participants. ministry to advocate for orphans and widows who were in need, and to promote the empowerment of women within the UN. Ambassador Chabala confidently stated “I’ve become a women’s activist” and stressed the need to meditate and go back to God to become activists ourselves.

Dr. Barrueco highlighted the success of a family-focused, multi-generational approach, such as English as a Second Language classes After the event concluded, there was a warm, for families. Migrant worker families have inspiring atmosphere of support and solidarity complex and multifaceted challenges. Many among those present. The guest speakers and of these families suffer from depression, participants shared and took pictures, leaving an emotional pain, displacement, and lack of time impression that creating an intergenerational, with their children. According to Dr. Barrueco, collaborative spirit is the way forward. it is important to empower women and families

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CSW62WFWPI Highlights

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Geneva continued… Equal Pay continued from page 3 Migration continued from page 3 “Women are like teabags. They only know their strength when they get in hot water.” Ms. world to introduce an equal pay law, making Zonta International, depicted the importance Sharma’s personal motto is, “Everything I do it illegal to pay men more than women for of communication and that migrants be should make a difference.” a job of the same value. Harald Aspelund, provided with accurate information in order to

“ Permanent Representative of Iceland to the make decisions on migration routes, as well as UN in Geneva, who was among the first women knowing their rights and how to make diplomats to take paternity leave, declared, “How would I explain to my children that I appeals. Princess Micheline Makou Djouma, Chief Executive of Ocaproce International, Women don’t want had the right to take paternity leave but decided promoted Independence of African countries. tokenism, but real parity not to?” He also emphasized that changing One speaker from the audience put forward social norms contributes to equal pay and the issue of protecting and preventing torture where their voices can gender equality. He shared, with a smile, that on migration routes, especially for women and influence. the experiences he had during paternity leave children. Trauma from human rights violations were the best of his life. in transit countries needs to be reported and Mr. Patrick Taran, President, Global healed and mental health support offered in Migration Policy Associates, provided the host countries if integration is to succeed. audience with a reality check based on statistics The second session on “Innovative and his 35 years of experience in the field Solutions” was chaired by Carolyn Handschin, of migration. Forty percent of Genevans NGO CSW Vice-President and Director of are migrants, he reminded the audience. He the UN Office for WFWPI, who mentioned believes that sustainable development depends the many programs to welcome, educate on migration. Mr. Taran’s current focus is on and integrate migrants in Europe that have designing policy frameworks for successful been created by her NGO, were sparked by migration and integration, of which he says the compassion of local women. Ms. Gloria the possibilities are endless. His publication, Every year, women in Switzerland lose in Moreno-Fontes Chammartin, Specialist in Cities Welcoming Refugees and Migrants offers total 7.7 billion CHF (8.7 billion USD) through Migration Policies, International Labour important input to this discussion. Migrants discriminatory wage deals. By holding public Organization, gave several statistics on the need support to be able to organize themselves and private sector employers accountable for labor force participation of migrant women in to collectively define their needs and advocate ensuring equal pay, Switzerland is taking action host countries, showing multiple discrimination for their contribution in society. toward eradicating this disparity. Sylvie Durrer, and their need for protection. Successful The final speaker, Dr. Brian Grim, President Director of the Swiss Federal Office for of the Religious Freedom & Business Gender Equality, emphasized the importance Foundation, concluded the session by showing of data and presented the “LOGIB,” an online videos of their projects, which he called local tool that allows Swiss companies with 50 and level peacebuilding. He works closely with more employees to self-assess their gender the Business for Peace Platform of the UN pay gap. Global Compact. He explained how soccer Sue Johnson, Senior Manager, Inclusion programs for refugees are building bridges with and Diversity Consultant at PwC, maintained community members, encouraging individuals that it is in the best interest of the private to become peacebuilders in their own local sector to close the gender pay gap. Indeed, community and creating real opportunities businesses that provide affordable childcare, for integration. feasible parental leave as well as transparency migration opportunities can foster women in reporting on the gender pay gap will increase migrant workers’ empowerment, providing engagement and motivation of their workers as them with the necessary confidence to change well as improve the company image. inequalities, as well as their economic and social position. She believes that empowerment

“ Equal work should be compensated fairly – does not imply dominion, but rather new opportunities for autonomy and improve their capacity to take responsibility for others. Ms. Madi Sharma, entrepreneur and Member of the European Economic and Social period. Committee, expressed the need for policies to be created by women to drive change and Solutions to remedy the issues surrounding The gender pay gap is a major issue that protect the people and planet. Ms. Sharma migration exist as never before. World raises many ethical questions for modern stated that most policies have been designed governments and a growing part of civil society society, of which fairness is an essential key. by men and that women don’t want tokenism, have already committed to the 2030 Sustainable This basic notion of justice is what underlies but real parity where their voices can influence. Development Agenda, a well-thought-out my concern about the disturbing trend of the She continued that empowerment is not roadmap that holds tangible potential to widening gender pay gap. Equal work should qualification and qualification does not make ending forced migration and increasing be compensated fairly – period. This is more women elite. She encouraged the audience to prospects for cohesive communities, creating than just a women’s issue. It affects the families be change makers, calling women to action. dignified livelihoods and engaging youth for and children who rely on a woman’s income. She shared a famous Eleanor Roosevelt quote. its continuation.

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Horizon Summit: Rising Side by Side Bridging Generations of Peace Leaders An intergenerational gathering dedicated to fostering peace leadership March 18-19, 2018 - New York City Participants held hands and repeated power- giving mantras to one another and left with tools and inspiration that they, too, could make a difference on the international stage.

Ms. Margaret Williams, Senior Peace and Security Officer at the World Federation of United Nations Associations in New York, led a session entitled “Advocacy: Building out a strategy,” which outlined the factors necessary Panel discussion on peace leadership at the 2018 Horizon Summit to consider when creating an advocacy strategy. The session was insightful and casual. The By Grace Kellett and Hanabeta Deshotel and Dr. Sakena Yacoobi, Founder and CEO participants introduced themselves, making Over the weekend of March 17 and 18, 2018, of the Afghan Institute of Learning, offered it clear that many in the room already had a WFWP International (WFWPI) and WFWP their thoughtful insights and experiences specific issue in mind, from creating a girls’ USA co-sponsored the Horizon Summit in in this growing body of expertise. In their mentoring group in Philadelphia, to advocating New York City. The summit brought together presentations on their current peacebuilding on behalf of the mentally ill in Australia. Ms. over 100 participants from 25 countries. work, each speaker reinforced the importance Williams kept her session relevant to the issues Originally started in 2016 as a young women’s of that same core element mentioned in expressed in the room, making the hour feel leadership program, the Summit has grown Professor Moon’s statement. more like a working meeting than a theoretical into an intergenerational gathering dedicated After lunch, there was a brief presentation lecture. Participants were left feeling better to fostering peace leadership. This year’s on WFWPI internships, after which guests equipped and motivated to put this strategizing theme was “Rising Side by Side.” The panel had the opportunity to attend two one-hour into action. and discussions highlighted the necessity for capacity-building sessions given by various inclusiveness and collaboration. peace leaders and activists. Professor Yeon Ah Moon, President of WFWPI, opened the Summit with her characteristic grace and charm. Her caring heart for the future of the global family was apparent when she reminded participants, whom she “ One plus one is two, but side-by-side, that addressed as “my family,” that what is most needed in peace leadership today is love. makes eleven. The morning’s panel on “Peace Leadership” composed of Ms. Carolyn Handschin, Director Ambassador Suzan Johnson Cook, the first of the UN Office for WFWPI, Ambassador female and African-American U.S. Ambassador Suzan Johnson Cook, Ms. Prativa Khanal, Dr. Thomas Ward, Vice President and Dean for International Religious Freedom, is a of the University of Bridgeport’s College of Cora Weiss Peacebuilding Fellow at the poised and polished woman who dynamically Global Network of Women Peacebuilders, Public and International Affairs, impressed shared her life experiences. Her session, participants with his expertise and first-hand “Women Brokering Peace with Protocol, knowledge of global affairs, as well as his warm Professionalism, and Power” was attended and diplomatic bearing. He offered a practical by women seeking to “up their game” and toolkit for analyzing real-world conflicts, transition to the next level of leadership. focusing on the North Korean nuclear issue. Ambassador Johnson Cook gave her nine Participants were guided through a practice of principles for becoming that higher-level utilizing these tools and making sense of where game-changer, gleaned from her years of often and when such conflicts can be influenced for being the only woman at the decision-making a more positive outcome. table. As the ambassador said, “One plus one is two, but side-by-side, that makes eleven.” Horizon Summit continued on next page

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that came across as the clear foundation for

D O N AT E E M P O W E R W O M E N . E N D P O V E R T Y. all her work. On Sunday, March 18, the participants were Since 1994, WFWPI volunteers have been providing able to choose from four different tours in New York, including the FDR Presidential Library women and families financial and educational tools and East Garden Museum. They returned to to break the cycle of poverty. Give the gift of knowledge. 4 W 43rd St. for the closing program and a Women’s Federation for World Peace Int’l Korean dinner. 4 West 43rd Street, New York, NY 10036, USA Checks payable to WFWP International or Donate Online For more information, search Biennial Report at www.wfwp.org WFWPI is a 501(c)3 Non-Profit Organization

Horizon Summit continued from page 11 the exercises that she promptly declared her intention to conduct the same exercises with her team at home. Ms. Ward and Ms. Selle closed the program together, thanking the guests for their participation and sharing their hope that the Horizon Summit offered an opportunity for growth and learning in the participants’ journeys as peace leaders. The core organizing team including Krista Smith, Christina Lange and Sungmi Orr, were welcomed to the stage. Appreciation was expressed for all their Ms. Iris Dotan Katz, a psychologist and an professional and rigorous preparation over the expert on reconciliation, is a woman of palpable period of six months. serenity. She shared in her session, “Mindful Social Action,” principles of Buddhism that she uses both with individuals and families and in her consultations with international organizations. She pointed out that the best results in peacemaking come from beginning with the state of mind of “not knowing” but truly “listening from the heart” to the other person. She led participants in an exercise in which partners acted as “activist” and “client.” As one pair said, it was surprising to realize just how much more connected they felt when the In Dr. Sakena Yacoobi’s session, she chose client was simply listened to and not offered to focus on the topic of “What Works.” Dr. subjective solutions from the get-go. Yacoobi opened the session with a prayer, contributing to the intimacy and warmth felt by those in the room. Dr. Yacoobi emphasised her desire to learn from the participants’ Upcoming Events experiences, making the session an exchange of June 16 Int’l Day of the African Child knowledge and an opportunity to ask questions. June 18-July 6 HRC 38th Session She explained the various facets of her work, from how she engages with the government Aug. 12 Int’l Youth Day to what she looks for in training her staff. Sept. 10-28 HRC 39th Session She explained how to be strategic and fair in Sept. 21 Int’l Day of Peace conducting grassroots work with limited funds. Oct. 11 Int’l Day of the Girl Child However, it was the depth of her conviction Oct. 15 Int’l Day of Rural Women Oct. 16 World Food Day Ms. Angelika Selle, President of WFWP Oct. 17 Int’l Day of the Eradication of USA and Vice President of WFWPI, and Ms. Poverty Katarina Connery, Vice President of WFWP Oct. 24 United Nations Day USA, presented together on “Discovering the Nov. 20 Universal Children’s Day Leader Within.” They led participants through Nov. 25 Int’l Day for the Elimination of exercises in which each woman could come Violence Against Women to understand her own unique strengths and Dec. 1 World AIDS Day talents, and how she could become a strong and impactful “Leader of the Heart.” One Dec. 10 Human Rights Day participant from Nigeria was so moved by

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