Defining and Strengthening Women’s Leadership in the 21st Century Education, Advocacy, Networking - Prague, The Czech Republic

W FWP Int’l in Europe kicked off its three-day event on November 13, 2015, with its first mini workshop session on Young The discussion was chaired by Marcela Rozehnalova, WFWP Czech President, who emphasized the importance of developing people’s internal skills – the Women’s Leadership at the Hotel heart and character of a person – and Olsanka in Prague, Czech Republic. It their external skills. took place on the theme ‘Defining and In order to find ways to effectively Strengthening Women’s Leadership in implement women’s skills into the the 21st Century – Education. society, guest speakers were invited to Advocacy. Networking’ offer insight on female role models and to encourage young women to take more initiative. Among the invitees were Carolyn Handschin, President WFWP-Europe, Rostya Gordon Smith, Human Resources Expert, and Luciana In an interesting turn of events, young Krupickova, a representative of women from the audience were invited Erasmus+Youth. by Rostya Gordon Smith to participate on a brainstorm session/debate. The goal of this session was not only to get the youth thinking, but to also give them the chance to raise their voice regarding issues women have faced up to this day. The wfwp-eu-ck (7) mini workshop session concluded with advocates of peace being presented with Ambassadors for Peace Awards, offered by Yeon Ah Moon, Carolyn Handschin and Marcela Rozehnalova. The second day of our WFWP EU conference in Prague, CZ, Sat 14 Nov 2015, was overshadowed by the attacks in Paris. With heavy hearts, we started the day with a minute of silent prayer to remember our brothers and sisters in France and around the world in the wake of these atrocities, praying for

spontaneously decided to also find a sister they could cross the bridge with. Several sisters shared from their heart why they felt called to join the bridge with their particular counterpart. It was deeply moving. We had sisters from Russia and Ukraine, as well as several Eastern European countries and also France and Morocco, Portugal and Mozambique to name but a few among the group participating on behalf of peace; in the face of hatred and evil. We were also treated to beautiful their nation. We also had two inter- And we could only come to an even musical performances. generational pairs. stronger resolve to work for peace, We are witnessing a Europe in turmoil unity and love. It’s the message of love at the moment with terror attacks and and compassion that the world needs migration crises, and these issues can now, more than ever. only be resolved through strong With such a resolve, we had a full day leadership of both women and men of inspiring speakers, lectures and working together for peace! activities to empower our sisters of all ages and religious and cultural backgrounds to take on the challenges of leadership based on the logic of love. The morning sessions took place under The inter-religious bridge brought the themes ‘Women’s Leadership and together several pairs representing Responsibility’ and Intergenerational Islam and Christianity. This had Partnerships and feminine Leadership’. particular significance as throughout the day the terror attacks of the In the afternoon, the topic of discussion previous days were so much on our was ‘Breaking through the Glass Ceiling minds. in Society and Changing the Leadership Paradigm’. We are deeply concerned about the world going forward, seeing hurt, pain and hatred escalating on a worldwide level. The need to reconcile and build bridges of peace has become an absolute urgency! Seeing all our sisters during this event with such sincere hearts and coming ‘Bridge of Peace’ Ceremony together to help reconcile the hurts of past and present – we could feel hope The highlight of the evening program and renewed determination to let love This was followed by a hands-on on the second day of our WFWP EU be the final victor in this battle! interactive session during which we Conference in Prague, CZ, was a ‘Bridge split up into different break-out groups of Peace’ Ceremony. The Bridge of Peace Ceremony is the to receive practical guidance and tips signature event of WFWP ever since its Our Ceremony in Prague this time on the topic of our choice. founding in 1992. around brought together women from more than 25 different nations and The essence of such a ceremony is to including different religions and create bridges of reconciliation between cultures; and was framed by beautiful sisters (and sometimes brothers) musical performances as well as a whereby two representatives of traditional Czech folklore group. conflicting religions, cultures or nations pair up with the heart and intent to Many guests were so moved by the forgive, and to respect to each other, on spirit of sincerity they could see in the behalf of each of their respective group participants taking part that they that they represent.

spoke about the need for character education in her country, they are educating teachers based on a program called ‘Free Teens’ in connection with AIDS prevention, so the message can be effectively taught in the schools. There was great interest in the program. After an interactive discussion, where the audience was invited to ask questions and comment on the speaker’s presentation, the final session of the day dealt with WFWPI’s future plans and goals. Chaired by Eisabeth Riedl, WFWP European Secretary General, International Affairs, the session invited Brigitte Wada, Vice President of WFWP Europe to present WFWPI’s projects that occurred The symbolic ‘Bridge of Peace’ ceremony interfaith morning meditation/service. during the year 2015. should only be the first step of two women After a musical interlude from Nicole Those included programs that promoted (or men) from opposing groups meeting Turner, Lubica Magnusson, President of the dignity and health of women, on the bridge or stage, approaching each WFWP Slovakia, chaired the next session. programs to celebrate the official UN Days, other with the heart of giving and seeking such as International Women’s Day forgiveness for the wrongs of each of their organized by WFWP Youth at the UK respective religion, culture or nation. They Parliament in London or the International embrace each other as sisters and step Day of Peace; also multicultural as well as forward with the resolve to create unity, inter-religious events that promoted unity peace and friendship. among the different cultures and religions. After this symbolic ceremony they exchange their contact details and exchange a ‘Bridge of Peace’ Pledge. They are encouraged to substantialize this resolve through investing into the This session gave Jack Corley, President of relationship going forward. the Family’Federation for World Peace WFWP has conducted many hundreds of and Unification Europe, and Marcela these ‘Bridge of Peace’ events around the Rozehnalova as well as Lubica Magnusson world in the pursuit of reconciliation and the opportunity to offer presentations our common desire of a world in which based on using effective tools for character building and education. Once Yeon Ah Moon presented her closing every single human being can live in remarks, the event ended on a high note as dignity and wellbeing. While Jack Corley highlighted the WFWP appointed Ambassadors for Peace Third Day importance of family in character to recognise their contribution to peace education, Marcela Rozehnalova The last day of our International WFWP building. emphasized that each and every person is three-day event in Prague began with an More pictures unique as a character. Lubica Magnusson