By Amin Kef (Ranger)
In a recent press release, the International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG) disclosed its active participation in the 68th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), held at the UN Headquarters in New York. Led by Sujin Park, Regional Director of Global Region 5, IWPG delegates engaged in significant dialogues with international women leaders, including the Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs of Sierra Leone, highlighting cooperation strategies for peace, gender equality, and global women’s solidarity.
The UN CSW serves as a vital platform where governments, alongside international and non-governmental organizations, convene annually to discuss policies aimed at empowering women and advancing their rights. This year’s session, themed ‘Accelerating the empowerment of all women and girls through gender-responsive approaches to ending poverty, strengthening institutions, and financing,’ attracted delegates from across the globe to exchange insights and practices.
During the CSW, Sujin Park had a constructive meeting with H.E Isata Mahoi, the Minister of Gender and Children’s Affairs of Sierra Leone. Discussions centered around IWPG’s initiatives, particularly its ‘Women’s Peace Education’ program and the ‘Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW).’ Minister Mahoi pledged to advocate for the significance of the DPCW among Sierra Leone’s leadership, affirming her commitment to collaborate with IWPG’s peace efforts.
Moreover, IWPG representatives held discussions with Aruna Naik, CEO of the India Development Foundation (IDF), who expressed interest in participating in IWPG’s peace initiatives. Naik, a keynote speaker at the NGO Forum hosted by IWPG, emphasized the importance of global women’s solidarity in achieving peace and gender equality.
Reflecting on the CSW experience, Sujin Park expressed her pride in IWPG’s international recognition, and underscored the organization’s commitment to peace-building efforts worldwide. As an accredited NGO with the United Nations, IWPG operates globally, collaborating with over 660 partner organizations across 121 countries.
The engagement at the UN CSW signifies IWPG’s dedication to fostering a culture of peace and advancing women’s empowerment on a global scale. Through continued collaboration and advocacy, IWPG aims to contribute significantly to the realization of sustainable peace and gender equality worldwide.
