On August 9, 2024, the Union of Latin American Parties (UPLA) Women’s Network convened at the Hilton Garden Inn in Montevideo, Uruguay, to address the pressing issues facing women deprived of freedom. Among the distinguished speakers was Psychologist Nibia Pizzo, the president of Global Peace Women (GPW) Uruguay, who shared insights and data that highlighted the challenges and potential pathways for rehabilitating incarcerated women in Uruguay.

During her presentation, Pizzo revealed alarming statistics about the prison population in Uruguay. Over the past two years, the overall prison population in the country has surged by 32%, with a notable 16.8% increase in the female prison population in just the last year. These figures reflect broader social and economic challenges, including the intersection of gender, poverty, and crime, particularly drug trafficking, which is the most common offense leading to the incarceration of women in Uruguay.

The GPW Uruguay chapter has been working diligently for the past two years to support and uplift women in prison. Collaborating with professionals from various disciplines, the chapter has focused on understanding the unique challenges these women face. Pizzo’s presentation shed light on the specificities of the incarcerated female population, emphasizing the importance of tailored interventions that consider the complex factors contributing to their arrest.

The presentation sparked significant interest among the Latin American delegates present, including several deputies and senators from various states across the continent. The discussion centered on how to effectively project positive changes for incarcerated women and reverse the trends leading to their imprisonment. The need for holistic approaches that address the root causes of crime, such as poverty, lack of education, and limited economic opportunities, was underscored as essential to creating lasting change.

Global Peace Women (GPW) has long been committed to promoting peace and fostering a culture of empathy and compassion through its various initiatives worldwide. The work of the GPW Uruguay Chapter is a prime example of how we seek to empower women, even those in the most vulnerable situations, by providing them with the tools and support they need to rebuild their lives.

Through our work, we strive to empower and ensure that all women, regardless of their circumstances, are given opportunities to grow, learn, and contribute positively to society. By addressing the unique needs of incarcerated women and working to reduce recidivism through education, vocational training, and psychological support, GPW Uruguay is contributing to a more peaceful and just world. GPW Uruguay is helping to transform the lives of incarcerated women, offering them hope and a path to a better future. This work not only benefits the women themselves but also contributes to the broader goal of creating a more peaceful and equitable society for all.

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In August 2024, Área Mujer, a joint program between Global Peace Foundation Paraguay and Global Peace Women, hosted a pivotal webinar titled “The Democratic Leadership of Women: Advancements and Challenges.” This engaging discussion, featuring María Angélica Cano Radil, explored the evolution of women in leadership, their roles in shaping democratic societies, and the cultural and institutional challenges they continue to face. With participants from across Latin America and beyond, the webinar emphasized the importance of women’s leadership in creating inclusive, equitable governance.

In her opening, María Angélica Cano Radil highlighted that leadership, though widely studied, remains a concept that defies easy definition. Drawing from her experiences and leadership studies, she emphasized that leadership is not merely about authority but about guiding groups toward shared objectives. Women, historically excluded from public leadership roles, are now breaking barriers and contributing to democratic processes through empathy, collaboration, and a holistic approach to problem-solving.

María Angélica’s analysis resonated with the concept of leadership as a learning process. She shared that, while charisma and certain innate traits may aid leadership, many of the skills needed—such as public speaking, strategic planning, and negotiation—are learned.

“This is significant for women aspiring to leadership roles, especially in spaces traditionally dominated by men,” she said.

The challenges faced by women leaders are deeply entrenched in societal structures. Despite progress, patriarchal norms persist in many spheres, limiting women’s participation in politics and leadership. As María Angélica explained, the cultural obstacles women face are more insidious than legal or institutional barriers, which have been slowly dismantled over time. Even today, women are often judged not on their capabilities but on superficial aspects such as appearance or stereotyped as being more effective when silent. This cultural violence is a major hurdle for women seeking leadership roles​.

The struggle for gender equality in leadership is also compounded by economic factors. Women often lack access to the same resources as men, particularly when it comes to campaign financing. Without significant financial backing, many women are excluded from political races or are forced to fight twice as hard to be recognized.

Despite these challenges, significant strides have been made in placing women in leadership roles. As María Angélica explained, the feminization of politics represents more than just increasing the number of women in power—it brings a fresh perspective to governance. Women leaders tend to prioritize policies around care, social welfare, and community development, contributing a more compassionate and empathetic approach to politics​.

Women’s participation in politics has grown over the past century, spurred by significant global events such as the World Wars and the Industrial Revolution. These events forced women into public roles and contributed to their growing presence in the workforce. Today, their participation is recognized not only as a right but as essential for the health of democratic systems​.

María Angélica’s presentation was not only a reflection on the state of women’s leadership but a call to action. For women to fully participate in democratic leadership, societies must confront the cultural barriers that still persist and recognize the innate value of both men and women. The responsibility also lies with women to support one another and create networks that enable them to thrive in political and leadership spaces.

Global Peace Women advocates for women’s leadership in peacebuilding, governance, and community development. We work to empower women to lead in their families, communities, and countries by fostering partnerships and providing training that equips them with the tools needed to succeed in leadership roles. Championing women’s leadership remains vital in ensuring that the next generation of women leaders can build on the progress made and continue to push for a world where democratic leadership reflects the diversity of its people. As María Angélica Cano Radil pointed out, female leadership is not just an act of justice—it is a necessity for the survival and thriving of democratic institutions.

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September 9, Nigeria—Global Peace Foundation (GPF) Nigeria worked in collaboration with Bethel Candle of Hope for the Vulnerable to host a two-day capacity-building workshop for women and youth leaders themed “Nonviolent Communication and Leadership Skills” in the Hayin Banki community. This initiative aimed to equip participants with valuable peacebuilding tools and promote responsible leadership within families and communities.

The workshop theme strongly resonated with GPF Nigeria’s partner; Global Peace Women’s (GPW) mantra is “Peace Begins in the Home.” Through this lens, participants were encouraged to view nonviolent communication as a powerful conflict-resolution strategy, essential for nurturing peace at every level—from the family unit to society at large.

Mrs. Lois John Joseph Hayab, wife of the GPF Nigeria country director, delivered a powerful and insightful talk emphasizing the role of women in peacebuilding. She highlighted the importance of collaborative partnerships in creating strong family foundations, instilling values, raising children with integrity, and, most importantly, prioritizing self-care. Her message struck a chord with many women in attendance, sparking meaningful discussions about how women can be the drivers of peace and stability within their homes and communities.

The workshop elicited heartfelt reflections and feedback from women, many of whom left feeling empowered and ready to implement the lessons learned.

Lucy Abbas, a mother of three, shared how the message of Peace Begins in the Home has inspired her to cultivate healthier and more collaborative relationships within her family. She now feels more equipped to foster peace, not just within her immediate household but also in her extended family.

Jamila Abdullahi, a middle-aged participant, reflected on how timely and practical the training on nonviolent communication had been. On the second day of the workshop, she intervened in a potential altercation between local youth, using the techniques she had learned to de-escalate the situation. Her gratitude to GPF Nigeria was palpable, and she expressed hope that more support would be extended to orphaned children in her community.

Amina Ahmad Usman, a grandmother, recalled the days when family values were deeply ingrained in society. Mrs. Hayab’s message reminded her of how communities once collaborated to raise children and uphold moral standards. She emphasized that the loss of these values has led to instability in today’s society and advocated for a return to these principles.

Mary Onyenagwa, known as “the mother of hundreds” due to her long-standing commitment to teaching Bible studies to children, reiterated the need for women to embody peace. As she put it, “We can’t give what we don’t have.” Her statement encapsulated the essential role of inner peace for women aiming to be active participants in peacebuilding efforts.

The two-day workshop was a value-packed event, offering participants not just skills and knowledge, but also a renewed sense of purpose in their roles as leaders. Aisha Yakubu, the Project Leader for Global Peace Women Nigeria, was also in attendance and reiterated the importance of the “Peace Begins in the Home” message, further galvanizing the women to take action within their communities.

This workshop marks a significant step toward fostering nonviolent communication, responsible leadership, and collaborative peacebuilding efforts in Kaduna State, with a focus on empowering women to take an active role in shaping a more peaceful society. Read more about GPW’s work in strengthening families.

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In an era where the aging population is rapidly increasing, the protection of older individuals has become a significant concern for policymakers and human rights advocates. Área Mujer, a group organized by the Global Peace Foundation and Global Peace Women, hosted a pivotal webinar in July titled, “National and Regional Legal Framework for the Protection of Older People,” shedding light on the current legal measures in place and exploring the gaps that need to be addressed to ensure a dignified and secure life for the elderly.

The webinar brought together experts from various fields, including legal practitioners, human rights advocates, and representatives from governmental and non-governmental organizations in Paraguay and beyond. The discussion primarily focused on the existing national and regional legal frameworks that aim to safeguard the rights of older people.

One of the key points highlighted was the diversity in legal protection across different countries and regions. While some nations have comprehensive laws that cater specifically to the elderly, others rely on broader human rights frameworks that may not fully address the unique challenges faced by older individuals. The inconsistency in legal protections often leaves older people vulnerable, especially in regions where ageism and elder abuse are prevalent.

Despite the existence of legal frameworks, the implementation and enforcement of these laws remain a significant challenge. Speakers at the webinar emphasized the need for stronger mechanisms to ensure that laws are not just theoretical but are actively upheld in practice. This includes training law enforcement and judiciary officials on the specific needs of older people, increasing awareness among the elderly about their rights, and ensuring that there are accessible legal recourses for those who face abuse or neglect.

Moreover, the cultural context in which these laws are implemented plays a crucial role. In many regions, traditional beliefs and societal norms may conflict with the principles enshrined in legal frameworks, making it difficult to enforce protections for older people. The webinar participants highlighted the importance of community-based approaches that involve educating the public and working with local leaders to change harmful attitudes toward aging.

Another significant aspect of the webinar was the discussion on regional cooperation. Given the global nature of aging and the common challenges faced by older people worldwide, there is a growing need for cross-border collaboration. The webinar highlighted successful regional initiatives where countries have come together to create standardized legal protections for the elderly, sharing best practices, and supporting one another in implementing these measures.

Advocacy was identified as a critical tool in pushing for stronger legal protections. The role of civil society organizations like Área Mujer is essential in raising awareness, lobbying for legal reforms, and holding governments accountable. Through sustained advocacy efforts, there is potential to influence policy changes that prioritize the well-being and dignity of older people.

The Área Mujer webinar served as a crucial platform for sharing knowledge and strategies on enhancing the legal protection of older individuals. The discussions emphasized that while progress has been made, there is still a long way to go in ensuring that all older people, regardless of where they live, are protected by robust and effective legal frameworks.

By focusing on the legal protection of older people, the discussions reflect Global Peace Women’s (GPW) broader commitment to strengthening family and community structures. GPW’s work often emphasizes the importance of intergenerational solidarity and the protection of the most vulnerable, making the exploration of national and regional legal frameworks for the elderly a natural extension of our ongoing efforts to foster a more compassionate and peaceful society.

As the global population continues to age, the urgency of these issues cannot be overstated. It is imperative that governments, civil society, and communities work together to create an environment where older people are respected, protected, and given the opportunity to live out their later years in peace and security.

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The first day focused on youth sensitization under the theme “Say NO to Drug Abuse.” Held in partnership with the Peace and Reconciliation Committee of the Hayin Banki Community, the event provided a safe platform for young people to engage directly with community stakeholders, including representatives from the Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency. The discussions centered on the challenges faced by the youth, particularly the perils of drug abuse, and explored strategies to overcome these obstacles in pursuit of a peaceful and drug-free society.

GPW Nigeria, represented by Project Leader Aisha Yakubu, actively participated in the discussions, emphasizing the importance of early intervention and the role of families in preventing drug abuse. By engaging with the youth and community leaders, GPW Nigeria discussed the need for collective responsibility in guiding the younger generation towards positive life choices.

The second day featured a town hall meeting that brought together community stakeholders, including women and youth, for an in-depth dialogue with security agencies. Facilitated by GPF Nigeria, this dialogue aimed to strengthen collaboration between the community and security forces to create a peaceful and secure environment. A key focus of the discussions was the role of women in promoting or undermining peace within the community.

GPW Nigeria highlighted the essential role of women in peacebuilding, sharing about the “Peace begins in the home” campaign, which spotlights women as important caregivers and community influencers. Women leaders are uniquely positioned to instill values of peace and conflict resolution from the family unit and expanding outward to their communities. This message resonated strongly with the participants, who expressed eagerness for further engagement with GPW to build the capacity of women in peacebuilding efforts.

The final day was dedicated to engaging the community of people living with disabilities in Kaduna State. Themed “The Role of People Living with Disabilities in Peace Building,” the event attracted significant participation from women, children, and other relevant stakeholders. GPW Nigeria again emphasized the foundational message that peace begins in the home, advocating for the inclusion of people with disabilities in all peacebuilding activities.

During this event, GPF Nigeria’s Country Director, Rev. John Joseph Hayab, proposed initiatives to collaborate with GPW Nigeria in empowering women living with disabilities. This partnership aims to equip these women with the tools and skills necessary to contribute meaningfully to peace and development in their communities. This approach will complement GPF Nigeria’s broader goals by ensuring that peacebuilding efforts are inclusive, recognizing the critical roles of women, youth, and marginalized groups such as people living with disabilities.

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The Korean Dream 10 Million Campaign is an ongoing, four-year initiative, aiming to raise 10 million Korean Dreamers by 2025. This grassroots movement, spearheaded by Koreans and supported globally, advocates for peace, unification, and freedom on the Korean Peninsula. The campaign envisions a Korea free from division, exemplifying peace that will resonate across the world. Families and communities are a cornerstone of this vision, and this challenge offers them a way to take meaningful action.

The Korean Dream Family Challenge saw families of Sunshine family Volunteers (SFV) who believe that peace begins in the home actively participate, across eight countries, reflecting the campaign’s global reach. The participants hailed from: Bangladesh, Cameroon, Japan, Nepal, Nigeria, Philippines, South Korea and USA. Through creativity and teamwork, families explored ways to embody and promote the principles of peace that underlie the Korean Dream—peace, not only for Korea but for the entire world.

The Challenge culminated in an award ceremony scheduled for 28th September at 1 PM UTC, where three top winners were recognized for their outstanding contributions:

1. First Place: Anang Christy Ijang, from Cameroon

2. Second Place: Dalyop Daniel David, from Nigeria

3. Third Place (Joint Winners): Sotonye Christy Jackreece Smith from Nigeria and Shanti Tamang from Nepal

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