Bringing together faith leaders, trainers, and development practitioners committed to restoring the central role of the family in shaping values-driven societies, the meeting reaffirmed a shared conviction that lasting peace and sustainable development begin in the home.

During the meeting, parents were spotlighted as the most important stakeholders in education and in developing models and innovative leaders. “The family is where you mold the product that we hand over to the teachers,” shared Mr. Daniel Juma, GPF Africa regional representative and GPF Kenya country director. This understanding expands education beyond academics to include moral, spiritual, emotional, and social development, dimensions that are best nurtured within the home. Anchored in this vision, the guidebook responds to a clear and growing need identified through monitoring and evaluation: parents are seeking practical, accessible tools to intentionally pass on values to their children.

This initiative traces its roots to the 2024 Global Peace Leadership Conference held in Nairobi, where a call was made for an African renaissance rooted in the enduring strengths of family and faith. Inspired by this vision, and guided by the conviction that “peace begins in the home,” a multi-faith working group came together to develop a resource that empowers parents as primary educators of character. As shared in the GPW International President Hanako Ikeno’s message during the review, the process has been both challenging and deeply rewarding, marked by collaboration, faith, and a shared commitment to future generations.

Over the past year, significant strides have been made. More than 240 Trainers of Trainers (TOTs) have been equipped, with over 5,500 parents already reached through community-based training. Faith leaders have played a pivotal role, leveraging existing structures such as churches, mosques, madrassas, and community gatherings to extend the program’s reach. In both Christian and Muslim contexts, the guidebook has proven highly relevant, bridging traditional parenting approaches with practical, values-based methodologies that resonate with contemporary family realities.

Stories from the field reflect both impact and innovation. Trainers have embraced volunteerism, creatively integrating values education into everyday community life, from organized workshops to informal settings such as weddings and funerals. The emergence of champions like Caroline Muthoni Mbae, a TOT from Embu, Kenya, nicknamed by community members as “Carol wa Values,” highlights the organic growth of the movement, driven by passion, goodwill, and a deep recognition of the urgent need to support families.

At the same time, the initiative has navigated real challenges, including limited resources, time constraints, generational gaps in parenting, and complex social issues such as mental health and identity struggles among both parents and children.

The review meeting provided a critical space not only to celebrate achievements but also to reflect on areas for growth. Stakeholders emphasized the importance of strengthening follow-up with trained facilitators, enhancing monitoring and evaluation tools, and deepening engagement with faith leaders to ensure sustained commitment. There was also a strong call to expand the program’s reach through digital platforms, mentorship systems, and interfaith learning exchanges, as well as to explore policy-level engagement that positions family and parenting at the center of national development conversations.

A recurring theme throughout the discussions was the recognition that parenting is not an individual task but a shared societal responsibility. Families require holistic support, spiritual, economic, emotional, and social, to thrive. Equally important is the intentional preparation of young people for future roles in marriage and parenthood, acknowledging that strong families are built long before children are born.

At its core, the Parents’ Guide to Teaching Children Values in the Family guidebook is more than a manual. It is a movement to shift perspectives, restore dignity to parenting, and re-center the family as the foundation of peacebuilding and nation-building. It calls for a renewed partnership between fathers and mothers, faith leaders and communities, institutions and individuals, all working together to raise a generation grounded in values and equipped to lead.

The values children learn at home often become the way they show up in the world, as neighbors, leaders, and peacemakers. A more peaceful future begins with the people who first teach children what it means to live with kindness, dignity, and respect.

As this initiative enters its next phase, the commitment to grow networks, strengthen resources, and scale impact across communities and nations remains clear. The journey ahead will require continued collaboration, innovation, and investment, but as reflected during the meeting, meaningful change has never been easy, and the stakes have never been higher.

To explore the full Parents’ Guide to Teaching Children Values in the Family initiative and learn how you can be part of this transformative movement, read more here: The Home as the Heart of Africa’s Renaissance: Strengthening Families through Values Education

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In Chiradzulu community, Malawi, where the pace of life often leaves families struggling to connect, Linnes Chamadenga, a Global Peace Women Sunshine Family Volunteer (SFV) noticed a quiet crisis. Parents and children, siblings, and grandparents were drifting apart, their bonds frayed by poor communication, cultural barriers, and the relentless demands of daily life. Determined to mend these ties, Linnes launched the Family Ties Initiative (FTI), a project that would soon transform not just families but an entire community.

Linnes’ inspiration came from a simple yet heartbreaking observation. While working with local families, she discovered that many could barely recall the last time they had shared a meaningful conversation, let alone a moment of joy together. “Ten out of fifteen families told me their biggest struggle was simply talking to one another,” she recalls. “Without that connection, everything else falls apart.”

Linnes designed activities which took place between mid- and end-2024, to bridge these gaps. She knew traditional lectures wouldn’t work, families needed to experience unity. So, she turned to creativity and storytelling, tools as old as humanity itself. One of the project’s most memorable events was during a storytelling session at Muhasuwa Secondary School, which brought together thirty participants, all eager to be part of a session that would strengthen their familial bonds.

Linnes credits much of FTI’s success to the values of Global Peace Women, which inspired her to see families as the foundation of societal peace. “When families are strong, communities are strong,” she reflects, “and when communities are strong, the world changes.”

Now, she dreams bigger: registering GPW in Malawi to expand its reach, partnering with more organizations, and one day, seeing family bonding initiatives in every district. But for now, she cherishes the small victories: the father who now asks his children about their day, the grandmother who finally feels heard, and the families who’ve rediscovered each other, one story at a time.

One participant, Grace, a mother of three, shared how the project transformed her home. “Before, we just coexisted, eating in silence, everyone on their phones,” she said. “Now, we have ‘story nights’ where we share our highs and lows. My youngest even calls it ‘our magic time.’”

The work of Linnes and the Family Ties Initiative beautifully reflects the spirit of Global Peace Women’s Sunshine Family Volunteers, a global movement that empowers families to become beacons of hope in their communities. Just as FTI has transformed lives in Malawi, Sunshine Family Volunteers around the world are strengthening family bonds through service, dialogue, and shared experiences, proving that when families grow stronger together, they become powerful forces for peace. By volunteering side-by-side, participating in intergenerational activities, and modeling compassionate leadership, these families create ripples of positive change that extend far beyond their homes.

Join the efforts to support women peacebuilders like Linnes, donate to the #FuelHerDream campaign, today. Together, we can turn the light of strong families into a sunrise of hope for entire communities.

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Founded on the conviction that peace begins in the home and radiates outward into society, Global Peace Women advances women’s leadership, family-centered peacebuilding, and values-based service as essential foundations for sustainable peace. The Living for the Sake of Others Awards reflect this mission in action, recognizing service as a daily commitment lived out in local communities. As an initiative aligned with the broader vision of the Global Peace Foundation (GPF), the ceremony affirms that lasting peace is rooted in strong families, ethical leadership, and a shared sense of responsibility for the well-being of others.

The evening opened with remarks by psychologist Gimena Pintos, a member of the GPW Uruguay Chapter, followed by welcoming words from the chapter’s president, psychologist Nibia Pizzo. The event brought together civil society leaders and diplomatic representatives, including the Vice Consuls of Angola in Uruguay, highlighting the all-encompassing and international spirit that characterizes Global Peace Women’s approach to peacebuilding.

Four recognitions were presented during the ceremony, beginning with an award to Club de Niños Los Alfareros, a children’s club operating since 2001 under the civil association Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe in the Diocese of Canelones. Located on the grounds of the Domingo Savio Chapel, the club serves children living in situations of high vulnerability and social risk. Through complementary education, homework support, physical education, and values-based activities, Los Alfareros nurtures social cohesion and personal development while meeting essential needs. For many of the approximately 70 children it serves, the nutritious afternoon snack provided by the club is one of the few meals they receive each day. This quiet, consistent service reflects the type of grassroots commitment that Global Peace Women seeks to uplift and recognize as a cornerstone of peaceful societies.

The second award honored Reyes Magos – Paysandú, a volunteer initiative comprising neighbors who come together each year to collect toys and distribute them to children from low-income areas on January 6. Through this joyful tradition, carried out in a spirit of friendship and generosity, the group reaches more than 100 children annually. Their work illustrates how cultural traditions, when grounded in service, can foster belonging, dignity, and shared joy; values central to GPW’s emphasis on strengthening communities through meaningful relationships.

The third recognition was presented to Ms. Zulma Camacho by Dr. Gabriela Peinado for her work through the Honrar la Vida Foundation, which provides emotional support to women undergoing breast cancer treatment at Pereira Rossell Hospital. Her dedication to accompanying women during moments of profound vulnerability speaks to GPW’s focus on care, empathy, and the often unseen labor of compassion that sustains families and communities during crisis.

The final award of the evening was presented to Ms. Angelina Vunge Manuel, an Angolan-born social and political activist residing in Uruguay. Her life story, shaped by early experiences of conflict, displacement, and violence, stands as a testament to resilience and transformation. After immigrating to Uruguay in 1999, she rebuilt her life through determination and service, eventually becoming the first African-born woman elected to Uruguay’s Parliament. In 2020, she founded the Angelina Vunge Foundation to support vulnerable populations, extending her personal journey into purposeful action for others. Her recognition reflected Global Peace Women’s belief in the power of women to transform personal adversity into leadership that serves the common good.

The GPW Uruguay Chapter Living for the Sake of Others Awards, once again, affirmed the Global Peace Women and the Global Peace Foundation’s shared belief that peace is built through everyday acts of service that strengthen families, restore dignity, and inspire communities. By honoring those who live for the sake of others, Global Peace Women continues to elevate service as a powerful pathway to peace.

Learn more about past award winners: Global Peace Women- Uruguay, Hosts the “Living for the Good of Others” Awards Ceremony – VI Edition

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Peace is not just the absence of conflict; it is a mindset cultivated through daily actions and interactions. True, lasting harmony begins at the grassroots level, where individuals take responsibility for resolving disputes with understanding and empathy. A recent peacebuilding initiative in Nepal’s Gulmi District is making significant strides in promoting peaceful dispute resolution.

Between August and December 2024, led by Global Peace Women (GPW) Project Leader Adv. Shristika Bajracharya, with the support of Global Women Dream (GWD) Grant, the project trained women and children in mediation techniques, equipping them with the skills to resolve conflicts in their families, schools, and communities. Over the five months, Shristika nurtured a peacebuilding mindset and equipped women and youth in Nepal with essential skills, empowering them to foster peace within their homes and extend it to their communities.

The project, “Cultivating Peacebuilders through Peaceful Dispute Resolution and Mediation Training” addressed a critical need in the community, where formal mediation services are often inaccessible, and disputes frequently escalate without structured resolution processes. Women, many of whom had no formal education, were given an opportunity to learn practical conflict resolution skills, empowering them to mediate disagreements at home and in community spaces. Children also participated in activities that encouraged them to express their visions of peace, reinforcing the idea that peacebuilding is a collective effort.

Despite logistical challenges, such as language barriers, scheduling conflicts, and unpredictable weather, the project saw remarkable success. Over 290 participants engaged in training sessions, surpassing the initial target of 180. By the end of the program, nearly all participants demonstrated increased knowledge and confidence in mediation. Many took part in role-playing exercises, panel discussions, and artistic expressions of peace. The initiative also fostered partnerships with schools, mothers’ clubs, and local governments to ensure the program’s sustainability beyond the training sessions.

One of the key outcomes was the application of mediation techniques in real-life situations. Participants reported using their new skills to address family disputes and community tensions more effectively. The project’s influence went beyond personal growth, fostering a sense of unity and shared dedication to peaceful co-existence within the community.

Feedback from participants and facilitators highlighted the program’s success. A teacher involved in the training noted how the enthusiasm of the participants made each session engaging and meaningful. The project also provided valuable lessons on adaptability with organizers learning the importance of incorporating visual aids, adjusting schedules based on participants’ needs, and offering small incentives to encourage attendance. Looking ahead, there are plans to expand the initiative to more schools and municipalities, with continued support from community leaders and potential funding partners.

GPW empowers women in peacebuilding by equipping them with leadership skills, conflict resolution training, and opportunities to actively participate in community mediation efforts. Through education, advocacy, and collaborative initiatives, GPW enables women to become agents of change, fostering harmony in their families and communities. By investing in grassroots peacebuilding efforts, this initiative has not only empowered individuals but also laid the foundation for long-term social change.

Join the efforts to support women peacebuilders like Shristika, donate to the #FuelHerDream campaign, today. Together, we can build a world where peace truly begins at home.

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Empowering youth with the skills to lead, communicate effectively, and resolve conflicts is essential for building peaceful and resilient communities. Young people are at the heart of societal change, yet many lack access to the resources and mentorship needed to develop their leadership potential. The ‘Light for Life – Youth Voices for Peace & Freedom’ project, implemented in Dhaka, Bangladesh, by Global Peace Women (GPW) Project Leader Tahmina Akter Supti with the support of Global Women Dream (GWD) Grant, was designed to address this gap by equipping young people with essential life skills in communication, decision-making, and peacebuilding.

Through training sessions, mentorship programs, and community engagement, the initiative provided participants with the confidence and practical tools needed to navigate challenges within their families and communities. Amidst national unrest, Light for Life illuminated the lives of young leaders, equipping them with crucial peacebuilding and values-driven leadership skills to navigate current challenges and envision their nation’s future.

The project targeted youth aged 18 to 26, offering interactive workshops that focused on self-esteem, leadership, and conflict resolution. The initiative aligned with key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions). By fostering a generation of young leaders, the program aimed to not only enhance individual capabilities but also contribute to broader social change.

Despite facing challenges such as political instability and limited funding, the project successfully trained over 60 youth participants, many of whom applied their skills in real-world scenarios. Some mediated family disputes, led awareness sessions, and took on leadership roles in youth organizations. The mentorship component proved particularly impactful, as several graduates returned as volunteer trainers, ensuring the sustainability of the initiative. Strategic partnerships with institutions like Southeast University and the Southeast MUN Club played a vital role in overcoming resource constraints, demonstrating the power of collaboration in grassroots development efforts.

The impact of Light for Life was significant. By the program’s conclusion, there was a 15% increase in youth participation in household decision-making, a 20% rise in the number of peacebuilding leaders in that community, and a 10% decrease in family disputes, with mediation efforts led by participants. Additionally, a sustainable volunteer network was established to support future training and mentorship. Participants reported significant personal growth, with 99% stating that their confidence and motivation had improved. As one participant, Sinthia Suraiya, expressed, “This program has given me the confidence to lead and support others in my community.”

Looking ahead, the Light for Life project has laid the groundwork for long-term impact by developing an alumni network, securing institutional partnerships, and expanding funding sources. It exemplifies the mission of Global Peace Women, which seeks to foster peace by strengthening families and communities. By investing in young people as leaders and peacebuilders, GPW continues to advance its vision of ‘One Family under God’, demonstrating that empowered youth are key to creating a more just and harmonious world.

Join the efforts to support women peacebuilders like Afi, donate to the #FuelHerDream campaign, today.

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Project Saksham, launched in 2022 by Global Peace Foundation (GPF) Nepal in collaboration with Global Peace Women (GPW) Nepal, is dedicated to instilling strong moral principles in children to foster good character and leadership development. Led by Bambie Panta, the program aims to cultivate peaceful mindsets that encourage harmonious relationships within families, society, the nation, and ultimately the world. By integrating essential values into students’ daily lives, Project Saksham prepares youth to become responsible and ethical leaders of the future. Since its inception, the initiative has reached numerous schools across Nepal, engaging students in values-based education that emphasizes accountability, gratitude, teamwork, and service to others.

Project Saksham successfully concluded its January 2025 sessions, leaving a lasting impact on students, volunteers, and educators in Kathmandu District, Nepal. The program, conducted across 11 schools, engaged 268 students, 20 volunteers, and 11 teachers in interactive workshops designed to foster leadership, teamwork, and values-based education.

At the heart of Project Saksham is the belief that universal values bring people together. The program integrates the principles of the Global Peace Foundation into its sessions, teaching students about a mindset of gratitude for the many things that provide support and uplift everyday life, responsibility, and living for the greater good. Through engaging activities, students not only learn about these values but also apply them in their daily interactions at home, in school, and within their communities. The initiative emphasizes character and leadership development, helping students and volunteers understand the importance of teamwork, personal accountability, and ethical behavior.

A key focus of the program is strengthening family relationships. The sessions encourage students to practice gratitude and forgiveness within their households, promoting mutual respect and harmony. By internalizing these values, students contribute to creating strong and supportive family environments, which in turn lead to more cohesive communities. The program also encourages participants to reflect on their actions and take responsibility for their decisions, instilling a culture of ethical leadership and integrity.

Service is another essential component of Project Saksham. Students and volunteers engage in community activities, reinforcing the importance of giving back. Volunteers, trained in facilitation and teamwork, play a crucial role in guiding students through the program. Their 99-hour commitment demonstrates the dedication required to sustain values-based education and nurture responsible leadership.

Throughout January, the program conducted a variety of sessions designed to enhance students’ personal and social development. Sessions on teamwork helped students understand the importance of collaboration and leadership. The prototyping workshop introduced them to creative problem-solving and critical thinking, encouraging them to design feasible projects such as installing emergency sirens in schools and setting up class libraries. Sessions on ownership, responsibility, and initiative taught students the significance of accountability and proactive problem-solving. The importance of thankfulness and living for the greater good was also emphasized, with students reflecting on gratitude’s role in improving personal relationships and well-being. Recreational activities, including group exercises and movie screenings, reinforced these lessons in an engaging and interactive manner.

The impact of these sessions was evident in the students’ increased commitment to practicing the values they learned. They exhibited improved teamwork, greater confidence in leadership roles, and a deeper appreciation for ethical behavior. Testimonies from participants reflected the program’s success. One student expressed how the teamwork session made her realize its significance in daily life, while another participant shared how learning about gratitude encouraged her to strengthen her relationships with family and friends. Volunteers also gained valuable insights, with one facilitator noting that the experience had helped her become more confident in engaging students effectively.

Looking ahead, Project Saksham’s sustainability is ensured through the dedication of students and volunteers who are committed to continuing their practice of these values. With ongoing training for facilitators and continuous feedback from educators, the program aims to expand its reach and further embed values-based leadership among Nepal’s youth, paving the way for a more harmonious and responsible society.

Fuel Bambi’s dream to empower Nepal’s next generation of peace leaders to succeed. Join the efforts to support women peacebuilders like Afi, donate to the #FuelHerDream campaign, today.

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When a young girl learns to code, she’s not just gaining a skill, she’s unlocking a future where she can innovate, lead, and shape her community. In Kaduna, Nigeria, Global Peace Women (GPW) project leader Aisha Yakubu has been at the forefront of this transformation, ensuring that young women have access to tech education and the leadership skills needed to thrive in the digital age. What began as a passion project in May 2023 has now evolved into a movement. 

The Girls’ Tech Bootcamp, initially launched as a seven-month program, has continued to expand its reach, empowering dozens of young women with the skills and confidence to pursue careers in technology. From 40 participants in the first phase to 75 in the most recent cohort, the initiative has proven its impact—not just in numbers but in the lives transformed.

The first Girls’ Tech Bootcamp (May–November 2023) provided a safe and inspiring space for 40 young women (ages 15–25) to explore the world of technology. Participants were carefully selected based on their commitment, access to laptops, and passion for learning. Over the course of seven months, they received training in graphic design, video editing, UI/UX design, HTML fundamentals, and coding languages.

Through a network of stakeholders, mentors, and instructors from IT Central Ltd and other tech hubs, these young women built their confidence, developed leadership skills, and learned to use technology for social good. The bootcamp culminated in a showcase event, where participants presented their projects and connected with potential mentors and employers. Ten outstanding graduates secured internships in reputable tech firms, marking the first step in their professional journeys.

Encouraged by the success of the inaugural program, and with support from the GPW Global Women Dream Grant, Aisha and her team expanded the initiative, launching Girls Tech Bootcamp 3.0 (July–September 2024). This phase not only increased the number of participants to 75 but also introduced new partnerships with Shamrock Innovation Hub and other organizations to widen the reach and sustainability of the project.

The latest bootcamp continued to equip young women with critical digital skills, including web and Android development, UI/UX design, graphic design, and data analysis. However, beyond technical skills, the program integrated GPW’s leadership principles, ensuring that participants were not just job-ready but also service-minded leaders dedicated to uplifting their families and communities.

One of the defining elements of Girls’ Tech Bootcamp 3.0 was its thematic focus on social impact. Participants were challenged to develop local tech solutions to improve infant and maternal health in rural areas, combining innovation with a deep sense of responsibility toward their communities. Twelve outstanding projects were awarded internships, giving participants real-world experience and the opportunity to refine their skills further.

Since joining GPW in 2020, Aisha has been a key figure in advancing women’s leadership and family empowerment initiatives in Nigeria. From her role in the GPW Sunshine Family Volunteers Initiative to her current position as GPW project leader, Aisha has remained dedicated to creating opportunities for young women. Her work is proof that when women are empowered with skills and leadership opportunities, they strengthen families, build peaceful communities, and contribute to sustainable development.

With each phase, the Girls’ Tech Bootcamp is proving that investing in women’s education and leadership is a catalyst for economic and social transformation. Aisha and her team continue to seek new partnerships, funding, and innovative strategies to sustain and expand the program, ensuring that more young women gain access to tech education and leadership development. By strengthening partnerships with innovation hubs, corporate sponsors, and community organizations, the project lays the foundation for sustainability and long-term impact. 

The journey of the 75 young women trained in Girls’ Tech Bootcamp 3.0 does not end here. With skills in hand, they now step forward as leaders, innovators, and problem solvers. Their transformation reflects the broader mission of Global Peace Women—empowering women to lead change from the home to the global stage.

As these women build careers, support families, and uplift their communities, they become catalysts for peace and progress. The Girls’ Tech Bootcamp 3.0 is more than a training program, it is a movement toward a future where women’s leadership in technology fosters economic empowerment, social change, and stronger families.

Join the efforts to support women peacebuilders like Aisha, donate to the #FuelHerDream campaign, today.

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The Global Peace Foundation (GPF) has long emphasized that women and families are at the heart of peacebuilding. GPF’s approach is rooted in the belief that families are the first schools of love, character, and service. Within families, values such as love, empathy, forgiveness, respect, and responsibility are cultivated. These values shape how people interact with others in their communities and beyond. When a family learns to communicate with love and mutual respect, peace radiates outward, strengthening social harmony and stability.

Women play an especially vital role in this process. As mothers, caregivers, mentors, and community leaders, they hold a unique position to influence attitudes and foster environments of compassion and cooperation. Recognizing this, GPF and its women’s division, Global Peace Women (GPW), have continued to implement programs that strengthen families and empower women as peacebuilders. One such inspiring initiative recently took place in Nepal, demonstrating how understanding and love within families can ripple out to create harmony in communities.

On October 15, 2025, GPF Nepal, in collaboration with GPW, hosted a heartwarming session titled “Strengthening Family Bonds through Love Languages” at Chandragiri Municipality Ward No. 1. The session brought together fourteen incredible women from Milijuli Aama Samuha, a mothers’ group dedicated to promoting family well-being and unity. This event was part of the Capacity Building of Women Project, a series of trainings designed to equip local women with practical knowledge and leadership skills to foster peace at home and in their communities.

The session focused on the concept of the five love languages, which include words of affirmation, acts of service, receiving gifts, quality time, and physical touch. Through guided discussions and a love language test, participants explored how each person gives and receives love differently. They discovered their primary love languages and reflected on how these insights could improve communication and understanding in their families.

Many of the women expressed excitement about sharing the love language test with their loved ones. They recognized that misunderstandings often stem from not knowing how others prefer to express or receive affection. Through laughter, stories, and deep reflection, the participants came to see that recognizing different ways of expressing love helps build empathy and patience. They

agreed that learning about love languages was not only about romantic or family relationships but also about creating stronger communities based on mutual understanding and care. The room was filled with warmth and connection, as the women shared personal experiences and supported one another’s journeys of growth.

The session concluded with a certificate distribution ceremony, symbolizing both the completion of the workshop and the celebration of the women’s commitment to strengthening their families. It also marked the end of the Capacity Building of Women Project, which over the past weeks has empowered women in the community through a variety of training and awareness sessions on family leadership, communication, and peacebuilding.

Global Peace Women continues to advance this mission globally by uplifting women as moral and innovative leaders in their homes and societies. Through its programs, GPW encourages women to build nurturing families, model strong values, and engage in service that strengthens communities. GPW believes that the home is the smallest yet most powerful unit of peacebuilding; the place where future leaders learn the habits of heart and mind that create a peaceful world.

When families communicate with compassion and women are empowered to lead with purpose, they build communities that stand on the solid ground of peace. Strengthening families is, therefore, not just a social goal; it is the heart of peacebuilding itself.

Learn more about Global Peace Foundation’s approach to Women and Families in Peacebuilding.

Explore how Global Peace Women advances peace by building values-driven models that empower women and families as peacebuilders in communities, nations, and the world.

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In her keynote address, Hanako Ikeno, International President of Global Peace Women, emphasized that peace starts with the choices people make within their own homes. “Peace is supposed to begin in the home. Families are a key agent of peacebuilding because the peace we want in our communities, nations, and the world starts at home,” she said.

Her message echoed GPF’s global approach to values-based peacebuilding, which emphasizes streng thening families and communities as the primary agents of moral and social transformation. Speaking at the event, Daniel Juma, Africa Regional Representative of the Global Peace Foundation, reaffirmed GPF’s commitment to investing in families as a pathway to sustainable peace. “When parents nurture values of empathy, honesty, and responsibility, they equip their children to be future leaders,” he said.

The program featured a presentation on “Women as Architects of Peace” by Janet Kwamboka Miyogo, followed by a panel discussion on women’s leadership in advancing social transformation through family values. Youth participants also engaged in an interactive dialogue on empowerment and peacebuilding, emphasizing their role in promoting harmony across generations.

Throughout the day, participants engaged in storytelling sessions, volunteer testimonials, and family-centered workshops designed to strengthen relationships, resolve conflicts, and promote nonviolence at home. The activities reflected GPF’s belief that peacebuilding must begin with moral and innovative actions that reinforce shared values within families and communities. To symbolize the day’s shared commitment to peace and environmental stewardship, families joined in planting twelve trees on the school grounds. The exercise served as a reminder that, like trees, peace must be intentionally planted, nurtured, and sustained through continuous effort.

The celebration in Kenya was part of GPF’s broader global observance of the International Day of Peace 2025, which was commemorated on September 21, 2025, worldwide under the theme “Actions for Peace: Our Ambition for the Global Goals”. Through initiatives that integrate character education, interfaith collaboration, and community service, GPF continues to advance innovative, values-based peacebuilding models that address the root causes of conflict and inspire cooperation beyond boundaries of religion, culture, and nationality.

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This belief comes to life in the Korean Dream Study Series, a learning and leadership platform organized by Global Peace Women (GPW). In its fourth session in July 2025, themed “People Power and Peaceful Revolutions,” participants from Kenya, Nigeria, Malawi, Bangladesh, Nepal, and other countries came together online to share stories, reflect on history, and connect the ideals of the Korean Dream to their own lives and local contexts.

“It’s truly amazing to see each of you, so busy with your community work, yet here with heart and vision,” said the session’s host, Tahmina Supti. “This is not just a class; it’s a collective journey toward peace.”

A Global Conversation Rooted in Local Realities

From the outset, the session spotlighted the unique ways participants are advancing peace in their own communities. Muniratu Jibrin shared how she is leading Korean Dream campaigns among rural farmers in northern Nigeria, adapting to limited digital access by mobilizing volunteer coordinators to register community members and share the message of peace through face-to-face engagement.

With schools going on holiday, Muniratu and fellow leader Aisha are planning vibrant summer boot camps for children and parents, using art, local languages, and storytelling to promote peace values and the Korean Dream. “We want to catch them before they get lost in holiday routines,” she said. “It’s a moment to sow seeds of peace in young hearts.”

Everline Obondo from Kenya brought history into the room with her reflection on Nobel laureate Wangari Maathai, who stood alongside mothers of political prisoners in peaceful protest. “She could have stayed home,” Everline noted, “but she chose to use her voice to push for justice. It shows us that whatever we have, our voices and our stories, we can use them for peace.”

Shristika Bajracharya of Nepal shared how her project, conducted through GPW, supported elderly women abandoned by their families by helping them create handmade products and connect to markets. “From being silent about their needs to becoming financially independent, we saw a shift,” she said. “And it all started with listening.”

Milliam Chilemba from Malawi told the story of a young woman born with HIV who used TikTok to destigmatize her status, teach others how to live positively, and create community among other youth facing the same challenge. Her courage to speak out, despite criticism, sparked a cultural shift around health and acceptance.

From Bangladesh, one participant recounted how a student group rallied support for a university caretaker who had lost his job during the COVID-19 lockdown. “It was a small act,” she said. “But it helped a family survive, and inspired others to do the same.”

Linnes from Malawi shared how her college class raised funds for a struggling peer, an initiative that grew and inspired other groups. “It started small, but it showed us how kindness multiplies,” she said.

Together, these stories created a mosaic of leadership, not in official titles, but in acts of service, courage, and compassion.

Learning from the Past, Leading with Vision

The session also connected these lived experiences to historical movements of peaceful revolution. Participants reflected on how the Korean independence movement of 1919, Mahatma Gandhi’s nonviolent resistance in India, and the American civil rights movement were all led by ordinary people driven by moral vision.

“What these movements had in common,” said instructor Risa Perea, “was not just a demand for change, but a clear vision grounded in values. That’s what made the revolutions not only peaceful, but transformational.”

Participants learned how faith communities, families, and youth played pivotal roles in sustaining nonviolent action, and how those lessons remain relevant today.

“It only takes a spark,” added GPW President Hanako Ikeno, drawing from a recent fire safety conversation in her home. “That spark can destroy or it can inspire. Our daily choices, our conversations, and our small acts carry the power to ignite change.”

The Korean Dream: A Vision That Unites

At the heart of the study series is the Korean Dream, a vision articulated by Dr. Hyun Jin Preston Moon, calling for a peaceful, unified Korea built on shared spiritual heritage and moral ideals. But as participants explored, the dream is not confined to Korea. It’s a call to all people, everywhere, to live as One Family under God.

The Korean Dream Study Series serves as both an educational tool and a catalyst for peace. It’s a flagship program of Global Peace Women, in collaboration with the Global Peace Foundation (GPF). Through interactive learning, storytelling, and community building, the series equips women and youth leaders to become moral and innovative change agents in their societies, while advancing the global vision of Korean reunification and peace rooted in shared values. It nurtures leaders who are grounded in values, connected to global struggles, and equipped to act locally.

Find out more about the Korean Dream Study Series.

Sign your support for the Korean Dream: http://globalpeace.info/intl-for-one-korea.

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