📌 OrganizationsExpanding East African Cooperation through Women’s Peace Education
Following its participation in the Second Pan-African Conference on Gender Equality in Education (PANCOGEd2), jointly organized by the African Union (AU), UNESCO, and partner organizations, the International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG) Global Region 2 carried out a series of peace initiatives in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, from 5 to 9 July, including the International Loving-Peace Art Competition, the Tanzania Women’s Peace Forum, the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), and policy dialogue with the Tanzanian government. Through these activities, IWPG further expanded international cooperation centered on Women’s Peace Education.
The Tanzania mission went beyond hosting individual events. It was designed as an international cooperation initiative to establish a peace partnership platformconnecting government institutions, women’s organizations, media, and local communities while expanding a sustainable Women’s Peace Education network across East Africa.
On 5 July, IWPG successfully held the 8th International Loving-Peace Art Competition – Tanzania Preliminary Round and Award Ceremonyin Dar es Salaam.
More than 100 childrenparticipated under the theme “My Story of Peace,”expressing messages of peace, coexistence, and hope through their artwork while learning and practicing the values of peace through creative expression.
IWPG continues to develop the International Loving-Peace Art Competition not simply as an art contest, but as a peace education initiativethat empowers future generations to understand, practice, and share the values of peace while encouraging community-wide participation in building a culture of peace.
On 9 July, IWPG, together with the African Women Leaders Network (AWLN) Tanzania Chapter, co-hosted the Tanzania Women’s Peace Forumat Nendiwe Feminist Wellness and Healing Centreunder the theme:
“Advancing Peace, Wellness, and Collaboration for Women in Tanzania and South Korea.”
The forum introduced IWPG’s global peace initiatives and its activities in Tanzania while facilitating discussions on Women’s Peace Education, women’s healing and wellness, the role of women in achieving sustainable peace, and opportunities to expand international cooperation.
A special highlight of the forum was IWPG’s introduction of its Women’s Peace Educationprogram, which empowers women not merely as beneficiaries of peace but as leaders and builders of peace. The program presents a preventive peacebuilding model that enables women to foster peace within their families, communities, and future generations.
Representatives from the African Women Leaders Network (AWLN) Tanzania Chapter, Nendiwe Feminist Wellness and Healing Centre, Gazetini Media Organization, and other women’s organizations and media institutions participated in the forum, exchanging ideas on strengthening community-led peacebuilding and future collaboration.
IWPG and AWLN also agreed to expand their partnership by engaging additional women’s organizations and institutions in future joint peace initiatives centered on Women’s Peace Education.
In her keynote address, Seo Yeon Lee, Director of IWPG Global Region 2, stated:
“Peace is not created overnight. Peace begins with education. Women are not waiting for peace—they are leaders who create peace.”
She continued,
“Today’s partnership is much more than signing an agreement. It is our shared promise to build peace together. IWPG will continue working alongside the women, children, and communities of Tanzania so that they may become active leaders of peace.”
Mary Rusimbi, Representative of the AWLN Tanzania Chapter, emphasized:
“Women play a vital role in peace and security. When women experience peace, humanity moves closer to lasting peace.”
She added that AWLN would continue strengthening cooperation with IWPG while expanding partnerships with women’s organizations throughout Tanzania.
As part of the visit, IWPG signed Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs)with Tanzania Child Welfare (TCW)and Gazetini Media Organization.
The agreements establish long-term cooperation in Women’s Peace Education, youth peace education, women’s empowerment, community peace campaigns, media cooperation, and other initiatives that promote a sustainable culture of peace.
To conclude the Tanzania mission, IWPG held an online policy dialogue with Mr. Eliakim Maswi, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups.
During the meeting, both sides exchanged views on future cooperation in Women’s Peace Education, youth peace education, the International Loving-Peace Art Competition, and community-based peacebuilding initiatives.
They also agreed to maintain close communication and pursue a future face-to-face meeting in Dodomato further develop a sustainable cooperation model involving both government and civil society.
Through its East Africa mission spanning Burundi (PANCOGEd2), Tanzania, and Ethiopia, IWPG Global Region 2 is strengthening a regional cooperation network that connects governments, international organizations, women’s organizations, educational institutions, and media through Women’s Peace Education. Following the successful completion of its Tanzania mission, the delegation continued to Ethiopia to expand cooperation with government institutions, women’s organizations, universities, and development partners.
About IWPG
The International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG)is an international women’s NGO with Special Consultative Status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)and is associated with the United Nations Department of Global Communications (DGC). IWPG works alongside 100 branches in 123 countriesand more than 900 partner organizations worldwideto promote sustainable peace through peace education, women’s leadership, international cooperation, and community engagement.
※ Attachment: Event Photos (8)
Photo 1. Participants and guests pose for a commemorative group photo at the Tanzania Women Leaders Peace Forum. (Photo courtesy of IWPG)
Photo 2. Lee Seoyeon, Regional Director of IWPG Global Region 2, delivers a presentation on Women’s Peace Education at the Tanzania Women Leaders Peace Forum. (Photo courtesy of IWPG)
Photo 3~5. Participants take part in the Tanzania preliminary round of the 8th International Loving-Peace Art Competition. (Photo courtesy of IWPG)
Photo 6. Photo 7. IWPG holds an online meeting with Eliakim Maswi, Permanent Secretary of Tanzania’s Ministry of Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups. (Photo courtesy of IWPG)
Photo 7. IWPG and Tanzania Child Welfare (TCW) hold an MOU signing ceremony. (Photo courtesy of IWPG)
Photo 8. IWPG holds an online meeting with Eliakim Maswi, Permanent Secretary of Tanzania’s Ministry of Community Development, Gender, Women and Special Groups. (Photo courtesy of IWPG)
