Seoul: Women around the world marked the seventh anniversary of International Women’s Peace Day through a series of peace events held across five continents, with thousands of participants joining campaigns, forums, peace walks and educational activities in more than 20 countries and 53 cities.
Observed annually on April 26, International Women’s Peace Day was officially proclaimed in 2019 to commemorate a global commitment made by women in 2013 to build international solidarity for ending war and promoting peace. The initiative is led by the International Women’s Peace Group, which says it works with more than 900 partner organisations worldwide.
One of the most significant developments this year came in the United States, where Clayton County officially designated April 26 as International Women’s Peace Day, becoming the first local government in the world to do so. Commemorative events were also held in Washington, D.C., Dallas, San Francisco and Atlanta, where discussions focused on women’s leadership and the role of inner peace in community development.
In Mongolia, more than 800 people participated in events across Ulaanbaatar, Zavkhan and Orkhon provinces. Activities included peace walks, community campaigns and educational programmes, with local authorities pledging continued cooperation on public engagement initiatives.
Across Africa, commemorative ceremonies, peace discussions and social media campaigns were held in Madagascar, Mali, Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. Participants highlighted the importance of women’s solidarity and community-led peacebuilding efforts.
In South America, universities and community organisations in Colombia, Argentina and Mexico hosted online forums, cultural programmes and peace campaigns. Educational institutions in Mexico reported strong participation from students and academic leaders.
Australia hosted roundtable discussions on women’s education and community engagement, while peace walks were organised in Melbourne and Sydney. Similar initiatives were held in India, Myanmar, Kuwait, Palestine and Türkiye, bringing together women leaders, educators and civil society representatives.
European events included peace workshops, art exhibitions, public outreach campaigns and cultural programmes in Germany, the Czech Republic and Austria, focusing on non-violence, dialogue and social cohesion.
South Korea recorded the largest number of participating cities, with peace forums, awareness campaigns and public events taking place in Seoul, Busan, Daegu, Gwangju and several other locations.
Throughout the campaign, organisers stressed the need for greater participation of women in peacebuilding and conflict resolution efforts. According to IWPG, women continue to be underrepresented in formal peace negotiations and security processes despite international commitments to increase their involvement.
The campaign also gained momentum online through dance challenges and social media initiatives promoting messages of peace and solidarity. Organisers said digital campaigns reached thousands of people and helped expand awareness among younger generations.
Jeon Na-yeong said sustainable peace becomes possible when women are connected as active agents of peace, adding that collective action can create meaningful change at both local and international levels.
IWPG, an international non-governmental organisation registered with the United Nations Economic and Social Council and the United Nations Department of Global Communications, said it would continue expanding its global peace education and women’s empowerment initiatives through its international network.
