“Women play such a pivotal part in the way in which humanity was formed, for the better or for the worse. I believe that there is an innate goodness in the nurturing, pure heart of a mother, as well as the loving, supportive heart of a wife, or an understanding heart of a sister who might have many mischievous brothers, or the devoted heart of a daughter that is willing to take on the responsibility of taking care of her parents.” –Dr. Hyun Jin Preston Moon

The 2017 Global Peace Convention in the Philippines has a special track dedicated to examining women’s critical leadership role in both building sustainable peace and strengthening families in their communities around the world.

The UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) target increased opportunities for women in education, the economy, politics, and public life. There is a gap between these goals and the realization of women’s full leadership potential. The world remains challenged to adequately acknowledge the importance of women’s leadership in the family, especially in raising the next generation, which equips them with interpersonal and decision-making skills to succeed in society and achieve peace.

Women carrying her child, nepal, After 2015 earthquake

Global Peace Women help families build new shelters following devastation of the 2015 earthquake in Nepal.

Take for example a mother who carries a life inside her body for nine months, and even beyond birth, giving compassion and unconditional love to her children so they can develop not only physically, but also emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.

A mother’s undeniable importance can be reflected in the testimony of great leaders throughout history, like this one from the first President of the United States.

“My mother was the most beautiful woman I ever saw. All I am I owe to my mother. I attribute my success in life to the moral, intellectual and physical education I received from her.” —George Washington

Follow the Women’s Leadership track to explore the strides being made to elevate the unique value of women in the family and transformative power of women leadership.

Global Peace Women (GPW), a division of the Global Peace Foundation (GPF), recognizes the inherent qualities of women that make them profoundly effective leaders to promote peace. GPW implements programs and activities that advocate for women’s rights, strengthen families, prevent gender-based violence, and promote women as leaders for positive social transformation.