Hyun Jin Moon speaks at the Paraguay conference about the importance of Paraguay – South Korea relations.

A Gallop Poll published in May 2014 ranked Paraguay first in the world for experiencing positive emotions. During his recent visit to Paraguay, Dr. Hyun Jin Moon, chairman of the Global Peace Foundation commented on this finding. “This goes to show that true happiness is not derived solely from material success, but is rooted in our deep faith in God, in strong families and communities, and in our love of country.”

Paraguay, host the 2014 Global Peace Convention in November, was nominated for its unique story of national transformation. The nation has overcome economic and political difficulties by building on their spiritual values and faith in God, and trusting in their families and communities.

In recent years, the family has gained international recognition as a major contributor to peace and development. Outcomes from the 20th anniversary of the International Day of Families illustrate this increased awareness. A report issued by the UN Secretary-General in preparation for the observance of the 20th Anniversary of the International Day of Families expressed that the family is “the fundamental unit of society” and “offers a comprehensive approach to solving some of the persistent development challenges.” This year’s high-level proceedings emphasized and urged for family-friendly policies and the integration of the family as partners in securing international development goals. The theme, “Families Matter for the Achievement of Development Goals,” focused on highlighting the critical role of families in promoting inter-generational solidarity, social integration, education and poverty reduction.

A recent article by the Global Peace Foundation on the International Day of Families celebration in Nepal gives insight into how this plays out on a national level.

Guest speaker Mrs. Finu Singh, President of Housewives Association observed, “Families indeed play an important role in the development of the nation.” She detailed how family relationships and values related to national well-being.

Global Peace Association and Global Peace Women Nepal hosts a forum on International Day of Families

Speakers also pointed to extended families as key agents in securing inter-generational solidarity. According to the GPF article, numerous studies support that inter generational extended families foster sensitivity and are the most natural and safe environment for elder care. Mr. Krishna Prasad Pandey, a speaker representing World Prediction, told the forum “the joint family is important as there are many members in the family who can work as a team.” Er. Ram Rohan Panta, GPF Nepal President, pointed to the important role of active parents in their children’s lives.

The family has also been recognized as a primary place for social integration. Issue like gender inequality and education are most effectively addressed in the family. Mrs. Yamuna Shrestha, urged parents to treat sons and daughters with equal value and provide equal opportunities for education. Such precedents within the family have a positive impact on the larger community. “Women play the most important role,” noted panelist Menuka Rai. “When the woman in the family has good moral values then she can keep her family happy and lead her children to good path.”

The Global Peace Foundation places special focus on the family as the cornerstone of society and the first place where values are instilled through the most intimate relationships between individuals. In Nepal GPF has numerous programs that focus on educating women, men and children on key family values, as well as social and economic programs for women’s empowerment and literacy.

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“If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.” Mother Teresa

 The 2012 UNIFEM report entitled “Women, War and Peace” observed that the quality and implementation of peace agreements were drastically improved when women were involved.  A recent post on the Global Peace Foundation offers some explanation of what women bring to the table when they engage in peacebuilding. The post is based on remarks of the wife of Vice-President of Nigeria and founder of I-CARE Women & Youths Initiative, and more recently patron of the newest chapter of Global Peace Women in Nigeria, H.E. Hajiya Amina Namadi Sambo, at the women’s session of the Global Peace Convention 2013.

First, says H.E. Hajiya Sambo, women possess “God-given qualities that facilitate peace building and conflict resolution.” She describes women as innately empathetic, and lend a helping hand to others. For example, a mother will “rise above self-interest,” to place the interests her family before her own. According to H.E. Hajiya Sambo, women are also honest, forthright, patient, and compassionate. These characteristics make women effective facilitators and collaborators. H.E. Hajiya Sambo strongly suggests that women be allowed to apply these unique qualities in multiple venues such as public office, community service, and family.

While she challenges traditional views of women by strongly advocating for women in public roles, H.E. Hajiya Sambo also affirms women’s “God-given role to be mothers”. She calls the family “the basic tool for peace” and places women at the center. She describes how mothers secure peace at home and educate the next generation with the values of peace. To this end, she encourages women to seek for peace in themselves as they advocate peace to their husbands, fathers, brothers and sons. As the heart of the family, women are key players both in fostering the culture of peace and implementing peace policies. It has been proven that through grass-roots networks of women and families, policies can be widely and effectively implemented with little resources. Thus, the second reason why women are important in peacebuilding is because they are crucial players in the family.

“The importance of women in building sustainable peace in the world can no longer be overlooked”, says H.E. Hajiya Sambo. Women’s role in the family and their unique God-given abilities open the way for humanity to reconnect and remember that “we belong to each other.”

Through ICare Women and Youth, initiated after seeing firsthand the situation of women in Nigeria during a visit to all 23 local governments, H.E. Hajiya Sambo has worked to tackle poverty and inequality of women by increasing women’s participation in decision making in the family and larger society. ICare offers skills training to help women strengthen the economic foundation of their families, as well as education on issues such as malaria, AIDS and basic health and sanitation.

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