“I take the unity, love, and respect from this series of webinars. I am very happy to have been a part of it. I was able to understand the heart of each one of you.”
~ Elizabeth, GPWLA Graduate, Paraguay
In the final session of the Global Peace Women 2022 Webinar Series entitled “Intercultural Peacebuilding,” women leaders from around the world shared universal principles and common aspirations across their religious, cultural, and national diversity. From Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity to the tribal traditions of Kenya, the cultural and national practices of Brazil, Indonesia, the United States, Korea, and Paraguay, they covered the globe.
The discussants concluded that a common value found in all their identities is “living for the greater good.” Aishwarya from India shared from Hinduism’s sacred text, the Bahava Geeta. “It teaches, every day you do your duty, you help good win over evil, and if you uplift others, you uplift yourself and spread peace. You can achieve peace in doing your duty to family and others.” Similarly, Jalia from Uganda spoke of the values of ‘Sadak’ and ‘Zakar,’ voluntary and compulsory practices of charity in Islam. National identities also echoed a similar desire to secure a world of peace and prosperity. Ellin from Indonesia shared the five principles of Pancasila (Belief in God Almighty, just and civilized humanity, unity of Indonesia, democracy guided by wisdom and justice for all) that guide Indonesians to seek a nation that serves the betterment of all.
“Every day you do your duty, you help good win over evil, and if you uplift others, you uplift yourself and spread peace. You can achieve peace in doing your duty to family and others”.
- Aishwarya Chaturvedi, GPW India Country Leader
The women also discovered that the vision of One Family under God had resonance with their religious, cultural and national identities. Both Bali, a practicing Sheik in England, and Ngunan, a Christian from Nigeria quoted the golden rule:” Love our neighbors as we love ourselves.” Tahmina has learned from Bangladesh’s religious diversity and secular state that “nothing can change a person from a human. We are the same with rights, responsibilities, love, and affection.”
As they shared their cultural practices, religious observances, and the diversity and life in their nations, the women reaffirmed the importance of families in handing down wisdom from the past, strengthening important values for peace, and laying the foundation for future development. They also drew closer as they learned about their unique heritages and echoed a shared hope of peace and the dream of One Family under God. Elizabeth from Paraguay said, “I take the unity, love, and respect from this series of webinars. I am very happy to have been a part of it. I was able to understand the heart of each one of you.”
We all share a common dream of peace. All seek to gain and give love, respect, and hope. Find out more about the Global Peace Women Leadership Academy program or discover other initiatives of the Global Peace Women.