Medan, Indonesia - UPF-Indonesia in collaboration with the Women’s Federation for World Peace commemorated the International Women’s Day at the UPF Center in Medan, the capital city of North Sumatra, on March 9, 2014.
Twenty participants gathered to learn about the “Role of Women in Peace-building.” UPF-Asia Secretary General Mrs. Ursula McLackland explained that since women and children suffer most from wars, it is important for women to take more active roles in preventing and resolving conflicts, peace negotiations, peace-building and post-conflict reconstruction.
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The majority of people living below the poverty line are women and children; thus, global poverty cannot be solved without the empowerment and leadership of women. The theme of this year’s International Women’s Day rightly emphasizes that “equality for women is progress for all.” Indonesia is now making concerted efforts to fulfill a quota of 30 percent women candidates in the upcoming parliamentary elections.
The members of the Asian Leadership Training sang a touching song about a young man looking back at his childhood follies and how his mother lovingly and wisely guided him to grow up and become a responsible adult.
After an introduction by Mr. David McLackland, UPF-Indonesia Education Director, and a video presentation on the significance of being an Ambassador for Peace, two selected participants were presented with a certificate. The afternoon concluded with lively discussions and refreshments.