Lima, Peru—UPF-Peru organized a special event in celebration of UN International Women’s Day 2016 in Peru’s capital in March.
Dr. Trevor Jones opened the program by reminding the guests that 2016 is the 5th year this day has been celebrated in Peru. In previous years, UPF-Peru commemorated International Women’s Day at the Peruvian Congress; however, the upcoming elections in April had prevented it from doing so this year.
In spite of the high temperatures that Peru is experiencing, the room was full to overflowing with more than 100 guests and dignitaries.
Speeches were given by Mrs. Pilar Alvarez, president of WFPU Trujillo; Mrs. Isabel Rodriguez, a sports psychologist; Dr. Aimee Jimenez, a medical psychologist; and Mrs. Faith Jones, president of Women’s Federation for World Peace in Peru.
Mrs. Alvarez spoke about a meeting that was organized in Trujillo, a city in coastal northwestern Peru, with the local mayor and other dignitaries.
Mrs. Rodriguez spoke strongly about the need for more progress to be made for the recognition of the rights of women and said that, in some ways, she has seen little progress made in the last 20 years.
Dr. Jimenez shared UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s message for this day and encouraged everyone to be more proactive.
Mrs. Jones spoke about the need for people to act from their hearts; not to just think about the practical steps, but to reach out to women and children in need with true love.
In addition, new Ambassadors for Peace were appointed: the president of a Hindu temple, the imam of a central mosque in Lima, and the president of the Great Universal Brotherhood.
The program concluded with musical performances by a choir and a renowned Peruvian soloist who had performed in Spain for many years.