Pointe-Noire, Congo Brazzaville—On March 13, 2021, the Congo chapter of Youth and Students for Peace (YSP) held a conference on the occasion of UN International Women’s Day on the theme “The Role of Women in the Creation of a Sustainable Culture of Peace.” The conference aimed to sensitize women to play their roles in creating a culture of peace, to awaken women to take positive actions, to train themselves, and to take charge of their emancipations. The result to be achieved was that of seeing women capable of admitting their shortcomings, training themselves and assuming key positions in an association, city or country.
Three panelists presented on various concepts based on the main theme. The generality of this conference was mainly addressed to women but concerned everyone. The conference, which ran from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., was attended by 35 people physically present in the conference room and more than 100 people who followed virtually via Zoom, Facebook and YouTube.
An opening prayer was offered by Mr. Jérémie Claude, president of the Siloé Group. Then the chairman of UPF-Pointe-Noire, Mr. Michel Bounda, gave some words for the occasion, followed by the leader of the Pointe-Noire Family Federation for World Peace and Unification (FFWPU), Rev. Maixent Milolo. Then Secretary General of YSP-Congo Yannick Kasongo presented background on his organization.
Introduced by Emcee Ferdinand Elenga, the panelists began their presentations. The first panelist, General Secretary of the Siloé Group Miss Carlov Ovoundard, developed the theme “The Consequences or Influences of the Actions of Women in Society.” The second panelist was President of the Association Sportive la Colombe Mme. Nadège Bissila, spoke on "Why Involve Women in the Process of Consolidating Peace?" Finally, President of Women’s Federation for World Peace-Congo Ms. Lydia Zodji, explained that “Peace Begins With Me.” The three presentations tied together under the conference’s main theme "The Role of Women in the Creation of a Sustainable Culture of Peace."
To move towards the end, Vice-President of YSP-Congo Mrs. Carine Moudiongui read the message of UN Women for International Women's Day 2021. President of YSP-Congo H.E Yvan Loko thanked everyone for their involvement in the success of the conference. National Leader of FFWPU Rev. Norbert Ndielle gave the closing prayer. The ceremony ended with three cheers of victory delivered by the emcee, family photos and refreshments.