The Role of Women of Faith in Building Peace

The Virginia chapter of Women’s Federation for World Peace (WFWP) hosted a conference on the topic of “The Role of Women of Faith in Building Peace” on October 27 at the Northern Virginia (NOVA) Family Church Learning Center where 15 people gathered.

The event featured two exceptional speakers: Myrna Lapres, Southeast Chairwoman of WFWP and Love and Logic Parent Facilitator, and Fawzia Etemadi, Founder and Director of Windows of Peace. In Ms. Lapres’ presentation she shared, “We need peace leaders who understand that peace begins with us.” She further explained how there is a need to bring together both masculine and feminine styles of leadership because “each is different and both are needed to end the divisions and pain that exist in our families and communities.”

Ms. Etemadi shared her testimony as an Afghan refugee who came to the United States after the Soviet Union invaded her homeland. She testified to her faith which helped her deal with the trauma of being a dislocated refugee. “God healed me,” she said, and “guided me to develop programs to help other diaspora victims to have healthier and happier futures.”

After the presentations, participants separated into small groups to discuss and share their understandings of the content. Many valuable ideas emerged about what can be done in each family and community to contribute toward peace and reconciliation. One participant pointed out that “women are unique in that women have a God-given tendency toward reconciliation and concern for the welfare of the family which are both critical in the foundation for true and lasting peace.”

The event concluded with a Water Ceremony and a Blessing Toast. Each participant poured water into a bowl, symbolizing unity and harmony in our diversity. The group then held hands and sang “Let There Be Peace on Earth.”