On 29 April 2025, the International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG) Namibia hosted its first official event in Henties Bay, commemorating the 6th International Women’s Peace Day under the theme “Peace and I.” Held at the Roman Catholic Holy Redeemer Parish Hall, the gathering aimed to empower local women to become active contributors to peace within their communities.
International Women’s Peace Day was proclaimed in 2019 by the International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG) as a day dedicated to achieving the cessation of war and promoting world peace by uniting women who share a common motherly heart in protecting the precious lives of children. The purpose of International Women’s Peace Day is to inspire and encourage women peace activists globally – transcending borders, races, religions, and ideologies – to actively support peace initiatives and inspire more women to participate in peace-building activities.
The program featured a welcoming address by Mr. Hermann Honeb, a speech by Ms. Elizabeth Uahindua from the University of Namibia in Henties Bay, and active group discussions among the participants.
Mr. Hermann Honeb, who serves as an HWPL Peace Ambassador, has been promoting peace for the past 10 years. His longstanding commitment to peace advocacy has inspired many within and beyond Namibia. Through his involvement in various peace-building programs, Mr. Honeb continues to serve as a bridge between communities, encouraging dialogue, unity, and mutual understanding.
Delivering a keynote speech, Ms. Celine Mpareke, Coordinator of the IWPG Namibia Branch, stated, “Peace is not a distant ideal, but a personal choice and a journey that begins within ourselves.” She continued, “When women recognize their own value, their influence extends beyond their families and communities to the entire world.”
Ms. Mpareke also introduced IWPG’s core initiatives, including:
▲ Advocating for the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW), an international legal framework for peace,
▲ Women’s Peace Education, and
▲ The Plant Peace Campaign.
She emphasized that women’s peace education is a critical tool for transforming local communities and fostering sustainable peace.
The event brought together approximately 38 women from various organizations across Henties Bay. During the discussion session, participants openly addressed pressing local issues, including alcohol and drug abuse, as well as a perceived decline in moral values among women. Many voiced that peace is urgently needed to restore the moral and social fabric of the community.
The attendees actively engaged in the conversation, relating the theme of the workshop to their personal lives and daily struggles. Many expressed strong interest in IWPG’s mission and conveyed their willingness to collaborate in future initiatives.
As the first official IWPG event in Henties Bay, the gathering laid a meaningful foundation for ongoing peace efforts in the region and sparked a strong sense of solidarity and purpose among participants.
