30th Years Celebration

By Christine Ranisavljev

The Women’s Federation for World Peace (WFWP) Canada held its 30th Anniversary Celebration “Let’s Shine!  Illuminate the future!”  on November 5, 2022 from 11 to 2 PM EST at the Canadiana restaurant in Etobicoke.  There were 120 people in attendance.  

WFWP Canada President Lilly Tadin sent a letter out to all members and invited guests where she stated the following:

“This year marks a triple milestone for WFWP, as we celebrate the 30th Anniversary since its founding on April 10, 1992, in Seoul Korea, the 25th Anniversary of its being granted General Consultative Status at the UN with ECOSOC (May, 1997), and the 10th Anniversary of the Global Women’s Peace Network (July 16, 2012).

During these last 3 decades WFWP has come a long way and has been able to establish a phenomenal track record of accomplishments around the world, guided by the simple philosophy of ‘Living by the Logic of Love’, motivated by a motherly heart!

(Please, do visit our websites, wfwp.org and wfwp.ca )

Our deepest gratitude goes to our co-founder, Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, the Mother of

Peace, who has been guiding WFWP through her shining example as a woman peace

Leader.”

“In the era in which we live today, we are ushering in a truly important transition.

We can go beyond ideological barriers, linguistic and cultural differences and

racial conflicts, and enter a world of oneness…in this historic transitional age, we

are heading toward reconciliation and cooperation.” Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon

On November 5, we will honour the past, hear stories from elders who laid the foundation here in Canada, and we will recognize women who contributed over the years to bring WFWP Canada to this point.  We will also enjoy learning about WFWP’s recent developments, current projects and programs, and above all, hearing from the next generation of young women leaders about building the future together.”

Congratulatory remarks were made by Dr. Moon Shik Kim [chairman UPF Canada[], Angelika Selle [WFWP USA President] and Sun Jin Moon [Senior Vice President of WFWP International].

Both the Hon. James Maloney [MP Etobicoke] and Hon. Iqra Khalid [MP Mississauga-Erin Mills] were in attendance and offered their congratulations with a token of their appreciation in the form of a certificate of commemoration.  They were both given the WFWP 30th Anniversary Commemorative Book as a token of appreciation.  

Zohra Zoberi [Poet & Author] spoke an original poem called “Looking for Logic” commemorating the event and her ties to the WFWP Canada. 

The Lalond Sisters provided a musical interlude by singing the song “Build a Boat”.    

The Life Achievement awards proceeded next for Mrs. Lee [ Women’s Federation Advisor was not able to come due to family circumstances], the Hon. Dr. Jean Augustine [MP Etobicoke retired] and Dr. Margaret Best [former MPP/ minister of Consumer Services].  Their speeches followed.  

“Peace is not just the absence of war.  It emanates from our daily interactions.  Making community and life better.  Let it not be said that you came into whatsoever circle and did not leave it a better place.  Make sure we leave this a better place.” - Dr. Jean Augustine.  

“  The people who are a part of this organization have been the greatest source of support.  [They] have uplifted me as a person… allowed me to feel the logic of love…especially when I’m around them.  One family under God.  God placed pillars of support through the struggles.” - Dr. Margaret Best

Next we heard from 3 young women panelists, members of WFWP, Saphia Samson, Christina Tadin and Yulia Tarasova.  

Saphia shared her WFWP vision which was to create a network of women working together to develop a culture of heart within the community to bring lasting peace. “The time has come to rise up and shine and become women of great value.”   

Christina Tadin shared what inspired her most about WFWP, “So many people got together from many different backgrounds.  To hear their cultures lentlessly pursue joy in life.  Future women keep pushing yourself beyond.  Fill up and spiritualities.  We are all truly the same.  I hope you can get around identity and reyour family and community with joy.”

Yulia Tarasova [Ukrainian Project Lead] shared about what leadership is.  “Growing up in the Ukraine I learned that leadership was connected to position.  We were never encouraged to become leaders.  WFWP made it possible for me to join a leadership program in New York.  I have seen a lot of people rising up looking around asking ‘what can I do?’  By doing so they are changing somebody’s lives.  What can I do to make their one day easier?  We are raising this next generation of leaders of the future.”  

The event concluded with thanks to all the organisers and reminders of the future events WFWP Canada was holding.  

November 14 - A high noon seminar Part 2 on Pornography addiction and support

December 5 “ Women and Sexuality “

January 2023 - Women of Faith.  How to solve the problems and bring peace.  

One last group song was sung called “One Family under God”.