The Right of Women, The Strength of Women 1

 Do you remember Leymah Gbowee, who is a peace activist from Liberia as well as a Nobel Peace Prize Laureate, has spoken at TED about her transformed life and wretched life of African girls. Let's have a look at her speech :
Unlock the intelligence, passion, greatness of girls

 The biggest issue in Africa is sexual abuse, and according to her the rate of teen pregnancy in Liberia is 30 percent. Those girls would be naturally apart from school, the environment and chances of being educated.

Touching thing for me during i watched the video clip was tearful voice of Gbowee, which sounds like she's about to cry. I could feel her sincerity and her heart full of mercy and grief. The stories she is telling was sad and infuriating indeed, but also encouraging and hopeful at the same time. Hope there appears more brave girl who will fight for other 'sisters' as well as for herself. Thanks to Leymah again. I really like her :*

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Do you know Ice Bucket Challenge?

Ice bucket challenge is one of social activity that pouring bucket of ice water on one's head or donating to ALS(amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). It started on 2014, this year summer and it's spreading quickly to people globally. The rule is to take the challenge in video and the person can choose 3 other challengers. Many celebrity is donating for ALS and also uploading their videos on SNS. It is now on hot issue because of many celebs, like Bill Gates, lady gaga and etc.

Through this activity, I saw how people can be gathered together. Of course, there are some effects by the trend but people feel free to join this activity because it has good reason. If many people in globe are more concerned with the peace, I definitely believe that peace will be achieved soon. Because there are still wars out side, I hope this kind of activity can take effect for the world peace.

#Ice Bucket Challenge #ALS

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Peace and Art

 Starting my peace blog, I recognized and got to know that this whole world is still in war and danger. Lots of people and countries are in suffering because of conflicts and wars. I began my blog to let people know about this sufferings in the world and to make people have their movement. If we know the situation, no one will stay still.

There are also many people who is trying to convey a message about peace in various way. As for artists who have interest in peace, I want to show one project. It is "ART WORKS Projects" for human rights. It is project to use design and the arts to raise awareness of and educate about significant human rights and environmental issues. this art works provides visual advocacy tools which produce action on human rights crises in various way.

 Through this project, I wish to aware about others (different races, countries) pain. Most important thing for art, I think, it's to let people know the meaning of work(art pieces) and recognize their(one who sees the art work) positions of how could this works(art pieces) can be solved or happened in their own lives. By knowing this project, I want many people to think of its meaning of peace.

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Peace through Music

 Directors Mark Johnson, Jonathan Walls and the Playing for Change team traveled the countries with their hope to connect the globe through music. They started their move from South Africa to Middle East to Himalayas and beyond. They took the video and recorded more than 100 players (musicians) in various places. Each music creates new mix together. With the title "Playing For Change : Peace Through Music" It shows its bound collaboration internationally.

 Their passion to connect the world through music, the video shows that 'the world and the planet is not his or hers or theirs but it's ours.'

"Because music knows no boundaries, knows no races. It's possible for music to bring peace around the world." In the movie says.

 

 As a person to love music, this movement is very remarkable. The power of music, it is unmeasurable. There are many movement and many advocates who is putting lots of efforts for peace. But still, yet, the Peace is not in our place. Why is so? It's really hard to find the reason and the answer. I hope this movement "Playing for change :　Peace through Music" gives us clue to achieve peace. 

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Peace we make : Harmony (5)

 Lots of peace advocates spent their life time to achieve peace. But still there is no complete thing that we can call as Peace. Then, we got to think of what is real meaning of peace because, there are so many things we can think of inside the word : Peace. We can think of war, poor, volunteer, pollution, injustice, gaps, human right, women, children and etc. And then we have to think of how can we solve this various problems to achieve peace. We can realize that there are still many problems to solve out.

 But, if all people, in each mind, has aims of Peace, wouldn't we at last found a clue to the solution of our problem? Starting with giving thought to Peace, We can take one step ahead to begin our movement.

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Guatemala : Peace in our hand

 Manhee Lee from Korea laid flower (rose) in the Peace statue in Guatemala city.

 It was second time for Korean to lay a flower in Guatemala. First Korean was Ban Ki Moon the UN Secretary General, and the Second Korean is Man Hee Lee the chairman of HWPL.

 Guatemala city gave a testimonial to nongovernment peace advocate Man Hee Lee. Laying flower in the Palm of Peace (in National Palace of Guatemala City). It means that Guatemala City agrees with peace agreement has contributed peace to the city (Guatemala).

 We can think as 'What's the big deal of laying flower to the statue?' But statue has it's meaning of event or a person to keep those meaning to next generations. Countries where has experienced war, where aims for peace, often put up a peace monument to keep the mind and heart of earlier peace activists.

 In the world, there are many wars. As we know there are sufferings from war. This sadness has to be disappeared. We must love and hold each other to make peace possible.

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Little Peace Activists (7)

All the young activists’ passion sometimes put adults, us to shame. Their pure heart moves everyone’s heart that loves peace. They are just children of tender age who are supposed to be in mother’s arms, however, they have done what we were supposed to have done. 

Now is the time for us to do things instead of them. Not only big event or campaign makes it move toward peace, also a small action will lead it to a better world. Hope the world become a place where every child studies in school, blessed by all people around the peaceful world.

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Little Peace Activists (4)

Mattie Stepanek

Mattie was born with muscular dystrophy which causes degeneration of muscles. 

Although his days were numbered because of the incurable disease, he had prayed for children suffered by war and famine, had done anything he could do for a settlement of peace. 

Mattie appeared in the Oprah Winfrey Show and talked about world peace even he was battling with the disease. 

He had delivered many times of lecture for politicians, students, children and world leaders. Mattie Stepanek passed away in June 2004 at the age of 14, hoping his wish come true.

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Big peace event is coming : SARAJEVO 2014

From a World of War and Violence ...

… to a Culture of Peace and Nonviolence

Activists and advocates for peace from different countries of Europe aiming at transforming a World of war and violence into a culture of peace, non-violence and justice are holding this big international event on 6-9 June. More than 50 organizations in Europe are engaged in the preparation of the Peace Event Sarajevo 2014. There will be: forums and workshops, round tables for participants, cultural section including exhibitions and films about peace movement and activities for youth is prepared.

-As I always appeal about it- Actually there has been a lot of peace events all this time, but why do we still cry for peace? It is because literally we still don’t have peace. We should really think about this indeed. We have a bunch of peace workers and organizations, laureates of Nobel prize for peace, however, it was just negotiations or settlements of dispute andtemporary peace that they brought. Thousands of meetings and researches, forums and seminars failed to suggest ultimate solution or mean to establish a peaceful world. We know that the core of peace is not just to resolve conflicts, but to maintain peaceful state.

Let me cite family as instance. We all would often have fought with brothers and sisters in our childhood and then also made up soon, because they are our own brothers/sisters and because simply we loved them. Parents love their children whatever they become. The same goes for couples. Between two lovers it is more possible to be generous to each other’s fault in comparison with others.

Now let’s have a look at the situation of South and North Korea. They are the onlydivided country in the world even though they are one ethnic race sharing 5,000 years-long history. How about Muslim people and the Christian? They have been pointing their guns to each other for hundreds of years due to religious differences saying we are the same human race God created. These are all about selfishness and tolerance, LOVE.

No matter how large the river is, it begins from a small stream. Peace maybe comes from our little effort and attempt, attitude and our loving heart, not from a big event. Let’s start to love people around us, the neighbors!

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Paz en México

The title of national anthem of Mexico is “Mexicans, at the cry of war”, “Ciña ¡Oh Patria! Tus sienes de oliva” and I think it explains their aims of peace.

Around 10th century there was Mayan Civilization in the area of Mexico, and Aztecan civilization for 16th century. Attaking by Spain, Aztecan was destroyed and the area of Mexico had been colonized for about 300 years until they achieved independence in 1810.There was separation of El Salvador, Guatemala and through Mexican-American War in 1846 Mexico had today’s boder losing some of there territory of today’s Texas, California, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada etc.

After then Mexico’s situation got into a mess because of frequent attempt of coup, repetation of the elections after the civil wars and coups led by defeated side. Furthermore when they had have chance to straighten out the confusion and start to develop their economy, they hadsuffered from invading by foreign countries such as America and France.

From 20th century the ruling party had monopolized vested rights for over 60 years, and beacause of the slump in farm prices after NAFTA in 1990, debt-saddled peasants began to cultivate drugs, also Mexican gangs made money by farm to arm in America. Mexican government have waged war on drugs for 7 years, peace is still far-off. The number of the dead is arleady over 60 thousand and it is expected to increase. Petroleum development business and conclusion of NAFTA made Mexico 10th in world GDP, it is not like the same with domestic situation, but more like a hell full of wars against crime.

Could we look for peace breeze in this country? 
November 2013, there was Peace Walk and Peace Seminar in Tijiana Mexico. Over a thousand local residentsspontaneously particiated in the events and chaged to a peaceful march arousing hope of peace in Mexico.

The message of ‘the end of war and world peace’ claimed by world peace advocate Man Hee Lee is playing a role as a lighthouse for Mexico tortured by war and all the violence in the country. Mr. Lee who has been making speeches and peace agreement meetings visiting 44 countries in recent 2 years, has awarded Note of Appreciation and Medal from Veracruz, the biggest seaport in Mexico, in May this year, for the effort he have madefor peace in the region.

For not only Mexico, but whole world, I hope Mr. Lee’s ardent appeal that youth and women to unite to achieve ending of wars and whoever hears the voice yearning for peace to become messenger of peace, could spread to every corner of the world where are numerous people bleeding and dying as well as Mexico.

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Peace in Mexico : Manhee Lee (1)

Man hee lee, who is lively running for the peace movement, received the letter of appreciation and Medal in Vera Cruz Palace, from Ramon Poo Gil, the mayor of Vera Cruz. Its paying attention again since he had issued that a Korean citizen laid a flower on the statue in the Palm of Peace – a statue located in the National Palace of Guatemala City. In this event in Mexico, Leaders in country and religion came and gave applause.

This day, more than 15 press media had competition in coverage. In the interview, Manhee Lee expressed "Like the meaning of the name : Mexico and Vela Cruz, I believe peace will come soon. To make world peace come true, the leaders in country and the citizens should work together in one, in their position, with modest and honest heart."

Also, Man her lee emphasized "True peace must be based on the end of war and without any corruption. To achieve those and live in peace each other, we need to convey the peace message as much as we can to the world." 
The press media were expecting the reactions of the world about his peace movement and gave the unstinted praise after his interview. 

As I'm one of peace follower, I am absolutely impressed by this case. Still lot of advocates are working for world, but peace is not yet done. These days press media is interested in entertaining, but not much in Peace. So in site of me, this comes as blowing my mind off. It is such a big change I want to say, that as this advocate Manhee Lee moves, press and media is flowing and get to realize how they should move.

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Peace we make : Harmony (1)

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

EllenJohnson Sirleaf is born at 29 October 1938, Monrovia, Liberia. She is first woman president in Liberia, who won Nobel Peace Prize 2011. She fought for Liberia's autocracy, and for recovery of wars. Her peace movement, fighting for womens rights. Her prize motivation is "for their non-violent struggle for the safety of women and for womens rights to full participation in peace-building work". 

Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Quotes

The future belongs to us, because we have taken charge of it. We have the commitment, we have the resourcefulness, and we have the strength of our people to share the dream across Africa of clean water for all.
-Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

As more men become more educated and women get educated, the value system has to be more enhanced and the respect for human dignity and human life is made better.
-Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

The people of Liberia know what it means to be deprived of clean water, but we also know what it means to see our children to begin to smile again with a restoration of hope and faith in the future.
-Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

I think the majority of the Liberian people want peace.
-Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

If your dreams do not scare you, they are not big enough.
-Ellen Johnson Sirleaf

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Peace we make : Harmony (0)

When we take a look at dictionary ; Peace,
It is written as "a state of mutual harmony between people or groups"

If we see as a nation, It will be meaning peace with out arguing and conflict.
If we see as ourselves personally, it will mean our inner-peace and harmony with family and neighbors.

But why is the war happening? Except peace?
As my opinion, I think it's because we're heading to different goals instead of heading same goal. We have our own personal purpose about peace. Countries are having war for their own aims.

What would happen, If we all see just a one goal(about peace)?
Wouldn't the war be over?

This time, Let's take a look through peace advocates. 
What peace advocates are crying about.

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Running for Peace, Tegla Loroupe

In this post I want to introduce one of our peace avocates, in the field of sports.

Tegla Chepkite Loroupe, mentioned in prior post, is a long-distance track and road runner who holds several world marathon records from Kenya. She has been making an effort to spread the idea of peace in many ways.

 As an athlete Tegla Loroupe is a member of the ‘Champions for Peace’ club. It was created by a Monaco-based international organization ‘Peace and Sport’ has 54 famous committed athletes to serving world peace through sport.

 Loroupe is also a global spokeswoman for women's rights and education. We may know how she strives for children and women in bad condition through her jobs. She is an International Sports Ambassador for UNICEF and has established Tegla Loroupe Peace Academy and orphanage in north-west Kenya.

Tegla Loroupe’s work is neither just indirect nor passive. She directly approaches to the basic cause of violence, WAR. In 2003, Loroupe launched an annual series of Peace Marathons "Peace Through Sports". Being held in 2006 and 2008, Presidents, Prime Ministers, Ambassadors and government officials run with warriors and nomadic groups in Kenya, Uganda and Sudan, to have hundreds of warriors from six battling tribes laid down their weapons. In 2006, she traveled with many celebritied in many fields to several mojor cities in the world like New York and Beijing carrying a diplomatic mission to bring an end to Darfur conflict.

Loroupe won the "Community Hero" category at the 2007 Kenyan Sports Personality of the Year awards. As I come to know these kinds of deeds she had done, the solution to make real peace on our globe is this- let’s not just support the activities of peace makers, but do things we can do in our daily life. How would it be if we keep seeking for the way to take part in those activities in person?

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