As mothers, wives, and daughters, the women of Women's Federation for World Peace are dedicated to promoting peace through the strengthening of families. Therefore, it is important that we make ourselves aware of the barriers to peace that are created when the family does not work in cooperation. When spousal abuse is present, there is no family harmony. When children are being neglected or prevented from attending school, there is no family harmony. When individuals live in fear of being kidnapped by their relatives because of their religious beliefs, there is no family harmony. These violations against human rights are not merely things of the past. As the mothers and daughters of the world, it is our place to take a stand against them.
As outlined in our Statement of Beliefs, "We believe that women of all nations are entitled to recognition of their true value. We support women's desires to take leadership in society and reject practices in which women are oppressed or discriminated against." In addition, "We believe that conflict resolution should be achieved whenever possible through dialogue and reconciliation, empathy and compassion, repentance and forgiveness, rather than by violence."
For 2010, WFWP adopted the focus theme of Human Rights and Women's Dignity, beginning with the current situation in Japan. Today in Japan, men and women are being kidnapped by their family members and subjected to forced conversions because of their chosen faiths. These abuses are being perpetrated in the name of the family, and therefore is going unpunished by the authorities. This situation cries out for our attention. We can provide you with further information and a history of what has been going on, as well as suggestions and channels for you to get involved in bringing about a solution.
It is important to remember that our aim is to approach this and all issues with a mother's heart, trying to create harmony in the family. Before we can wish to create harmony in the family, we must have harmony within ourselves as women. By recognizing our value and taking care of ourselves we can approach this and any obstacle with “the logic of love.” We believe that this is the key to bringing about lasting peace.
