IWPG Global Region 2 Discusses Women-Led Peace Cooperation with Gran Chaco Foundation in South America – Prospects for civil society solidarity and joint action during the CSW period –
Meeting Overview and Purpose
The International Women’s Peace Group (IWPG) Global Region 2, led by Director Seoyeon Lee, held an online meeting on January 22 with the Gran Chaco Foundation, a civil society organization based in Argentina.
The meeting focused on peacebuilding through women’s active participation and explored prospects for international cooperation, particularly in preparation for engagement at the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW).
Background of the Gran Chaco Foundation
Long-Term Community Engagement
Founded in 2003, the Gran Chaco Foundation has worked for more than two decades across the Gran Chaco region of South America. During this time, it has engaged over 400 women leaders and thousands of community members through long-term, community-based programs deeply rooted in local realities.
Regional and Trinational Network
The foundation operates across six provinces and utilizes a trinational network spanning Argentina, Paraguay, and Bolivia. Its work emphasizes organizing women and strengthening community capacities to ensure substantive participation in policymaking and institutional processes.
Institutionalized Community Participation
Notably, the foundation has established mechanisms that institutionalize community participation and influence, supported by dozens of local branches and partner organizations. These mechanisms enable women to actively shape local governance and development processes.
Alignment with IWPG’s Vision for Peace
Women as Active Agents of Peace
This approach closely aligns with IWPG’s recognition of women’s participation as a core driving force for peace and social stability. IWPG promotes women’s peace education, community-linked initiatives, and advocacy campaigns that position women as active agents of peace rather than passive beneficiaries.
Learn more about women’s role in peacebuilding through the UN framework:
https://www.unwomen.org/en/what-we-do/peace-and-security
Global Cooperation and Advocacy
Through cooperation with governments, the United Nations, and international organizations, IWPG continues to expand sustainable peace practices at the global level, reinforcing women’s leadership in peacebuilding efforts.
Preparation for the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW)
Exploring CSW-Related Collaboration
The meeting was held as a preparatory session ahead of participation in the UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW). It aimed to explore potential collaboration with CSW-registered civil society organizations.
Platform for International Civil Society Exchange
As discussions progressed, the meeting became a platform for extensive exchanges on international cooperation grounded in women’s participation, with both organizations considering joint involvement in CSW-related events.
Linking Local Experience with Global Agendas
From Local Communities to Global Issues
Participants explored practical ways to connect on-the-ground experiences with international networks. Both sides agreed that initiatives in the Gran Chaco region are closely linked to global challenges, including:
- Poverty reduction
- Climate change response
- Strengthening governance
These discussions highlighted how local women’s leadership contributes meaningfully to global agendas.
Building a Global Civil Society Network
The Gran Chaco Foundation expressed strong interest in using its CSW participation to build a cooperative global network, connect with new partners, and generate tangible and sustainable outcomes.
Shared Commitment to Future Cooperation
Focus on Capacity-Building and Participation
Both organizations shared the understanding that organizing and strengthening the capacities of local women is essential to ensure that policies and institutions function effectively in practice.
Exploring Joint Actions Post-CSW
They also agreed to explore joint actions based on the international civil society networks formed during the CSW period, laying the groundwork for long-term cooperation.
Key Statements from Leadership
Seoyeon Lee, Director of IWPG Global Region 2
“Women’s active participation is the starting point for building sustainable peace. Exchanges with the Gran Chaco Foundation, which is deeply rooted in local communities, align closely with the spirit of CSW and will serve as a meaningful opportunity to expand international civil society solidarity.”
Fabiana Menna, President of the Gran Chaco Foundation
“Social change occurs most sustainably when local women are organized and equipped with the necessary capacities. We hope this dialogue will lead to continued cooperation in shaping shared directions with international partners.”
About IWPG
Global Presence and UN Registration
IWPG is a global women’s NGO registered with the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and the UN Department of Global Communications (DGC).
Mission and Activities
Operating 115 branches in 122 countries and partnering with approximately 800 organizations in 68 countries, IWPG works to:
- Expand global solidarity
- Spread a culture of peace
- Promote women’s peace education
- Advocate for the legislation and implementation of the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW)
Guided by its vision of sustainable world peace, IWPG continues to strengthen international cooperation centered on women’s leadership and participation.