THE REPUBLIC OF CONGO (Brazzaville) HOSTS ITS SECOND FORUM WITH EMPHASIS ON THE IMPACT OF THE DIGITAL WORLD

Written by UPF-Africa

Thursday, April 20, 2023

Congo-Brazzaville— The Women's Federation for World Peace in Congo Brazzaville (WFWP-Congo Brazzaville) and the International Association of Youth and Students for Peace (IAYSP-Congo Brazzaville) held their second forum, "Generation Responsibility," on April 1st, 2023. The event was conducted in the conference room of the Sycomore Church and boasted the attendance of 80 participants.

Breaking up into two phases, the first phase began with a prayer and a welcoming address given by Ms. Tania Gombessa, the pastor's wife of Sycomore Church and an ambassador of peace. This was followed by a panel of four experts who weighed in on the innovative theme of "For an Inclusive Digital World: Innovation and Technology for Gender Equality."

Notably, Ms. Lydia Zodji, President of Women's Federation for World Peace-Congo Brazzaville, shared her thoughts on the occasion, emphasizing the imperative underpinning this event - marked by a new beginning, an impetus, and an awakening. The ongoing fight for women's rights, she said, necessitates displaying positive virtues, including but not limited to gentleness, peace, and cohesion, and echoed the sentiment that equality should be inherent in the vision women bring to society. Arguing that family constitutes the basic building blocks of society, Ms. Zodji suggested that education must rely on values of respect, love, mutual aid, and generosity. She also presented Mother of Peace, Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon's memoir, and spoke on the WFWP's educational role and status as a UN member. Addressing the theme of the event, she explained that the digital world, despite its perks, has both advantages and disadvantages, and social networks should be utilized with moral propriety.

Ms. Bayissa Pétronie, Vice President of WFWP and coordinator of the network of the maternal heart for peace, expounded upon the Founder's vision and underscored the importance of women embodying truth and sharing love as individuals. She invited young women to pursue a life of chastity until marriage for the betterment of society.

Ms. Emmanuelle Elion, Secretary General of the Departmental Office of Students, highlighted the complementarity of men and women as the essence of equality. She encouraged female students to prioritize their studies and acquire the necessary knowledge and skills.

Mr. Yannick Kasongo, Secretary General of IAYSP, elaborated on the theme of the event and its aim of unifying young people around the ideals of peace. He stressed that equality, love, and shared values are the foundation for having the same rights and duties. Mr. Kasongo urged women to remain youthful in spirit irrespective of their social status, and mothers to familiarize themselves with information and communication technologies to adapt to the digital age. He also underscored the crucial role of parents in guiding children's access to the digital world. Lastly, Mr. Kasongo challenged women to be self-aware, balanced and take responsibility.

In the second phase of the program, Ms. Zodji designated Ms. Yougi Kiesse as the President of the Youth of the Women's Federation for World Peace to groom her for future WFWP leadership.