Every year on March 8, the world comes together to celebrate International Women’s Day, a global moment to recognize the achievements of women and renew commitments to empowering women and families. In 2026, the theme for International Women’s Day is “Give to Gain,” emphasizing the importance of increasing support for women from individuals, organizations, and communities, and highlighting the power of reciprocity and shared progress.
In the spirit of this year’s theme, the Global Peace Foundation (GPF) has launched a special blog series to celebrate women’s leadership and the essential role women play in the very fabric of society. Throughout the month, we will highlight inspiring women leaders, reflect on GPF’s work advancing women’s leadership, and explore why empowering women is essential to building sustainable and peaceful societies.
Dr. Junsook Moon, chairwoman of Global Peace Women, addresses keynote remarks at the “Empowering Service-Minded Women” session.
One such example is Dr. Junsook Moon, co-founder of GPF and Chairwoman of Global Peace Women International (GPW). Her lifelong commitment to service, humanitarian work, and women’s leadership has been foundational to the vision and impact of both GPF and GPW, as well as their global chapters.
A classically trained pianist from the Juilliard School, Dr. Moon has brought the same discipline, passion, and dedication from her artistic career into her global humanitarian work. Yet perhaps the most defining influence on her leadership has been her belief in the transformative power of family and service. As a mother herself, she often speaks about the family as the first school of values, where compassion, responsibility, and a commitment to serving others are first learned.
Global Peace Women celebrates that peace begins in the home, a principle that has guided grassroots peacebuilding efforts, starting from families. From family volunteering initiatives to women’s empowerment and community development programs across Africa, Asia, and the Americas, Global Peace Women seeks to translate this philosophy into tangible actions that improve lives and strengthen communities.
Reflecting on the role of women in peacebuilding, Dr. Moon stated during the 2013 Global Peace Leadership Conference in Nigeria:
“Women constitute just over half the world’s population, and therefore the dream of peace cannot be achieved without the involvement of women.”
Her words remind us that women’s leadership is not only about representation, but also about transformation. Women leaders often bring perspectives rooted in compassion, collaboration, and responsibility for future generations. These qualities are essential in addressing the complex challenges facing our world today.
Through Global Peace Women and its partnerships, initiatives have been developed to strengthen families, mentor young women leaders, and mobilize women to address pressing social challenges. Programs have included leadership academies, mentorship initiatives for emerging women leaders, and community service projects that empower women to become agents of change within their own communities.
Dr. Moon’s commitment to humanitarian service also extends beyond the work of GPF and GPW. She has supported international relief efforts and social initiatives, including the North Korean Housing and Furnace Relief Project, as well as programs supporting multicultural families and vulnerable communities in Korea and beyond. Through these efforts, she has consistently emphasized that peacebuilding must address both moral leadership and the practical needs of communities.
Throughout history, women have been powerful agents of change, serving as educators, caregivers, mentors, and community leaders. Although their contributions have often been underrecognized, women cultivate the values that hold societies together. Their leadership frequently emphasizes empathy, cooperation, and long-term well-being, qualities essential for building cultures of peace.
Peacebuilding does not begin only in diplomatic negotiations or political institutions. It begins in everyday relationships—within families, schools, and communities, where people learn trust, respect, and responsibility. Women are often at the center of this process. Through community initiatives, grassroots engagement, and intergenerational mentorship, women help create environments where dialogue and cooperation can flourish.
At GPF, we believe strongly in the power of women’s leadership. Inspired by leaders such as Dr. Moon, the foundation continues to support initiatives that promote peacebuilding, ethical leadership, youth engagement, and community development. Through these efforts, we have witnessed the tremendous potential of women leaders and the inspiring impact they have in building a peaceful and sustainable world.
However, despite progress in many areas, women and girls across the globe still face significant challenges. Together, we have the opportunity to recognizing women’s contributions and empower women and girls to participate, lead, and thrive.
This is where the spirit of this year’s theme, “Give to Gain,” becomes especially meaningful. When societies give women the resources, recognition, and opportunities they deserve, the benefits extend far beyond individuals. Communities gain stronger leadership, families gain stability and opportunity, and nations gain the foundations for inclusive development and lasting peace.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, GPF calls on individuals, organizations, and communities to actively champion women’s leadership. Mentor emerging women leaders. Support education for girls. Create spaces where women’s voices are heard and valued.
By investing in women and by celebrating extraordinary leaders, we reaffirm our commitment to building a world where women can lead, contribute, and inspire.
Because when women lead, societies flourish, and the path toward lasting peace becomes stronger for us all.
