Forum “Women, Peace, and Security” in the European Parliament: Women as Key Actors in Peace and Security

Brussels, September 24, 2025 – Representatives of the ALLATRA International Public Movement and partner project Creative Society participated in the Women, Peace, and Security Forum in the European Parliament, held under the auspices of MEP Annalisa Corrado (Democratic Party, Italy). The event was organized by the Women’s Federation for World Peace (WFWP) Europe and the Middle East.

The forum brought together Members of the European Parliament, UN representatives, experts, educators, and civil society actors to discuss the crucial role of women in preventing and resolving conflicts, building peace, and creating supportive educational environments.

During the discussions, powerful messages were shared by the speakers:

• Mitty Tohma, President of WFWP Europe and Middle East (UK), in her opening remarks, emphasized that this was the very first WFWP event in the European Parliament – and expressed her confidence that it would not be the last.
• Cecilia Strada, MEP, from the Democratic Party of Italy, highlighted that in the current geopolitical context, it is challenging to discuss peace in the European Parliament. She stressed: “Peace cannot be achieved through war – it can only be built on human rights and their protection. Human rights are the foundation upon which a peaceful world can be built.” She further reminded that “lasting peace is not possible without women.” As an example, she cited the situation after the recent earthquake in Afghanistan, where women were denied necessary aid due to inequality.
• Maritza Cecile Chantal Formisano Prada, Deputy Director of UN Women, Belgium, declared that “human rights must not remain merely in narratives, but must be translated into concrete actions.” She emphasized the essential role of civil society in addressing today’s crisis of values and rights, urging people to speak out openly in defense of dignity and justice.
• Bénédicte Suzuki, President of Femmes au Secours de la Paix, France, brought a personal message: “Peace begins within me.” She stressed the importance of embracing diversity with openness, respect, and understanding.
• Several speakers addressed the issues of violence against women and sexual violence. They emphasized the need to establish an international system to combat violence and the risks of human trafficking. They also highlighted the importance of the family and school–family cooperation in raising and educating children for peace.

Other speakers included:

• Iratxe García Pérez, Chair of the Group of the Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats, Spain
• Dr. Aicha Baicha, President of the European Center for Development and Geostrategic Studies and Analysis, Belgium
• Frohar Poya, Project Officer, European Network of Migrant Women, Belgium
• Anastasiia Petrenko, Founder of United Women, Ukraine
• Ľubica Magnusson, Teacher of Biology and European Studies, International School Bratislava; President of WFWP Slovakia

During the forum, participants of the ALLATRA International Public Movement and the Creative Society project actively engaged in discussions with speakers and guests on universal human values and the key themes of the event — peace, women’s leadership, and the protection of human rights. They exchanged views on building a society based on mutual respect, compassion, and cooperation beyond political or cultural differences. The participants emphasized the importance of inner peace and moral responsibility as the foundation for sustainable global peace. Through conversations and networking, ALLATRA representatives shared insights from the organization’s ongoing international activities in the field of Human Rights and Social Cohesion, which include efforts to overcome division, promote intercultural and interfaith dialogue, and protect fundamental human rights and freedoms.

The forum clearly demonstrated that empowering women and protecting their rights are essential prerequisites for sustainable peace and security. The voices of MEPs, experts, and representatives from civil society confirmed that women must play an equal role in shaping society and building resilient educational systems.

About ALLATRA

ALLATRA is an international organization with a research center in the United States (ALLATRA Global Research Center), engaged in the comprehensive analysis of climate and environmental changes, the study of the impact of micro- and nanoplastics, and the promotion of intercultural cooperation and the protection of fundamental human rights and freedoms.

In recognition of its commitment to environmental protection and preservation of creation, ALLATRA received an Apostolic Blessing from His Holiness Pope Francis in 2024. In 2025, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV likewise bestowed an Apostolic Blessing upon the President of ALLATRA and all its volunteers.

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