IMAP Webinar Highlights Women as Peacemakers
IMAP, United States – The International Media Association for Peace (IMAP), a UPF project, held its monthly webinar on September 22, 2026, titled “Women’s Journey on the Road to Peace.” Following the United Nations International Day of Peace on September 21, the program brought together three accomplished women to discuss how women's voices, leadership and service can contribute to peacebuilding in families, communities and nations.
The first speaker was Ms. Cindy Pfeiffer, coordinator for North America of the International Association of First Ladies for Peace. She opened by highlighting the important role women can play in peace negotiations, citing research indicating that women's participation is associated with a greater likelihood of lasting peace. She shared photographs from an April 2025 World Summit in Korea attended by first ladies and dignitaries from countries including Costa Rica, Kenya and Sri Lanka.
Ms. Pfeiffer described the behind-the-scenes work that makes international gatherings possible, including translation, event planning, coordination and prayer. She highlighted first ladies such as Eleanor Roosevelt, Rosalynn Carter, Hillary Clinton, and Barbara Bush, who used their positions to advance causes including human rights, mental health, children's healthcare and literacy. Drawing from her own experience, Ms. Pfeiffer emphasized persistence when reaching out to presidential and governmental offices, encouraging participants to view rejection as part of the process rather than simply as failure.
Hon. Joy Garratt, state legislator from New Mexico and educator, encouraged women to consider leadership and public service opportunities at every level. She shared experiences from her legislative work, including successfully building bipartisan support for firearms safety legislation involving individuals with differing political and professional perspectives.
Ms. Garratt also described community initiatives involving students, pollinator protection, and mentoring young people. She encouraged participants to find meaningful ways to serve based on their own interests and passions. Her key leadership lessons included humility, listening – especially to young people – and leading by example rather than simply telling others what to do.
Dr. Mika Deshotel, an educator and education director of Women's Federation for World Peace USA, focused on three themes for women in leadership: authenticity, systems of support, and honoring personal cycles. Drawing from research and her experience as a mother of four, she discussed the importance of mentorship, community, and recognizing the need for both productive activity and restorative periods. Using the phases of the moon as an analogy, Ms. Deshotel encouraged women to honor their natural rhythms while remaining faithful to their personal calling. She concluded with a mentor's reminder: “You are either leading or you are preparing to lead.”
Members of the audience actively participated through the chat, including discussion of women's representation in New Mexico's legislature. In conclusion, the three engaging speakers offered different perspectives but shared common themes of service, persistence, relationship-building, mentorship, and the courage to step forward in leadership. The program reinforced IMAP's commitment to providing a media platform where women from diverse backgrounds can share their experiences and inspire greater participation in building a more peaceful world. The webinar concluded with host Ms. Jennifer Trench thanking the speakers and participants and encouraging continued engagement in peacebuilding at the family, community and national levels.
To view the webinar on YouTube click here.
