How We’re Celebrating Women Cross DMZ’s 10-Year Anniversary

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Dear Friend,

Ten years ago today, a delegation of 30 women peace activists made a historic crossing of the Korean Demilitarized Zone to call for an official end to the Korean War, the reunion of separated families, and women’s leadership in peace-building. This bold act marked the founding of Women Cross DMZ — and the inauguration of a new era for women’s leadership for Korea peace.

Today, on International Women’s Day for Peace and Disarmament, we commemorated the ten-year anniversary of the DMZ crossing and renewed our calls for peace by joining South Korean women activists for a peace walk outside the U.S. Camp Humphreys military base in Pyeongtaek, Korea.

Our international delegation included diasporic peace leaders, including Afghan American, Indigenous, Korean American, and South Asian feminists based in the United States. Our transnational act of solidarity comes at a time when democracy is under attack in the United States, South Korea is on the cusp of electing a new president, and growing tensions between the U.S. and China raise the risk of war in Northeast Asia.

As we enter a new political climate of rising authoritarianism that threatens peace, stability, and democracy around the world, feminist leadership and solidarity are more important than ever.

Here’s how WCDMZ is fighting back:

• Publishing groundbreaking feminist analysis on how endless war and militarism affect gender equality, including Women’s Rights Under the Division System in Korea and the Feminist Peace Playbook.
• Combating misinformation through political education, such as how right-wing forces are attempting to undermine democracy and peace activists.  
• Engaging U.S. officials in the State Department, Congress, and the current administration to push for a sustainable Korea peace process.
• Organizing grassroots activists across the country for our annual Korea Peace Advocacy Week, advocating for a peace agreement in Congress.
• Drawing connections between foreign policy and anti-Asian violence, including through a conference at the University of Washington (scheduled for spring 2026) to explore how wars abroad foment violence against Asian Americans at home.

But in order to continue our legacy, we need your support. Sign up to become a monthly donor or make a single gift of $10, $100, or $1,000 to celebrate our 10-year anniversary — and ensure that our important work continues for another ten years.

Here are three more ways to support our feminist movement:

• Join our online community screening of Crossingstoday at 5pm PT/8pm ET!
• Watch Crossings on your own on Prime Video. For educators and community organizations interested in hosting a public screening, please contact Collective Eye.
• Join our Korea Peace Now! Grassroots Network

Here’s what some of the 2015 WCDMZ delegates have to say about the impact of the crossing on their work and why you should support Women Cross DMZ today!

Women Cross DMZ Founder Christine Ahn: “When we crossed the DMZ in 2015, I could have never imagined the incredible journey that would follow. I’m so proud of the powerful, diverse, and multigenerational feminist peace movement we’ve built over the last decade that now has the capacity and vision to realize a Korean Peninsula without war. At a time of so much geopolitical strife and uncertainty, we need Women Cross DMZ’s leadership more than ever. Please lend your support today!”

Feminist Activist Gloria Steineim: “From Korea to Liberia, women have often been the force most likely to defy current divisions, and come together in a new hope for peace. North and South Korea are one of those crucial places. I’m honored to have been part of a group of women to cross the militarized boundary in 2015, and I am honored to be a continuing part of this unifying and peaceful effort. This was the most well-organized and biggest adventure of my life.”

Nobel Laureate and Peace Activist Leymah Gbowee: “As a leader in the women’s peace movement in my home country of Liberia, I know firsthand how critical women’s leadership is in building peace. The crossing with Women Cross DMZ forever changed how I view Korea and the tragic 85-year division. For the past decade, Women Cross DMZ has brought new champions to Korea peace. They need our strong community support — now.”

Nobel Laureate and Peace Activist Mairead Maguire: “From Ireland to Korea, women have long led bold actions to forever shift political landscapes towards peace. Women Cross DMZ’s daring crossing showed what was possible when women peace leaders meet with each other across borders. We need their continued transnational feminist leadership to challenge state governments, facilitate people-to-people engagement, and ensure women’s leadership in the Korea peace process.”Abigail Disney: “If my last name represents mainstream America around the world, especially in a place like North Korea, then I was so grateful to have been there in Pyongyang listening to North Korean women. Women Cross DMZ created that opportunity for my listening, which is the first step towards healing and reconciliation. Please support them today.”

Again, thank you for your support. Together, we can realize peace in Korea in our lifetime!

In peace,

Cathi Choi

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