Somali Peacemaker Honored at Peace Conference
Somali Peacemaker honored at Conference at Weber State
Odgen, Utah The Worldwide Organization for Women in partnership with Weber State University recently concluded ‘Women and their Worldwide Influence for Peace’, a conference which highlighted women around the world working for peaceful resolutions to conflict. Conference events began in Utah on October 7th and will end in Washington D.C October 17th.
Asha Hagi Elmi Amin, the keynote speaker at the conference was awarded the Worldwide Organization for Women’s Women and their Influence for Good award at an Award’s Luncheon held in the Weber State University Ballroom on October 10th. She spoke during the luncheon about the need for WOW’s three pillars; education, advocacy and humanitarian work in order for the world to find peace for families. The conference was sponsored by WOW and Weber State University, the Department of Geography, the Women’s Study Program and the Diversity Office.
Asha Hagi Elmi Amin founded Save Somali Women and Children (SSWC) a woman run non-governmental humanitarian organization in Mogadishu in 1992. SSWC works to create a safe and sustainable situation for women by helping them overcome marginalization, violence and poverty in their communities. It is a non-profit organization that functions under the belief that through their own efforts as well as with help from local and international allies, women can transform their own lives and their communities. Amin has been involved for many years in peace negotiations and has met in recent months with US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton. Amin was recently honored in New York City at the 2009 Clinton Global Initiative on Thursday September 24, 2009. She was awarded one of six 2009 Clinton Global Citizen Awards which recognizes remarkable individuals for their leadership in improving the lives of people around the globe.
Other speakers during the daylong Conference included:
Valerie Hudson, the author of Bare Branches and a Professor of Political Science at Brigham Young University. Hudson presented findings from her research called WomanStats. She has spent seven years studying the connection between the treatment of women and the peacefulness of nations. Her insight and vast experience gives a better understanding of the need to speak out for those who are marginalized in society.
Afton Beutler, Vice President for International Affairs for the Worldwide Organization for Women in Geneva. Beutler is involved in: humanitarian projects, advocacy for women, children and families, issues of health, peace, human rights and climate change, the Eleanor Roosevelt Project on behalf of WOW and the Geneva internship program. New York UN Representative, Suvi Hynynen along with some of the Geneva interns shared their experiences about being part of the advocacy and educational process at the UN as a positive influence for change.
Carol Ugochukwu, the current Executive Director of WOW-Africa. Ugochukwu strongly advocates for community and self development projects. Ugochukwu was elected the State President and National Vice-President for the National Council of Women’s Societies of Nigeria. Ugochukwu was instrumental in building a bridge in her village of Ozubulu.
Ramita Shrestha, the Manager for ‘JOY Foundation-Nepal.’ Shrestha takes a proactive stance in improving the lives of women and children in her home country of Nepal. Through the ‘JOY Foundation-Nepal’ she organizes eye and health camps for rural Nepalese. She began her work with the Nepalese community by actively engaging the youth in after school computer literacy programs. She has worked with women from her village of Sankhu on the outskirts of Kathmandu to empower them through education and self reliance workshops.
Jackie Hunlow, founder of the Mothers’ Legacy Project. Hunlow is on the National Board of American Mothers Inc. and created the Mothers’ Legacy Project, as a living collection of written, oral and visual stories honoring mothers. As an author and artist, Hunlow spoke about the importance of women telling their stories and addressed how to build strength in our children and peace at that foundational point.
Charlotte Hamblin, philanthropist. Charlotte and her husband saw a need in the city of Mozambique and decided to do something about it. Over the last three years they have helped countless girls to get an education through their humanitarian projects. Hamblin discussed her work in Mozambique, including how getting sewing machines into the hands of women and paying for the production of school uniforms has opened doors for girls to go to school.
Other activities associated with the WOW conference included: a literacy event Thursday October 8th in conjunction with Global Literacy Day where Susan Dayton, President of WOW and Carol Ugochukwu, Current Executive Director of WOW Africa were at Glendale Middle School in Salt Lake City. to share inspirational stories about the education of women. Bags of books were provided by First Book, Utah Children’s Reading Foundation Reading Tree and Harmons. This event was partnered by the Salt Lake Community Action Program, the Children’s Reading Foundation and the Salt Lake City Mayor’s Office of Education Partnership. On Friday, October 9th, WOW members participated in the Diversity Conference at Weber State University.
The Conference will continue to Washington D.C. Monday October 12th through Saturday October 17th, where Amin will do a series of meetings, presentations and fundraising events at Georgetown University and George Washington University. One of the key lectures and discussions will take place from 5:45 to 8:50 p.m. October 14th at the Georgetown University Law Center where she will be hosted by the International Law Faculty.
