Conference
The Worldwide Organization for Women and Weber State University have concluded a Conference entitled Women and Their Worldwide Influence for Peace held Saturday, October 10, 2009 at Weber State University.
Asha Hafi Elmi, a citizen of Somalia, has had to raise her young family in the midst of war. Currently sitting at the peace table and advising the US Secretary of State, Asha shared her insights on peace and the need for WOW’s three pillars of humanitarian work, education opportunity and advocacy if the world is to find peace for its families.
Valerie Hudson is the author of Bare Branches and a Professor of Political science at BYU. She presented findings from her research and answered question about her work. Her insight and vast experience provided a better understanding of why we need to speak out for those who continue to be oppressed. Read an article recently written by Valerie here.
Afton Beutler represents the Worldwide Organization for Women in Geneva as the Vice President for International Affairs. Currently the Co Convener for the NGO CSW Committee on Women’s Right to Health, she shared ways that our voices can truly be a positive influence for change.
Carol Ugochukwu is currently the Executive Director WOW-Africa encouraging community and self-development projects. She was elected the State President and National Vice President for the National Council of Women’ Societies of Nigeria. Her stories of education for women inspired attendees.
Jacki Hunlow has served on the National Board of the American Mothers Inc. and was inspired to start the Mothers Legacy Project, a living collection of written, oral and visual stories honoring mothers. As an author and artist, Jacki will communicated the importance of women telling their stories. She taught us how we can be a part of this great collection of stories and build strength in our children and peace at that foundational point.
Charlotte Hamblin 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. She illustrated how getting sewing machines into the hands of women and paying for the production of school uniforms has opened doors for girls.
Ramita Shrestha has managed a small technology center for rural villagers to gain access to critical content for development since 2004. Despite civil war in Nepal during 2005 and 2006, Ramita was able to keep her center functioning without any external funding. Today, her center attracts up to 50 remote villagers (who often make the 3-hour trek one way). As an active community mobilizer, Ramita dedicates her life to supporting women’s groups, small entrepreneurs, and farmer cooperatives by providing access to localized content suited for Himalayan livelihoods and in various Nepalese languages. Ramita presented a paper entitled “Empowerment of Nepalese Rural women for their Rights”.
Information from the conference will be available soon.
Special thanks to Weber State University, Women Studies Program, Department of Geography and the Diversity Office of Weber State University.
