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Women - Pioneers in Peace Building
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| Four Countries
Friendship meeting in Bregenz Switzerland, Austria, Germany, Lichtenstein 9-11.05.08 |
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| The sixty women from 15
countries who met over the Pentecost weekend in the Bregenz Youth Hostel
built bridges. From Friday 9th May till Sunday 11th May 2008, The Women's Federation for World Peace International (WFWPI) represented in Austria by "Die Österreische Frauenföderation für Weltfrieden" (OEFF), the German "Frauenfoederation fuer Frieden" and corresponding counterparts from Switzerland and Lichtenstein staged a Bridge of Peace with 60 women from 15 countries. |
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Those that arrived from
Germany, Vienna, Linz and Salzburg on Friday had the opportunity to walk to
the Lake Bodensee and admire the floating stage of the Bregenz Festspiele.
This was also the backdrop for a short scene in the latest James Bond film
which completed its film shots until late into the night. Those that arrived
on the night train from Vienna on Saturday morning, could claim to have
slept in the bed of James Bond, as they had to wait till the film crew
vacated the scene who had special permission to sleep till noon. One German participant took the opportunity to talk to the lorry driver on Friday and discovered that they planned to drive back to England next day. |
| The beautiful lakeside atmosphere also permeated the next two day's activities which included a sightseeing tour on Saturday and a cable car ride up the mountain on Sunday. |
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Renate Amesbauer, initiator, organizer and President of OEFF, greeted all the participants on Saturday morning with a welcoming address relating to the role of women in peace building.The mother of five girls, came with her youngest daughter, who also took the opportunity to meet with like-minded friends. |
| After greetings from Germany,
Switzerland and Lichtenstein, there was time for a coffee break before
presentations on "Healing through the Soul" and "Relaxation". The second generation representative introduced "Service for Peace" then Dr. Elke Preusser Franke spoke on the Jewish Women's Association founded by her grandmother. Lilly Gundacker addressed the responsibilities of an NGO with ECOSOC status and encouraged active communication, networking and followup. |
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The afternoon walk led to the historical Church of St. Martin dating back to the 14th - 15th Century where some took the opportunity to climb the historic tower and enjoy the view. |
| The evening programme began with an introduction to the Bridge of Peace which led to North Korea in November last year. After dinner all participants had the opportunity to join in this signature project of WFWPI and formed over 25 "Sisterhoods" with a Bridge of Peace where the accompanying children and spouses were then also inspired to participate. |
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The sisters were moved and amazed at the spirit which brought together the only participating Moslem with the sole Jewish participant as sisters. |
| For two or three days, Bregenz on the West end of Austria, became the centre of the world. What a thrill to meet with sisters normally so far away. From Vienna, Zurich and Dresden, the world melted into one family and despite loved ones left at home to celebrate Mother's Day abandoned, spirits soared as we celebrated One World Family as sisters and brothers. |
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Thank you to all the supporting
spouses who made it possible. This is Pentecost. This is the coming of the Holy Spirit. |
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link to photos online
http://picasaweb.google.at/lilly.austria/2008050810Bregenz
Last edited: 17.08.2008 lg