Third European Women’s Peace Meeting

Regional Women’s Federation for World Peace meeting in the Netherlands

European women from 8 nations gathered together in the Netherlands for the Third European Regional Women’s Federation for World Peace Meeting in November 2006. Nobuko Bruins, President of WFWP Netherlands organised the meeting which took place in the Stayokay Youth Hostel in Arnhem.

The meeting began inofficially with a tour of the museum on Friday afternoon, preceded by lunch in the restaurant. Some energetic women decided to test the bicycles provided before all embarked on foot through the extensive forest, park and garden area. Nobuko proved her talents as an experienced tourist and travel guide providing detailed background information to many of the artistic exhibitions. The largest outdoor nature museum moved the hearts of all and was crowned by the tour of the indoor museum housing original masterpieces by Rembrandt, van Gough, Gaugin, Renoir, Monet and many other world masters.

For the official opening on Friday evening Mrs Tina Coombs, England, President of WFWP Europe, shared impressions from her recent visit to Thailand where the International WFWP met in Bangkok in October. A welcome song was performed by the Youth Hostel staff and Nobuko Bruins husband and family who assisted throughout were introduced.

Brigitte Wada, France, coordinated the speakers throughout the meeting which provided opportunities to share reports from each country as well as to connect to the international Women’s Federation scene. Christine Sato, Germany presented material prepared together with Ingrid Lindemann which proved to really fill the needs of the international members present especially dealing with the honour of women. She also presented a poem she composed herself.

Carolyn Payne, France, reported about a Bridge of Peace Ceremony in Paris between French and Korean women and promised to provide supporting material for the ongoing international 1% Sharing Programme designed to support North Korea.

Atsumi Kanno Nandkisore, Iceland reported a three year long co-sponsored project with Zonta supporting girls in Cambodia.

Renate Amesbauer, Austria reported cooperation with other organisations including the newly formed “Family Forum”.

Elisabeth Riedl, and Lilly Gundacker, reported about United Nations activities as an NGO with consultative status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations.

Reinhild Frank-Nauand, Luxumbourg mentioned an upcoming Gender meeting encouraging participation.

Lisa Janssen, The Netherlands, said there are 2 things we need to give to our children, the one is roots, the other is wings.

Gabriella, Italy mentioned that she had been asked to take responsibility for central Europe and the meeting agreed to install her as liaison officer – stressing the need for European sisters to remain united and in touch.

It was an overwhelmingly inspiring meeting which again brought to light how important it is to communicate with each other and resulted in a deeper commitment to report and learn to network effectively. Elisabeth Riedl presented the European Homepage and Tina Coombs urged us all to go One Step Higher.

17th - 19th November 2006

photos

Northern California Interracial Sisterhood Project