1st World Conference Of Women's Shelters
12/09/2008 08:37
Hi Don,
I had the pleasure of attending the gala supper held to draw to a close the 1st World Conference of Women's shelters Thursday evening at the Shaw Conference Center.
WOW! It seemed like thousands of mostly women crammed into the big hall. There were of course speeches, but these were lively and short. There was singing, rattle song, drumming and a play "Speak" done by a youth group from Stony Plain. They did everything, including writing the script and the acting. They were incredible. Their ages ranged from 12 to 17 and they will travel to where they are needed to spread the word about family violence.
I learned that it only took two years to plan this event which brought women from every corner of the world together to discuss family violence and women's shelters.
There was a very loud round of applause when it was leaked that the ladies from Israel and Saudi Arabia were in the courtyard together having photos taken.
The walls were covered with anti violence posters from all the countries written in the languages of the attendees.
Jan Reimer was one of the ladies instrumental in pulling this altogether! Wish you could have been there.
You can learn much more about family violence here on their web site, pictured lower right.
Alison Glass
PS: CAW (the union I am an honorary member of) was one of the sponsors of the event and paid for one of the ladies from the local to attend the whole four days and for me to join her for "the last supper". See Unions are good for something!
SINC SAYS:
Gee Alison, that sounds like it was some event. Thank you so much for taking the time to send along your report and the pictures for St. Albert’s Place readers to enjoy. And yes, I got your point about unions too.
