Adios – Until We Meet Again!

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Ardith Toogood – CFUW CIR

CFUW Members after North America Regional Meeting

Brenda Wallace, Muriel Smith and I are booked on the same flight to Toronto, and we do not have to leave the hotel until 11:00 am.  How could I have forgotten to take a photo of the lobby from the top floor?  Lots of time to zip up there on one of the four glass elevators.

Yikes!  There is only a brass railing and a sheet of plexiglass between me and a 20-storey drop to the floor of the lobby.  With feet braced firmly I wrap the camera strap around my wrist and gingerly extend my arm over the edge, snapping the photo and hoping for the best.

Melia Reforma Hotel lobby, viewed from 20th Floor

Memories of the 30th Triennial Conference flood my mind, in no particular order:

• The excellent job of Mary Hall and Phyllis Scott (CFUW members) chairing the resolutions and plenary sessions
• Rae Duff’s (NZ) wise guidance on the Canadian resolutions, before and during the Conference
• Louise Croot’s reading of CFUW and IFUW Past President Linda Souter’s message to the Conference with reflections on her visit to Mexico during her Triennial term of office
• Cynthia Burek’s (UK) helpful input as a geologist on our CFUW Climate Change resolution
• Eileen Fegan’s (Ireland) passionate feminism and new way of looking at the concept of Human Rights – drawing me not only to her seminar but to her follow-up workshop
• Susan Murphy’s 24-hour flight delay in Vancouver – on her birthday!
• The input from members on the issue of abortion following the Parallel Session on Women’s Health, and the hug from Erandeni Avalos (Mexico), a teacher of Human Rights who whispered emotionally, “You have given me hope!”
• A Swiss member’s rueful comment: “The Swiss get up early and wake up late!”
• The wonderfully collaborative work of the CFUW delegation
• The hours spent with Feri Tabrisi and Heike Mensch (Germany) discussing stoning and other egregious crimes against women in Iran, and plans for IFUW and NFA action on this issue
• Re-acquaintance with Jackie Shazadi (US), bringing her in on the discussion of the treatment of Iranian women, and recalling her book (“Goldoon and Professor” about her US/Iranian bicultural marriage) that she sent me after our meeting at the first WG-USA AGM in Iowa
• Phyllis Scott’s (Past CFUW President and IFUW VP) sprained ankle and Sandy Craig’s (husband of Joanne Craig – Canada) injured vertebrae
• The victim’s of Montezuma’s Revenge (recognized by sudden absence, wan faces or small plates of plain pasta and dry bread)
• Griselda Kenyon’s (IFUW Past President – UK) comment that Mexico City is her 15th Triennial Conference
• The beautiful hotel and delicious food
• The many discussions of serious issues facing women around the globe,the situation of women in the various NFAs, and plans to take action
• The great fun we have had together

Time to catch a cab to the airport.  Adios, amigas! See you in Istanbul!

Margaret Tait (UK), Mary Hall (Canada), Rae Duff (NZ)

Eileen Fegan, Speaker from Ireland (UBC Graduate)

Cynthia Burek (l) - UK and Nicole Nelson - US, Tellers at Business Meetings

Brenda Wallace (r) with Mexican Friends at Gala Dinner

Ardith Toogood and Jackie Shazadi at the Museum of Anthropology

Cholula and Puebla

Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Ardith Toogood – CFUW CIR

Ah, the joy of a wee sleep-in following the exhausting schedule of the 30th Triennial Conference!  I decide to have my breakfast in good time since some delegates who took pre-booked tours yesterday were given a last-minute earlier start time.
It’s 9:00 am and time for the one and only IFUW tour I have booked.  I spot Janet and Fred Bowes near the tour office in the lower lobby where we have been told to assemble.  Is no one else taking the 10-hour trip to Cholula and Puebla?

A View from the Top of the Cholula Pyramid

I know that the Boweses have booked a hotel in Puebla as their starting point for further personal touring, and the thought of returning alone on the two-hour drive back to Mexico City does not thrill me.  Then Fred remarks that the tour office manager had tried to cancel this tour the other day, and succeeded in convincing several delegates to book something else.  Fred and Janet held firm – and apparently I was unable to be found.  So – there is a positive side to being exhaustively busy!

Along comes Noah, our Mexican tour guide, saying he will load Janet and Fred’s luggage while we wait for “the others.”  Others?  I glance at the list and recognize Arielle Wagenknecht’s name.  But she says that she and her husband Luc are booked on a different tour.
“Hi!” says Kathy Horvat of WG-USA. “I’m supposed to be on the Puebla tour!”  Whew!  Am I glad to see you, Kathy. Out we go to board the van and meet driver Ishmael, introduced by Noah as “the second best driver in Mexico City!”  There are Arielle and Luc, sitting in the van! They have missed the other tour and are going to Puebla after all.  Great!  We are ready to roll, and we all comment on the bright sunshine and the clearest morning we have had so far in Mexico City with its steady temperatures of 22 – 23 degrees Celsius during the day and 8 – 12 at night.  As we leave Mexico City we learn that three trains a day in and out of the city are reserved for women and children only – “for safety.”
The countryside along the “royal road to Puebla” is lush and green with the blue mountains providing a gorgeous backdrop to the landscape.  Noah tells us about the legendary “ sleeping lady” volcano and her brave warrior Popo (Popocatepetl), the second largest peak in Mexico at 5426 m (17,802 feet), and we ask if we can stop to take pictures.  There he is, his snow-cap visible if you are quick at snapping photos between banks of fluffy white clouds that drift almost constantly over his summit.  Janet passes around some sunflower seed brittle she has bought at the coffee shop.  We are now 60 km southeast of Mexico City and ready to enter the state of Puebla.

On to Cholula – site of the grass-covered pyramid – the largest monument in the world and largest pyramid by volume (Giza is smaller but higher) – on top of which has been built a church that is a major Catholic pilgrimage destination.

We admire the views to our left as we begin the climb along the inlaid stone path leading up and around the pyramid where reconstructions give insight on the unexcavated structure.  Arielle and Luc sit down to rest, and then Kathy takes a path leading down towards the city.  Fred, Janet, Noah and I continue to climb, stopping to sample nuts and other goodies from one of the stalls laid out along the way – but we pass on the roasted grasshoppers.
Finally we reach the last flight of steep stairs, and I count – forty-eight – so that if I have to close my eyes or stare straight down at the steps on the descent, I will know how far I still have to go before reaching the relative safety of the path!

Climbing the Inlaid Stone Path along the Cholula Pyramid

Closeup View of a Tile and Adobe Wall

What a view!  A platform at the top, reached by an additional flight of eight steps, affords a spectacular panorama of the other side of the city and countryside.

Countryside southeast of Mexico City

I take a non-flash photo of the interior of the church where mass is being celebrated.

Iglesia de Nuestra Senora de los Remedios on Great Pyramid of Cholula

Leaving Janet and Fred to browse the souvenir shop, I head towards the dreaded steps – but they are not as scary as I had thought.
Soon we are again on the road to Puebla, founded 600 years before the Aztecs built Mexico City and said to be the site of James Michener’s fictional tale, Mexico.  Noah tells us that corn, wheat, barley and squash are grown in the valley, and that Puebla is also known as the “sweet potato city.”
What an absolutely beautiful city!  Is there any direction that does not have a view begging yet another photo?
“What would you like to do first?” asks Noah as he suggests cathedrals and other tempting sites.  “Eat!” says everyone at once.  “We go to the Cathedral of Puebla?” offers Noah hopefully.  “No! Eat first!” we respond.  “It’s going on three o’clock!” exclaims Arielle firmly.  “We cannot do anything before we eat!”
Noah invites us to examine the buffet at a bright and cheery restaurant and the group is ready to eat anything – but, oh dear, all the tables in the lovely courtyard are already occupied.  “I take you to a better place!” promises Noah.  And he does!

Janet and Arielle Enjoy the Ambience of a Puebla Hotel Courtyard

We have a delicious five-course meal for 100 pesos in a charming hotel located behind one of many innocuous-looking doors on the street, behind which is a gorgeous courtyard with a soaring glass dome, flooding light onto the gallery, plants and tables clustered beneath it.  Our Corona beer (is there any other available in the Mexican restaurants?) hits the spot and goes well with our chicken mole poblano, a rich chocolate- tinged sauce made with 57 peppers and spices that has simmered for several days.  Mmmm!  Pure heaven!

Nearing the Top of the Great Pyramid of Cholula

One of Many Tiled Buildings in Puebla

Arielle waits on a shaded bench in the city square across from the palace, admiring the flowers and passersby and waiting for us to return from our walk over the cobbled streets, visiting the historic Templo de Santo Domingo with its ornate gilt Rosary Chapel, and the huge Cathedral of Puebla with the tallest towers in Mexico.  It is said to be pictured on the Mexican 500 peso bill but alas, I cannot verify it!  The two side doors are open for us to enter, but the massive centre door is closed and will be opened only every 25 years, explains Noah.

Ornate Gilt, Marble and Tile Interior of Cathedral of Puebla

Thunderously black clouds are rolling in, and we barely get inside the van before drenching rains flood the streets.  We drive round and round, searching for Fred and Janet’s hotel – and finally locate it along a street that looks like a river.  Not a problem!  Ishmael pulls the van into the courtyard and our Calgarians disembark with kisses and best wishes to all.
Kathy, Arielle and I discuss IFUW issues non-stop all the way to Mexico City.  Two hours later, we are back at the Melia Reforma Hotel for a late light supper in the Cafe Miro and fond reminiscences of our day.

Palacio de Gobierno in historic Puebla City Centre

Popocatepetl

The Final 48 Steps

Council Meeting, Double Decker Bus and Xochimilco

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Ardith Toogood – CFUW CIR

No need for an 8:00 am CFUW Caucus Meeting this morning!  Breakfast was leisurely – but is there a cost to daily bacon??  Surely the papaya and watermelon cancel out the cholesterol.  Better have some low-fat yoghurt as extra insurance against unwanted weight gain!

Lisa Chenier Texting in Lobby

Nora Kudrenecky Reading in Lobby

Marianne Haselgrave, IFUW President 2010 – 2013, chaired the 91st Council Meeting (similar to our CFUW Post-AGM Board Meeting) and introduced the new Board who sat with her at the front of the room:  Vice Presidents Anne Negre (French Federation), Jenny Strauss (Australian Federation), Willemijn Van Der Meer (Netherlands Association) and Treasurer Catherine Bell (South Africa Association) serving a second term. Vice President Patricia Galeana (Mexican Federation) was not able to attend the meeting.

IFUW Board 2010 - 2013 and Secretary General 91st Council Meeting

Among the ratifications of appointments was that of (CFUW member and Past President) Roberta Brooks as IFUW Assistant Treasurer.
The roll call for Council and Conference Meetings is always taken by Leigh Bradford Ratteree, the Secretary General of IFUW whose headquarters are in Geneva.  There is such a feeling of pride as the names of all the IFUW countries are called and the Voting Delegates raise their cards in response.

Among the items of business discussed under the Conference themes of Education, Development and Empowerment was Marianne’s comment that we need to emphasize “action” in the Program of Action – for example, making an inventory of the IFUW scholarships, an “appreciable asset worldwide” for which we are “good at doing but not good at selling.”  I will let you know when the new Program of Action for this Triennium becomes available on-line.

Marianne asked that countries willing to host the 31st IFUW Triennial Conference in 2016 let her know sooner rather than later.  The CIR from Egypt, sitting beside me, immediately stood up and offered her Association as the host.  Soon after, Nigeria also expressed interest, as did India!  Naturally, a formal request would have to be forthcoming from any NFA (National Federation or Association) willing to undertake this responsibility.
The meeting ended at 11:00 am.

After renewing my Internet service, I spotted Nora Kudrencky reading in the lobby.  She had some “found time” having mis-read her plane departure date and wished to do a bus tour of Mexico City.  That sounded like a great plan to me and I mentioned that the top deck of the double-decker tour bus had been recommended as a great place to view the architecture and street scenes of this historical city.

Just before we set off, along came Glenda Hecksher from the Mexican LAC (Local Arrangements Committee) who said that the Government had offered 40 tickets for a canal tour to the Floating Gardens at 4:00 pm that afternoon.
Nora and I glanced at each other.  Would there be time for us to do both?  All of  the other tours had begun on “Mexican time.”  We would chance it and buy a ticket, packing two tours into one day.

Double Decker Tour Bus Entering Zocala Area

Off we scooted to grab umbrellas, hats and sunscreen and then a quick bowl of delicious chicken soup before setting off for the bus stop a few blocks away to catch the 1:00 bus.

The city tour was excellent, with headphones available for commentary in the language of your choice on the many points of interest including the Palacio de Bellas Artes (Museum of Fine Arts)

Mexico City Art Gallery

made of 84,000 tons of marble, the Zocala (Plaza of the Constitution in the old, walkabout historic section), the Art Gallery made of stone with teak-coloured wood framing on all of the windows, the historically significant Monument of Independence with its 105-foot-high golden angel, The Avenue that is modelled after The Champs Elysees, and the National Auditorium – an historical theatre.  Of course, the many street scenes captured constant interest, from the ubiquitous red and gold taxis to the police with their bullet-proof vests to the families out for an afternoon stroll.

Monument of Independence in Mexico City

We stayed on the open top deck of the bus the whole time and finally the two-and- one-half-hour tour returned us to our original stop after three-and-one-quarter hours.  Hmm!  Could we still catch the bus to the Floating Gardens? As we entered the hotel block I spotted a bus, and ran the rest of the way to see if it were ours and to hold departure.  Yes!!  They had waited for us.  Off we went, as soon as Nora arrived, for the half-hour or so drive to the canal.

The canal was once the main route between downtown Mexico City and Xochimilco (meaning “flower field place”), a UNESCO World Heritage Site covering an area of 122 square kilometres and located about 28 kilometres to the south.

On the Canal, Heading for Xochimilco

We boarded the roofed boats, sitting on benches or chairs facing each other along each side.  Small, soft motors propelled us through the water with its floating foliage and water fowl to the Floating Gardens which were artificial islands formed by rooting twigs in the mud and gradually building up the soil.

Kathleen Laurila, Griselda Kenyon, Heike Mensch at Steam Bath Hut

Indigenous Woman Selling Dolls Curbside

After viewing the carvings, the steam bath huts and the natural beauty of this environmentally-protected and now privately-owned preserve, we were served tacos and tamarind juice in an open-sided thatched hut while serenaded by two marimba players (remember Cielito Lindo?).

Marimba Players on Floating Islands

As usual the dark clouds rolled in behind us as we made our way along the series of canals towards the clear western sunset, enjoying the dulcet strains of the marimba which was partially under cover on our boat, exchanging information about our IFUW activities and boarding our bus just before the downpour.

It was only 9:00 pm when we arrived at our hotel – well before the usual end of IFUW activities.  Maybe I should make use of that Internet time I had booked, and do some blogging!

Istanbul Here We Come!

Monday, August 9, 2010

Finance Committee - Roberta Brooks (centre)

Ardith Toogood – CFUW CIR

It’s hard to believe that this is the last official day of the 30th IFUW Triennial Conference!  Of course, there will be the 91st Council Meeting tomorrow for the new Board and the CIRs, not to mention side trips booked in advance – or at the last minute down at the tour office in the lower lobby of the hotel – by delegates.

IFUW Resolutions Committee, Marianne Singh-Waraich (second from left)

This morning there was a most interesting and productive final Plenary Session where members shared ideas on “Building a Sustainable IFUW: Meeting Members’ Needs and Expectations.”  After the Tea Break there were advocacy and membership workshops available and one on CEDAW and UPR that was very useful.  CFUW wrote the environmental section on the Canadian NGO (non-governmental organizations) Shadow Report to the Government’s Report on CEDAW.  We also submitted a CFUW Statement before Canada’s last Human Rights UPR (Universal Periodic Review) which took place in February 2009.

After lunch, Business Session 4 – the final session -  took place.  The 31st Triennial Conference will take place in Istanbul, Turkey in 2013.  Save your pennies!

Marian Ennis (l) Convener Hegg-Hoffet Committee

While the business session took place, I was presenting a position paper on “Maternal Health and Foreign Aid” at a Parallel Session on Women’s Reproductive Health.  My paper will be available on our website after I return home.  At the same time, there was a Parallel Session on VGIF.
The Conference officially closed with the introduction of the new Board and the Standing Committees.  There were many photos, much applause and congratulations all round.

Ardith Toogood, CFUW CIR (l) and Brenda Wallace, CFUW President

It seemed as though everyone stayed for the Gala Dinner in the evening – 250 full-time and 100 partial registrants.  We all put on our best outfits and were transported by buses to the Vizcainas School – an historical edifice several centuries old.  After speeches, we were treated to a concert by the Mexican Chamber Orchestra playing selections of classical music in the soaring cathedral of the school.  The soprano soloist at the end of the concert was brought back for several encores.

Past IFUW Presidents l to r: Reiko Aoki, Elizabeth Poskitt, Louise Croot, Griselda Kenyon, Chitra Ghosh

An exquisitely prepared dinner  was served at colourful round tables in the large courtyard.  Brenda and I had the pleasure of sitting with Mexican delegates, two indigenous Mexican sisters and two Japanese delegates.  What a grand finale to the 30th Triennial Conference!

Presenters Ardith Toogood and Rosette Adera (Rwanda) at the Gala

IFUW Gala Dinner at Vizcainas School, Mexico City

Mexico City's Chamber Orchestra at the Colegio de las Vizcainas

IFUW Business and Ballet

Sunday, August 8, 2010
Ardith Toogood – CFUW CIR

Louise Croot, IFUW President (l) and Marianne Haselgrave (IFUW President Elect 2010 - 2013)

After two days of themed sessions it was back to IFUW Business Session 3 and the voting on the Resolutions and Constitutional Amendments.  This year there were no amendments from the floor since we were voting on the final wording arrived at during the “consensus meeting” on Thursday evening.  The debate was therefore adding information for the delegates’ consideration before casting their votes.

Jan Harvey, IFUW Conference Minuting Secretary

Several CFUW members said that they really liked the consensus method of amending resolutions.

CFUW has 10 votes, based on the number of members in our Federation.  Our voting delegates worked together very collegially.  Marianne Singh-Waraich presented the defence for our Financial Literacy resolution, Susan Murphy for Climate Change and Brenda Wallace

l to r Lois Hunter, Janet Bowes, Marianne Singh-Waraich

for Cluster Munitions.  All three CFUW resolutions were adopted.  Way to go, Marianne, Susan and Brenda!  All of the adopted policy and internal resolutions will be posted on the IFUW website (www.ifuw.org).

The results of appointments to committees were announced and we were proud of the appointment of Marianne Singh-Waraich as a member of the IFUW Resolutions Committee, Marian Ennis as Convener of the Hegg-Hoffet Committee, and Roberta Brooks as IFUW Assistant Treasurer for the next Triennium.

l to r: Roberta Brooks, Carol Hare, Muriel Smith, Sandy Millen

There were parallel sessions offered for those attendees who wished to participate in workshops rather than the business session:
•    “Change is the only Constant” – Tools for Designing and Managing Projects
•    “Use of the Internet and Social Networking as a Tool for Sustaining NFAs”
•    “Mentoring for Academic Women”

Liette Michaud, Margaret Binek

The lunches during the Conference have been delicious:  hot and cold selections from an extensive buffet and a whole table of tempting desserts.  It would be impolite not to sample a taste of all the sweets – would you not agree?  We can always go back to apples and bananas when we return home – at least, that has been our reasoning!

A group photo of all the attendees was taken before the afternoon sessions and offered for sale along with the other professional photographers’ photos that are taken daily.

Phyllis Scott, IFUW VP (l) and Catherine Bell, IFUW Treasurer

Nora Kudrenecky (l) and Marian Ennis at the Hegg-Hoffet Boutique

The Hegg-Hoffet Boutique, managed beautifully by Marian Ennis and volunteer saleswomen including over a dozen CFUW members, is located just outside Revolucion 1 and 2 ( the large meeting rooms) and the area where we have tea, coffee and an array of tea cookies for morning and afternoon breaks. There were items for sale from around the world.  The gold leaf pin donated via Monique’s Boutique at the CFUW AGM in Ottawa was snapped up within minutes! Marian announced that more than $5000.00 has been raised for the Hegg-Hoffet grants for refugee women’s higher education.  Thanks to the CFUW team for all of your work in the Boutique!

Margaret Tait, Griselda Kenyon, Leigh Bradford Ratteree (IFUW Secretary-General), Patricia Galeana

The second and third Plenary Sessions were offered in the afternoon:  2:30 – 4:00 pm and 4:30 – 6:00 pm with our usual Tea Break in between.  At Plenary 2 the IFUW representatives to the UN described their work in Geneva, Paris, Vienna and New York City and at Plenary 3 the attendees gave input for the next IFUW Programme for Action.

Then it was time for many of us to step outside for the first time in a week!  The heavens opened and the rain poured down as usual in late afternoon – it is the rainy season in Mexico! – as we headed under umbrellas to the bus that transported us to the Museo Nacional de Antropologia

Museo Nacional de Antropologia

for a performance by the  Ballet Folklorico de Mexico.  What a thrilling spectacle!  No flash photography was allowed but the bright stage lighting allowed us to take beautiful photos of the swirling, colourful dancers.  The husband of the Mexican woman sitting next to me took videos of the whole performance!
A “Mexican time” supper at 10:30 pm back at the hotel topped off yet another day filled with learning, friendship and fun!

Mexican Folkloric Ballet

IFUW Theme Days, Regional Meeting and Found Luggage

Friday – Saturday, August 6 – 7, 2010

Ardith Toogood – CFUW CIR

After the intensity of the opening days of the Triennial Conference, the two days of themed panels, interdisciplinary seminars and workshops provided an equally busy schedule, with a more relaxed pacing for those who did not have the responsibility of presentations.

There were many choices under four main themes:
•         Advancing Women through Lifelong Learning
•         Challenges to Women’s Empowerment in the 21st Century
•         Education for Sustainable Development
•         Towards a Just Society

VP Quebec, Liette Michaud, Position Paper Presenter

Rhea Pretsell, President of CFUW Belleville and District, Position Paper Presenter

We are very proud of the excellent position papers presented by two of our CFUW members.  Liette Michaud of CFUW Montreal South Shore spoke on “Women and the Curriculum: Educational Reform in Quebec, Canada” and Rhea Pretsell of CFUW Belleville on “Sexual Violence as a Weapon of War:  The Case in the Congo.”

Lois Hunter and Joanne Craig served as rapporteurs for two of the sessions, recording the key points and discussion items covered.

I met Jan Harvey from CFUW West Vancouver who is serving as the minuting secretary of the business sessions, and Penny Henricks from CFUW Belleville.

Phyllis Scott still does not have her luggage and so she let me know that she would go out shopping for some outfits.   As I walked into the lounge on Friday evening for an informal and relaxing get-together of the Canadian delegation, she stood up when she saw me approaching and did a pirouette to show off a smart yellow top and pants.  “Oh, you found something!” I exclaimed in admiration.  “No, my luggage has finally arrived,” she said.  “I’ll be changing three times a day to use up all the clothes I packed!” Now when I wear items I lent to Phyllis, people jokingly tease, “Oh, you look great in Phyllis’s suit!”

One of the great pleasures of an international women’s conference is the opportunity for networking and learning.  It never stops.
This year we had a North America Regional Meeting with close to fifty people in attendance.  We had introductions, an outline of what CFUW and WG-USA are doing and some ideas discussed on what to pursue in the coming Triennium.  Mexico elected not to attend as their culture and language fit more closely with Latin America.

Dancers at Mexican Evening

At the Mexican Evening, we enjoyed the traditional music, dance and food of Mexico as we mingled and enjoyed the company of women from around the world.  The evening was topped off by desserts and tequila.

IFUW Treasurer Catherine Bell from Guess Where?

More IFUW

If you’ve loved the posts that Ardith Toogood has been blogging from the IFUW’s 30th Triennial Conference in Mexico City, check out the IFUW’s Conference blog here. Participants are sharing their experiences at the workshops and other events of the Conference.

Keep an eye out for Ardith’s next post!

Bienvenidos Congreso Triennial IFUW

Thursday, August 5, 2010

Ardith Toogood – CFUW CIR

The first official day of the 30th IFUW Triennial Conference is here!  More CFUW members have arrived:  Lisa Chenier of Vancouver, Rhea Pretsell of Belleville, Joanne Craig of Montreal and Muriel Smith of Winnipeg whose plane landed in the wee hours of the morning.

CFUW Members at 30th IFUW Triennial Opening Ceremony

We had our first 8:00 am CFUW caucus meeting in the lounge outside the breakfast restaurant, Cafe Miro, sharing information, making announcements and thinking about our votes for the elections.

The IFUW Opening Ceremony featured Dr. Patricia Galeana, FEMU Founding President who welcomed us to Mexico and the 30th IFUW Triennial; Minister Olga Sanchez Cordero of the Mexican Supreme Court; keynote speaker Kyung-wha Kang, United Nations Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights; a deputy for Dr. Luis Raul Gonzalez Perez of the Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico and Louise Croot, IFUW President.

The speeches by Minister Sanchez and UN Deputy High Commissioner Kang

Kyung-wha Kang, UN Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights

were outstanding and will be made available to us for posting.  Minister Sanchez had to leave immediately following her address for an important vote on gay rights at the Supreme Court.

Olga Sanchez Cordero, Minister of Mexican Supreme Court

We were entertained by a superb a cappella sextet, Mexicalia Chorale, before the cake for the 90th IFUW anniversary celebration was brought in by the waiters.  I have a wonderful photo of a crowd of photographers, the press and members crowding around to witness the cutting of the cake.

Louise Croot and Patricia Galeana Cutting the IFUW 90th Anniversary Cake

After the tea break we heard the speeches of all the candidates for CFUW Board positions including our own CFUW member, Phyllis Scott.

Some of the CFUW delegates attended the IFUW Fellowships Program lunch and the rest of us the Bina Roy Partners in Development Program (BRPID) lunch.  In the coming Triennium, donors to the BRPID will be able to specify the project they wish to support.

Then the voting delegates had a short caucus meeting before casting our votes for IFUW President and Vice Presidents for 2010 – 2013.
Back we went to Business Session 2 for the financial report and acclamation of Catherine Bell as IFUW Treasurer, introduction of the candidates for IFUW Standing Committees and the announcement of the next IFUW President:  Marianne Haselgrave of the British Federation.

We look forward to working with Marianne and congratulate her on her new position.  We also congratulate Phyllis Scott who tied on the first ballot and narrowly missed the second.  We are very proud of you, Phyllis, and look forward to tapping into your knowledge and expertise on IFUW and international issues.

After the Tea Break I was pleased to be one of several presenters on national projects at the first Plenary Session.  My presentation on “The Collaborative Work of CFUW” will be available on the website after I return to Canada.
Then as CIR I cast the CFUW votes for the Standing Committees, grabbed a sandwich and then dashed off to the Open Session on Resolutions.
What a productive meeting!

Our adviser from the IFUW Resolutions Committee, Rae Duff from New Zealand, who had been very helpful to CFUW via email over the last few months, was with us as we heard and gratefully accepted amendments from those who came to discuss, in particular, our Climate Change proposed resolution.  Cynthia Burek who has expertise in this area, told us that the final amended resolution looks very good.  This session lasted from 7:30 – 9:00 pm.

Brenda and I were thirsty by that time and headed down to mellow out in the bar with Ruth Suderman and Sandy Millen who told us that a MAS card, available at the front desk, would save us 50% on breakfasts!  Ah, the things you learn from the wise women of IFUW!  Time for bed!

Mexican LAC Members at Opening Ceremony Aug. 5, 2010

IFUW Council Meeting and Lost Luggage

Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Ardith Toogood – CFUW CIR

The IFUW Conference registration desk is now open!  We received our conference bags, complete with all the documentation and a beautiful silver 30th Triennial pin with details in red, white and green – the colours of the Mexican flag.

At breakfast we said ‘Hello’ to Susan Murphy, VP BC who arrived first class and with a voucher since she had been delayed in Vancouver for 24 hours, Nora Kudrenecky from CFUW Kitchener-Waterloo, Antonieta Marticorena from CFUW North Toronto, Carol Hare from CFUW Mississauga.  Later, Marian Ennis, IFUW Convener of the Hegg-Hoffet Committee arrived with her husband from Vancouver.

The IFUW 90th Council Meeting – akin to our CFUW Pre-AGM Board Meeting – took place from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. with CFUW President Louise Croot from New Zealand presiding.  The Council is comprised of the Board ( the President, the four Vice-Presidents – Phyllis Scott from Canada, Marianne Haselgrave from Britain, Shirley Randall from Rwanda and Sushil Bhardwaj from India, all candidates for IFUW President 2010 – 2013 -  and Treasurer Catherine Bell from South Africa plus the CIR or designated representative from each NFA (national federation or association) who votes on behalf of her affiliate.  We have designated spots with our country’s name indicating where we should sit.  As CFUW CIR I was proud to represent Canada.

Observers were welcome.  CFUW President attended except for the period when the Orientation for First-Time Conference Attendees was held.  Lois Hunter attended the briefing for Rapporteurs.

We attended the Meet-the-Candidates gathering where our five candidates for IFUW positions were circulating with the other countries’ candidates.
In the evening, Brenda was lucky to get one of the 40 tickets available to the inaugural opening of the new Mexican Women’s Museum.  Margaritas or tequila sunrises were served for all IFUW registrants at an informal welcome in the lovely hotel lobby and bar area.  Networking, networking, networking!

Phyllis’s luggage is still missing – for four days now!  She fell on the first day in Mexico and has a sprained and bandaged ankle and bruises on hip and shoulder.  Who needs this at any time – but especially when running for President of IFUW.  We had another “choose an outfit” session in my room to ensure that she is decent (her word!) for her candidate’s speech tomorrow.  She looks positively spiffy!  Good luck, Phyllis!

CFUW part of coalition calling for pay equity in New Brunswick

Karen Dunnett, CFUW VP Atlantic speaks with a reporter at the Pay Equity Press Conference in New Brunswick.

A few weeks away from the provincial election, the NB Coalition for Pay Equity and seven other major women’s groups and organizations are bringing attention on the need for pay equity legislation for the private sector.

The eight groups, representing thousands of women, include the Coalition for Pay Equity, the Canadian Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs (BPW), the Canadian Federation of University Women (CFUW), the Collectif des femmes du Nouveau-Brunswick, the Fédération des femmes acadiennes et francophones du Nouveau-Brunswick, the Institut féminin du Nouveau-Brunswick, the Regroupement féministe du Nouveau-Brunswick and the Women’s Committee – New Brunswick Federation of Labour.

“As active and proud participants in the province’s economy, we are uniting our voices to demand a law on pay equity for the private sector”, says a statement signed by the eight women’s groups.

“We are calling upon every provincial political party to include pay equity legislation for the private sector in their election platform”, said Marilyn MacCormack, Chair of the Coalition for Pay Equity. “It is time to end pay discrimination for all NB workers”.

According to the eight groups, the Pay Equity Act, 2009 which came into force in April 2010 is a positive but insufficient step, since it only applies to public sector employees while 67% of the women in the labour force are working in the private sector.

“Pay equity legislation is necessary for the private sector, just as much as for the public sector,” said Della Collette-Lacenaire, Vice-President of the Fédération des femmes acadiennes et francophones du N.-B.  “Pay equity increases women’s financial autonomy and their ability to make choices for themselves and their family.”

“NB women are contributing to the economy. This contribution must be recognized and jobs mostly held by women must be paid fairly, based on their value to their employers. Legislation for all sectors of the economy is the best way to achieve that”, said Sue Calhoun, Immediate Past-President of the Canadian Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs.

Alya Hadjem, Coordinator of the Collectif des femmes du N.-B., also supports pay equity legislation, explaining that many immigrant and visible minority women hold predominantly female jobs in the private sector.

Karen Dunnett, Vice-President Atlantic on CFUW’s National Board, and President of the CFUW Atlantic Regional Council, mentioned that the annual wage gap among Canadian university graduates rose from 12% in 1991 to 18% in 2001[1], due to a drop in real wages in female-dominated fields (health and education) and an increase in real wages in male-dominated fields (engineering, mathematics, computer science and physical sciences)[2]. She said that pay equity legislation could reverse this trend.

Estelle Lanteigne, President of the Regroupement féministe du N.-B., concluded that pay equity is a human right recognized internationally, but will remain wishful thinking without legislation. “The government has a responsibility to ensure that human rights are respected for all.”

The Coalition and the seven women’s groups said they are going to follow closely the provincial political parties’ platforms.

Pay equity is equal pay for work of equal value.

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[1] Statistics Canada. (2007). Study: Rising education of women and the gender earnings gap. The Daily. http://www.statcan.gc.ca/daily-quotidien/070612/dq070612b-eng.htm

[2] Frenette, M., and Coulombe, S. (2007). Has Higher Education Among Young Women Substantially Reduced the Gender Gap in Employment and Earnings? Analytical Studies Branch Research Paper. Statistics Canada: Ottawa.