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Ursula Goh
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NEWS ARCHIVE
WORLD PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE: July 2008 | January 2008 | October 2007 | July 2007 | April 2007 I January 2007 I October 2006 I July 2006 I April 2006 I January 2006 I October 2005 I July 2005 I April 2005 I January 2005 I 'Dato' title for Ursula GohI Obituary: Ivy Rahman I
Dear Fellow Members, July 2008
ACWW’s commitment to our global membership grows with the ever-increasing complexity of the modern world. Challenges that we face are, indeed, daunting; but each passing year also gives ample cause for optimism as we see new evidence of the advance of rural women.
The trend towards their empowerment through education, skills training and income generation by all kinds of agricultural activities has been extremely positive. This we need to remember when confronted with difficulties that come in many forms.
They may be the result of natural disasters like drought and floods, or an epidemic – they may also come about through political instability. Whatever the cause, those who suffer most are vulnerable women and their children, the poor and disadvantaged.
Six months into a new triennium, and ACWW can rarely have been busier. Decisions adopted at our world conference in Finland are to be acted upon. All six specified committees, meeting in the autumn, examined the organisation's Strategic Plan and are working on fresh ways of realising its aims.
And the timetable for attainment of the United Nations Millennium Goals (MDGs) by 2015 – and ACW'Ws efforts towards their fulfilment – is already more than half spent.
We are not short of material for New Year resolutions! Nevertheless, I have one to offer. Very simply, it is that members in every region enhance communication with their Area President.
The ACWW Board found space during a packed programme in London for a day devoted to training. During the sessions, the Area Presidents learned much about the pivotal role they will play during the next three years. But each of our geographic areas is huge and one person cannot act in isolation.
Accordingly, I appeal to societies and individuals to keep in touch with the Area President. Please tell her about the views of your organisations; the activities you arrange, the obstacles you encounter. And d'ont hold back on good news, achievements to your credit. Share them with your Area President who, in turn, can pass on the information to readers of The Countrywoman and users of the ACWW web site.
As we enter 2008, let us collectively strive to reach out for new opportunities and horizons for those we are dedicated to help: women and their families.
May I wish all fellow members and their families a healthy, happy, and prosperous New Year and thank you for your good wishes to myself and ACWW.
Dato Ursula Goh ACWW World President
Dear Fellow Members, Januuary 2008
Six months into a new triennium, and ACWW can rarely have been busier. Decisions adopted at our world conference in Finland are to be acted upon. All six specified committees, meeting in the autumn, examined the organisation's Strategic Plan and are working on fresh ways of realising its aims.
And the timetable for attainment of the United Nations Millennium Goals (MDGs) by 2015 – and ACW'Ws efforts towards their fulfilment – is already more than half spent.
We are not short of material for New Year resolutions! Nevertheless, I have one to offer. Very simply, it is that members in every region enhance communication with their Area President.
The ACWW Board found space during a packed programme in London for a day devoted to training. During the sessions, the Area Presidents learned much about the pivotal role they will play during the next three years. But each of our geographic areas is huge and one person cannot act in isolation.
Accordingly, I appeal to societies and individuals to keep in touch with the Area President. Please tell her about the views of your organisations; the activities you arrange, the obstacles you encounter. And d'ont hold back on good news, achievements to your credit. Share them with your Area President who, in turn, can pass on the information to readers of The Countrywoman and users of the ACWW web site.
As we enter 2008, let us collectively strive to reach out for new opportunities and horizons for those we are dedicated to help: women and their families.
May I wish all fellow members and their families a healthy, happy, and prosperous New Year and thank you for your good wishes to myself and ACWW.
Dato Ursula Goh ACWW World President
Dear Fellow Members, October 2007
Our World Conference has come and gone so very quickly it seems. Everyone involved helped to make it a resounding success and ACWW wishes to express its deepest thanks to the three Finnish societies and the Triennial Conference Committee for their hard work.
I am grateful to members for placing their confidence in me to lead the organisation for another three years. While considering this a great honour and privilege, I know that the world presidency is also a huge responsibility in which I shall need the support of you all.
Your newly elected Board meets this month and we hope to chart the way into another vigorous and fulfilling triennium.
Delegates in Turku accepted all the resolutions and recommendations put forward and now it is time for us to put them into action. There was much emphasis on the implications of an ageing membership – a problem which ACWW shares with charities worldwide and the organisation's financial standing.
Recurring issues in discussions were the need to attract younger women into the membership, to encourage people to be generous, and not to fear change. On the last point, I would add that we should utilise change to further our fundamental ideals.
As we start out on our journey into a new triennium, I invite everyone to be a positive partner, in whatever capacity or region, in making a reality of ACWW’s vision and mission in the world. A task without a vision is mere drudgery, and a vision without a task is only a dream.
Dato Ursula Goh ACWW World President
Dear Fellow Members, July 2007
Through one of publishing's odd twists you will read this column in the early days of a new ACWW Triennium, whereas I am writing virtually on the eve of the World Conference in Finland which sees the closure of the last. With its theme of Winning the Way for Women, it will have had a special significance for our hostess societies, whose country 100 years ago established the vote for women and their right to stand for parliament.
In the next issue of The Countrywoman, which you will receive in October, I shall be able to talk about proceedings in the city of Turku. But at the moment they are beyond my horizon!
The magazine will also contain reports and photographs from the conference and, of course, the all-important resolutions and recommendations approved by delegates. They will also be posted on our web site. These decisions will be the basis for much of ACWW's work – and that of member societies – during the next three years. I look forward to the debates which will mould them.
As for events which will affect an international organisation such as ours during the new triennium, I predict with confidence that we can expect the unexpected! In the last months of the current one, my engagements have been as varied as ever. Early in the year there was the regular round of Executive and Specified Committee meetings at Central Office in London, and I attended the Northern Ireland FWI's 75th anniversary celebration in Coleraine.
Back in London, there was an FWI UK pre-conference workshop at the Mothers Union offices. I also assisted past World President Hilda Stewart in reorganising ACWW's photographic archive – a task in which her immense experience was invaluable. Our thanks to her.
I left for the Caribbean in April to go to the UNESCO/ACWW participation programme for societies in the area. It was very encouraging to discover how many members had registered for the Triennial Conference.
Ursula Goh ACWW World President
Dear Fellow Members, April 2007
A pleasure, as always, to greet you all – especially in such a year for ACWW as this. Excitement mounts as we draw close to the 25th Triennial Conference in Finland – certainly in me as I look forward to important business, combined with the pleasure of meeting old friends and making new ones.
Expectations soar with the nearness of an event which concentrates all that ACWW stands for. As I write, the final touches are being made to Turku 2007. Resolutions and recommendations are drawn up and programmes have been arranged by the Triennial Conference Committee and the Coordinating Committee.
I hope all who attend will be informed, stimulated and entertained. Be sure that a warm welcome awaits you!
A Triennial Conference is for everybody: in debates, delegates will present the views and aspirations of organisations across the world. They will, of course, report back to their members, and the proceedings will be fully reported in The Countrywoman.
Another important matter to tell you about: there is to be further collaboration between UNESCO and ACWW, with a training workshop, to take place in Trinidad & Tobago this month. [April]
Significant progress has been made on streamlining our administration, raising the ACWW profile, improving communication, including that within the UN system and the support, monitoring and evaluation of projects around the globe. Such measures, together with the work of the conference will, I am sure, help to gain an increase in membership.
April 29 is ACWW Day – so I take this opportunity to encourage everyone to mark it by promoting our campaign of Working with Women Worldwide in all kinds of ways – and letting The Countrywoman know about what you do!
Ursula Goh ACWW World President
Dear Fellow Members, January 2007
Greetings and best wishes to you and your families for 2007! It is hard to believe that another year has begun, that 2006 has come and gone. We are once again approaching the end of a triennium and preparations are under way for the 25th ACWW Triennial Conference in Turku, Finland, in June.
The positive-thinking TCC and the hostess societies organising committee plan a workshop emphasising the functions of each of ACWW's six Specified Committees. It is hoped that this will be of great benefit to each one of us.
Last year was another busy one for ACWW. A flurry of committee meetings, followed by that of the Board, took place in the autumn. Central Office's staff of nine found their ordinarily calm surroundings all hustle and bustle, with every committee member passing through.
In September there was a renewal of ACWW/Agriterra collaboration with a training workshop held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The 25 participants came from 14 countries, representing ACWW member societies and Agriterra's partners. Very successful, it gave potential women's leaders training in basic enabling skills techniques and the management of an organisation.
Board training was not neglected: the focus this time was on how members – and Area Presidents in particular – could help to prepare delegates/representatives for effective participation in the Triennial Conference.
I attended the last Area Conferences of the triennium: one in Fort Wayne, Indiana, USA, and the other in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. Both were very successful and well-attended.
While in the USA, I also went to the Michigan State Annual Fall Council meeting of the Women International Farm and Garden held in Toledo, Illinois, and several International Day meetings as a guest speaker: occasions offering lots of opportunities to meet individual members and supporters of the Pennies for Friendship Fund.
An invitation from the National Social Welfare Association of Shenyang was to its 10th anniversary celebration in September. While I was in China, I was able to carry out project monitoring.
Again, my best wishes for the New Year.
Ursula Goh ACWW World President
Dear Fellow Members, October 2006
It's time once again to greet you all and update you on events in ACWW. Since my last message I have been to the 82nd State Conference in Perth of the Country Women’s Association (CWA) of Western Australia. Beforehand, I was invited to carry out extension visits to four of Western Australia's 15 divisions and these enabled me to meet many grassroots members of the CWA and individual members of ACWW.
A significant news item from Central Office is that the Projects Department staff, reduced to one after the resignation of Noor Descamps-Ali, is now back to strength with the appointment of Juliet Childs, who joined us in August.
September saw renewed collaboration with Netherlands-based Agriterra in organising the first workshop on capacity-building, entitled 'Developing Women for Leadership Roles'.
Looking to the future, the Triennial Conference Committee is forging ahead with arrangements for the big event in Turku, Finland, between June 2 and June 10, 2007. Central Office is receiving a constant flow of registrations. Do refer for information to editions of The Countrywoman which carry full details.
A recurring event in our calendar is World Rural Women's Day, on October 15, with the theme this year of ‘Rural Women – Leaders of Tomorrow.’ Do let our magazine's Editor know about your activities to mark this day, and enclose any photos that may have been taken.
I foresee another busy schedule as I prepare to go to the last two Area Conferences of this triennium. Before the October Board meetings in London I will be off to Fort Wayne, Indiana, for that of the USA – and a host of speaking engagements afterwards. Later I will travel on to Regina, Canada, to join Area President Mildred Keith for her country's conference.
It may be a little early, but I take this opportunity to extend greetings to you and your families for the festive season. Enjoy the fun and happy times together.
Till the next time.
Ursula Goh ACWW World President
Dear Fellow Members, July 2006
As I write, the devastating earthquake in Java has made tens of thousands of people homeless and reliant upon food aid. It is impossible to comprehend the scale of loss that has been suffered and our heartfelt condolence goes out to the injured and bereaved.
Three busy months for me involved flights between London, Africa, the USA and the Caribbean. They began when I went to Cameroon, West Africa, for the 3rd ACWW Area Conference. The Area President, Angela Njeazeh, did not waste a moment of my 10 days with her. She had prepared a packed programme of events following the close of the three-day conference.
Extension visits to three villages were on the agenda, allowing me the opportunity to visit ACWW funded projects and meet society members and many more people besides, including other members of the community and village leaders and government officials.
Then in March I flew to freezing New York where with Ingunn Birkeland, chairman of ACWW's UN Committee,I attended the UN Commission on the Status of Women. Between us we covered the main UN session, the NGO consultation workshop (among others), discussion groups and social events.
I flew back to London for the Specified Committee and Executive meetings before heading off to the Caribbean for the Area Conference which was held in St Vincent and the Grenadines. The conference is remarkable, being conducted at a different location each day – even on another island. In this way it covers a wider audience than would otherwise have been possible.
To return to the Specified Committees – they never cease to look for means of achieving the aims of our Strategic Plan and serving our worldwide membership. Significant progress has been made towards streamlining our administration, raising our profile and improving communications. Collaboration with Agriterra is confirmed with a workshop to be held in September.
Thank you all for continuing to play your part. The impact of Working with Women Worldwide is visible and growing apace. We shall remain committed to delivering and enhancing assistance for our target groups.
Ursula Goh ACWW World President
Dear Fellow Members, April 2006
ACWW's Projects Committee exemplifies our work as a force for good in the world. We will continue to endeavour to assist the plans of grassroots members in developing countries and to explore avenues for positive partnerships with other organisations and agencies with similar interests.
My diverse journeys to area conferences, and on extension visits, have allowed me to see at first-hand the significant achievements arising out of funding from the ACWW Tsunami Disaster Fund. I am very happy to record my finding that it has contributed with success to the reconstruction of many survivors' livelihoods in Sri Lanka and southern India.
I wish to congratulate ACWW member societies Lanka Mahila Samity, of Sri Lanka, and the Daughters of Mary Immaculate, Chennai, India, for a truly remarkable record of service, touching the lives of many families. Also, I am very grateful to all the members who have donated so generously towards the fund.
Further monitoring visits are in the pipeline and I shall meet all the other societies which have received assistance from the fund.
Indonesia was my last destination for 2005 and I was privileged to visit Banda Aceh, one of the areas worst-hit by the tsunami, where Perwari, another member society, implemented funding from the CWA of Australia.
A decline in membership experienced by ACWW and societies continues to be a challenge. We have an illustrious past and a positive future. Therefore, let us combine and redouble our efforts to attract more members.
I foresee an enjoyably hectic and rewarding schedule in the coming months during which I look forward to meeting many more of my fellow members.
Saturday April 29 is ACWW Day – let us all do something significant to mark this occasion, and let the Editor of The Countrywoman at Central Office know about it afterwards.
I take this opportunity to thank everyone for their support and encouragement in our endeavours: shared endeavours, as they should be in all good partnerships.
My regards to you all
Ursula Goh ACWW World President
Dear Fellow Members, January 2006
AGAIN at the beginning of a New Year there is sadness for the victims of natural disaster. In 2005 our thoughts were with those affected by the Indian Ocean tsunami. Now our sympathy also goes out to the people of the Kashmir region, where the lives of so many have been lost or devastated through earthquake, and those of the Gulf coast in America hit by hurricane. We feel for them all.
A busy round of Board and Committee meetings in October brought their members winging to Central Office in London from all points of the compass. Not only did they deal with the business in hand, they also embarked on a full day's development course in Capacity Building. Staff also devoted half-a-day to a similar exercise.
Days of meetings sped by with full agendas and much to discuss about our organisation's response to the challenges of a fast-changing world. With these in mind, our Strategic Plan – touching on the work of each ACWW committee – was reviewed.
As ever, October 15, World Rural Women's Day, was celebrated in various ways by many of our member societies. On the day, I was privileged to join Northamptonshire County Federation of Women's Institutes for a lunch, at which I was invited to speak on the principal interests of ACWW.
The Tsunami Disaster Fund continues to receive donations from societies – thank you for maintaining your support. Ranee Herath, Central and South Asia Area President, reported to the Board that projects are going ahead very satisfactorily. I hoped to visit some of the affected areas when I set off for the Area Conference in Sri Lanka in November and, if all went to plan, I shall write about them in the next edition of The Countrywoman.
As 2006 begins, I look forward to receiving ideas from you on appropriate ways of taking ACWW forward. Meanwhile, allow me to extend to you, and your families, my greetings and good wishes for the year ahead.
Ursula Goh ACWW World President
Dear Fellow Members, October 2005
A YEAR of the new triennium has passed, so this is a good time to reflect on the commitments we pledged at the Triennial Conference in Hobart and to consider how best to turn those undertakings into deeds in our various parts of the ACWW world.
Area Conferences are an ideal means of taking the process forward; where the needs of rural women and the workings of our organisation can be discussed in the light of local concerns and conditions. I have attended the four that have been held since March and was impressed at every one of them by the enthusiasm of members and their dedication to ACWW's ideals.
Besides the important issues on the agenda there is an opportunity to create and renew bonds of friendship and these are another of our strengths. It was a great pleasure to me to recognise so many faces at the conferences – and to know that many delegates were doing the same. Some may have been reunited more times than they care to remember!
If I may single out one experience: how good it was to be met in Alice Springs, in the Outback of Australia, by Shauna Artig, a young mother who also finds time to be the president of her CWA branch. In our drive to attract new members, let us hope that Shauna is followed by many others of her generation. The views of younger people are heard more and more in the world in our times and ACWW's broad horizons have much to offer.
The pages of The Countrywoman also draw us together. When you arrange a special event, do send Central Office a few words about it and, if possible, enclose a photo or two. Our members love to know about each others' activities and, often, we can learn from them, too.
Ursula Goh ACWW World President
Dear Fellow Members, July 2005
The busy round of Area Conferences has begun, the South Pacific setting the pace in Australia with a great success at Ballarat, Victoria. I travelled to the big event via Melbourne after committee meetings at Central Office in London and was very encouraged to see many delegates representing member societies in the islands of the Pacific.
The Country Women's Association (CWA) of Victoria were the hosts and, besides debating important topics, the conference made a most generous donation of A$22,861 to the ACWW Tsunami Disaster Fund. In addition, CWA Victoria made a further pledge of A$30,000 to come from their own fund. I am deeply touched by the magnificent gestures of so many. On behalf of ACWW, I thank you all.
Later I flew to Alice Springs at the invitation of the CWA of the Northern Territory. Here a packed three-day schedule awaited me. I spoke to CWA members, top government people and local community leaders, and was privileged to give an overview of the work of ACWW and our collaboration with the CWA.
In Darwin I again met many people involved in the life of the territory. A very high-profile visit, this: I was a guest at Government House and entertained by the Administrator of the Northern Territory, Mr Ted Egan and his wife, who is Patron of the CWA in the territory. Interviews included 'live' ones on ABC and Bush Radio, which focuses on rural communities.
The ACWW Tsunami Disaster Fund continues to grow through the efforts of many member societies and individuals. Let me assure everyone that ACWW will allocate funds as soon as necessary procedures are completed. The criteria are being applied as quickly as possible by staff at Central Office and the Executive have already identified a number of viable projects. These will be announced to all members.
Thank you all for your donations and cooperation. Best wishes.
Ursula Goh ACWW World President
Dear Fellow Members, April 2005
CENTRAL OFFICE has been acting as the main resource point for information and advice on the catastrophe of the tsunami in the Indian Ocean and I was deeply impressed by all the messages of sympathy and condolence that were received as our work went on to set up the ACWW Disaster Fund.
The essence of ACWW is precisely here – at the interface of concern and action – and has been vividly demonstrated by the readiness of so many of you to offer assistance. This is global partnership at its best.
By your efforts, donations to the fund will be channelled to the affected areas through ACWW member societies in the region. We hope that our efforts, and those of our counterparts, will ease the burden on some of the victims. On behalf of ACWW I wish to thank each and every one on you for your support and co-operation.
At the time of writing I am preparing to leave Sarawak for London for the Specified and Executive Committee meetings. Among our aims will be ensuring that good ideas generate strategic actions.
The persistence of global poverty continues to give our work its purpose and direction, and is the background to preparations that are going on at Central Office for the meetings.
I am looking forward to attending the South Pacific Area Conference in Ballarat, Australia, in March and will use the opportunity afterwards to carry out an extension visit to the Northern Territory, where I hope to meet many more members and renew and strengthen further the bond of mutual understanding and friendship.
May we continue, as our Mission Statement pledges, to inspire and inform by Working with Women Worldwide.
Ursula Goh ACWW World President
Dear Fellow Members, January 2005
OUR SYMPATHY goes out to all those affected by the catastrophic tsunamis.The thoughts and prayers of all of us are with those who suffered so much and the terrible happenings of the day will always remain with us. I thank you all for the messages of concern I have received in recent days.
At its close 2004 brought great sadness. I send you best wishes for this New Year.It is going to be a busy one for all of us in ACWW. With this in mind I will touch on last October's Board and Specified Committee discussions at Central Office:
Full Board meetings were held over three days, with our new General Secretary, Ian McConchie, attending for the first time.
ACWW's Strategic Plan was reviewed and the priorities were confirmed. They are to:
– Raise the profile of ACWW
– Increase membership
– Improve external and internal communication
– Extend and strengthen collaboration with other agencies/NGOs
– Simplify decision-making structures
– Give rural women a voice at international level through links with the UN
Area Presidents now face the challenge of acting upon the Hobart conference's resolutions and recommendations. Please do support them wholeheartedly when the issue on which your part of the world will concentrate has been chosen.
I am delighted to be attending the Area Conferences that are already lined up for the coming year. Thanks, also, to the societies who have invited me – I look forward to being with you when time permits.
Let us continue to unite and show our determination to improve our world. With faith in ourselves and our thoughts towards others we can surely look forward to better times in 2005 and beyond.
Ursula Goh ACWW World President
'DATO'' TITLE FOR URSULA GOH October 2004
WE ARE DELIGHTED to announce that ACWW's World President, Ursula Goh has been awarded one of the highest honours in the Malaysian State of Sarawak, where she lives. It carries the title 'Dato' and was conferred by the Governor of Sarawak. Shamsiah Latif, Area President, said: 'On behalf of ACWW South East Asia and Far East member societies we would like to congratulate the World President for the award. Mrs U. Goh is now Dato U. Goh PSBS, PBK, ABS, BBS.'
OBITUARY: IVY RAHMAN October 2004
Hilda Stewart, immediate past World President of ACWW, writes:
IT IS WITH A DEEP SENSE OF SHOCK that we announce the untimely death of Mrs Ivy Rahman, Area President, Central and South Asia 2001-2004. Ivy died as a result of injuries sustained in the grenade attack on the Awami League rally in central Dhaka, Bangladesh, on August 21. Her state funeral was attended by around 30,000 people.
Ivy, who was President of the Bangladesh Mahila Samity, was also involved with many other women's organisations in Bangladesh. An exceptional leader with a strong sense of duty, she led by example and helped transform the lives of many, nationally and internationally.
She will be greatly missed from the ACWW global family and will long be remembered and revered for her sound judgement, her great wisdom, her stunning beauty, style and elegance.
Our deepest sympathy goes to her devastated family, wider family circle, and to our member society Bangladesh Mahila Samity.
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WORLD PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE: July 2008 | January 2008 | October 2007 | July 2007 | April 2007 I January 2007 I October 2006 I July 2006 I April 2006 I January 2006 I October 2005 I July 2005 I April 2005 I January 2005 I 'Dato' title for Ursula GohI Obituary: Ivy Rahman I
Dear Fellow Members, July 2008
ACWW’s commitment to our global membership grows with the ever-increasing complexity of the modern world. Challenges that we face are, indeed, daunting; but each passing year also gives ample cause for optimism as we see new evidence of the advance of rural women.
The trend towards their empowerment through education, skills training and income generation by all kinds of agricultural activities has been extremely positive. This we need to remember when confronted with difficulties that come in many forms.
They may be the result of natural disasters like drought and floods, or an epidemic – they may also come about through political instability. Whatever the cause, those who suffer most are vulnerable women and their children, the poor and disadvantaged.
Six months into a new triennium, and ACWW can rarely have been busier. Decisions adopted at our world conference in Finland are to be acted upon. All six specified committees, meeting in the autumn, examined the organisation's Strategic Plan and are working on fresh ways of realising its aims.
And the timetable for attainment of the United Nations Millennium Goals (MDGs) by 2015 – and ACW'Ws efforts towards their fulfilment – is already more than half spent.
We are not short of material for New Year resolutions! Nevertheless, I have one to offer. Very simply, it is that members in every region enhance communication with their Area President.
The ACWW Board found space during a packed programme in London for a day devoted to training. During the sessions, the Area Presidents learned much about the pivotal role they will play during the next three years. But each of our geographic areas is huge and one person cannot act in isolation.
Accordingly, I appeal to societies and individuals to keep in touch with the Area President. Please tell her about the views of your organisations; the activities you arrange, the obstacles you encounter. And d'ont hold back on good news, achievements to your credit. Share them with your Area President who, in turn, can pass on the information to readers of The Countrywoman and users of the ACWW web site.
As we enter 2008, let us collectively strive to reach out for new opportunities and horizons for those we are dedicated to help: women and their families.
May I wish all fellow members and their families a healthy, happy, and prosperous New Year and thank you for your good wishes to myself and ACWW.
Dato Ursula Goh ACWW World President
Dear Fellow Members, Januuary 2008
Six months into a new triennium, and ACWW can rarely have been busier. Decisions adopted at our world conference in Finland are to be acted upon. All six specified committees, meeting in the autumn, examined the organisation's Strategic Plan and are working on fresh ways of realising its aims.
And the timetable for attainment of the United Nations Millennium Goals (MDGs) by 2015 – and ACW'Ws efforts towards their fulfilment – is already more than half spent.
We are not short of material for New Year resolutions! Nevertheless, I have one to offer. Very simply, it is that members in every region enhance communication with their Area President.
The ACWW Board found space during a packed programme in London for a day devoted to training. During the sessions, the Area Presidents learned much about the pivotal role they will play during the next three years. But each of our geographic areas is huge and one person cannot act in isolation.
Accordingly, I appeal to societies and individuals to keep in touch with the Area President. Please tell her about the views of your organisations; the activities you arrange, the obstacles you encounter. And d'ont hold back on good news, achievements to your credit. Share them with your Area President who, in turn, can pass on the information to readers of The Countrywoman and users of the ACWW web site.
As we enter 2008, let us collectively strive to reach out for new opportunities and horizons for those we are dedicated to help: women and their families.
May I wish all fellow members and their families a healthy, happy, and prosperous New Year and thank you for your good wishes to myself and ACWW.
Dato Ursula Goh ACWW World President
Dear Fellow Members, October 2007
Our World Conference has come and gone so very quickly it seems. Everyone involved helped to make it a resounding success and ACWW wishes to express its deepest thanks to the three Finnish societies and the Triennial Conference Committee for their hard work.
I am grateful to members for placing their confidence in me to lead the organisation for another three years. While considering this a great honour and privilege, I know that the world presidency is also a huge responsibility in which I shall need the support of you all.
Your newly elected Board meets this month and we hope to chart the way into another vigorous and fulfilling triennium.
Delegates in Turku accepted all the resolutions and recommendations put forward and now it is time for us to put them into action. There was much emphasis on the implications of an ageing membership – a problem which ACWW shares with charities worldwide and the organisation's financial standing.
Recurring issues in discussions were the need to attract younger women into the membership, to encourage people to be generous, and not to fear change. On the last point, I would add that we should utilise change to further our fundamental ideals.
As we start out on our journey into a new triennium, I invite everyone to be a positive partner, in whatever capacity or region, in making a reality of ACWW’s vision and mission in the world. A task without a vision is mere drudgery, and a vision without a task is only a dream.
Dato Ursula Goh ACWW World President
Dear Fellow Members, July 2007
Through one of publishing's odd twists you will read this column in the early days of a new ACWW Triennium, whereas I am writing virtually on the eve of the World Conference in Finland which sees the closure of the last. With its theme of Winning the Way for Women, it will have had a special significance for our hostess societies, whose country 100 years ago established the vote for women and their right to stand for parliament.
In the next issue of The Countrywoman, which you will receive in October, I shall be able to talk about proceedings in the city of Turku. But at the moment they are beyond my horizon!
The magazine will also contain reports and photographs from the conference and, of course, the all-important resolutions and recommendations approved by delegates. They will also be posted on our web site. These decisions will be the basis for much of ACWW's work – and that of member societies – during the next three years. I look forward to the debates which will mould them.
As for events which will affect an international organisation such as ours during the new triennium, I predict with confidence that we can expect the unexpected! In the last months of the current one, my engagements have been as varied as ever. Early in the year there was the regular round of Executive and Specified Committee meetings at Central Office in London, and I attended the Northern Ireland FWI's 75th anniversary celebration in Coleraine.
Back in London, there was an FWI UK pre-conference workshop at the Mothers Union offices. I also assisted past World President Hilda Stewart in reorganising ACWW's photographic archive – a task in which her immense experience was invaluable. Our thanks to her.
I left for the Caribbean in April to go to the UNESCO/ACWW participation programme for societies in the area. It was very encouraging to discover how many members had registered for the Triennial Conference.
Ursula Goh ACWW World President
Dear Fellow Members, April 2007
A pleasure, as always, to greet you all – especially in such a year for ACWW as this. Excitement mounts as we draw close to the 25th Triennial Conference in Finland – certainly in me as I look forward to important business, combined with the pleasure of meeting old friends and making new ones.
Expectations soar with the nearness of an event which concentrates all that ACWW stands for. As I write, the final touches are being made to Turku 2007. Resolutions and recommendations are drawn up and programmes have been arranged by the Triennial Conference Committee and the Coordinating Committee.
I hope all who attend will be informed, stimulated and entertained. Be sure that a warm welcome awaits you!
A Triennial Conference is for everybody: in debates, delegates will present the views and aspirations of organisations across the world. They will, of course, report back to their members, and the proceedings will be fully reported in The Countrywoman.
Another important matter to tell you about: there is to be further collaboration between UNESCO and ACWW, with a training workshop, to take place in Trinidad & Tobago this month. [April]
Significant progress has been made on streamlining our administration, raising the ACWW profile, improving communication, including that within the UN system and the support, monitoring and evaluation of projects around the globe. Such measures, together with the work of the conference will, I am sure, help to gain an increase in membership.
April 29 is ACWW Day – so I take this opportunity to encourage everyone to mark it by promoting our campaign of Working with Women Worldwide in all kinds of ways – and letting The Countrywoman know about what you do!
Ursula Goh ACWW World President
Dear Fellow Members, January 2007
Greetings and best wishes to you and your families for 2007! It is hard to believe that another year has begun, that 2006 has come and gone. We are once again approaching the end of a triennium and preparations are under way for the 25th ACWW Triennial Conference in Turku, Finland, in June.
The positive-thinking TCC and the hostess societies organising committee plan a workshop emphasising the functions of each of ACWW's six Specified Committees. It is hoped that this will be of great benefit to each one of us.
Last year was another busy one for ACWW. A flurry of committee meetings, followed by that of the Board, took place in the autumn. Central Office's staff of nine found their ordinarily calm surroundings all hustle and bustle, with every committee member passing through.
In September there was a renewal of ACWW/Agriterra collaboration with a training workshop held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The 25 participants came from 14 countries, representing ACWW member societies and Agriterra's partners. Very successful, it gave potential women's leaders training in basic enabling skills techniques and the management of an organisation.
Board training was not neglected: the focus this time was on how members – and Area Presidents in particular – could help to prepare delegates/representatives for effective participation in the Triennial Conference.
I attended the last Area Conferences of the triennium: one in Fort Wayne, Indiana, USA, and the other in Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada. Both were very successful and well-attended.
While in the USA, I also went to the Michigan State Annual Fall Council meeting of the Women International Farm and Garden held in Toledo, Illinois, and several International Day meetings as a guest speaker: occasions offering lots of opportunities to meet individual members and supporters of the Pennies for Friendship Fund.
An invitation from the National Social Welfare Association of Shenyang was to its 10th anniversary celebration in September. While I was in China, I was able to carry out project monitoring.
Again, my best wishes for the New Year.
Ursula Goh ACWW World President
Dear Fellow Members, October 2006
It's time once again to greet you all and update you on events in ACWW. Since my last message I have been to the 82nd State Conference in Perth of the Country Women’s Association (CWA) of Western Australia. Beforehand, I was invited to carry out extension visits to four of Western Australia's 15 divisions and these enabled me to meet many grassroots members of the CWA and individual members of ACWW.
A significant news item from Central Office is that the Projects Department staff, reduced to one after the resignation of Noor Descamps-Ali, is now back to strength with the appointment of Juliet Childs, who joined us in August.
September saw renewed collaboration with Netherlands-based Agriterra in organising the first workshop on capacity-building, entitled 'Developing Women for Leadership Roles'.
Looking to the future, the Triennial Conference Committee is forging ahead with arrangements for the big event in Turku, Finland, between June 2 and June 10, 2007. Central Office is receiving a constant flow of registrations. Do refer for information to editions of The Countrywoman which carry full details.
A recurring event in our calendar is World Rural Women's Day, on October 15, with the theme this year of ‘Rural Women – Leaders of Tomorrow.’ Do let our magazine's Editor know about your activities to mark this day, and enclose any photos that may have been taken.
I foresee another busy schedule as I prepare to go to the last two Area Conferences of this triennium. Before the October Board meetings in London I will be off to Fort Wayne, Indiana, for that of the USA – and a host of speaking engagements afterwards. Later I will travel on to Regina, Canada, to join Area President Mildred Keith for her country's conference.
It may be a little early, but I take this opportunity to extend greetings to you and your families for the festive season. Enjoy the fun and happy times together.
Till the next time.
Ursula Goh ACWW World President
Dear Fellow Members, July 2006
As I write, the devastating earthquake in Java has made tens of thousands of people homeless and reliant upon food aid. It is impossible to comprehend the scale of loss that has been suffered and our heartfelt condolence goes out to the injured and bereaved.
Three busy months for me involved flights between London, Africa, the USA and the Caribbean. They began when I went to Cameroon, West Africa, for the 3rd ACWW Area Conference. The Area President, Angela Njeazeh, did not waste a moment of my 10 days with her. She had prepared a packed programme of events following the close of the three-day conference.
Extension visits to three villages were on the agenda, allowing me the opportunity to visit ACWW funded projects and meet society members and many more people besides, including other members of the community and village leaders and government officials.
Then in March I flew to freezing New York where with Ingunn Birkeland, chairman of ACWW's UN Committee,I attended the UN Commission on the Status of Women. Between us we covered the main UN session, the NGO consultation workshop (among others), discussion groups and social events.
I flew back to London for the Specified Committee and Executive meetings before heading off to the Caribbean for the Area Conference which was held in St Vincent and the Grenadines. The conference is remarkable, being conducted at a different location each day – even on another island. In this way it covers a wider audience than would otherwise have been possible.
To return to the Specified Committees – they never cease to look for means of achieving the aims of our Strategic Plan and serving our worldwide membership. Significant progress has been made towards streamlining our administration, raising our profile and improving communications. Collaboration with Agriterra is confirmed with a workshop to be held in September.
Thank you all for continuing to play your part. The impact of Working with Women Worldwide is visible and growing apace. We shall remain committed to delivering and enhancing assistance for our target groups.
Ursula Goh ACWW World President
Dear Fellow Members, April 2006
ACWW's Projects Committee exemplifies our work as a force for good in the world. We will continue to endeavour to assist the plans of grassroots members in developing countries and to explore avenues for positive partnerships with other organisations and agencies with similar interests.
My diverse journeys to area conferences, and on extension visits, have allowed me to see at first-hand the significant achievements arising out of funding from the ACWW Tsunami Disaster Fund. I am very happy to record my finding that it has contributed with success to the reconstruction of many survivors' livelihoods in Sri Lanka and southern India.
I wish to congratulate ACWW member societies Lanka Mahila Samity, of Sri Lanka, and the Daughters of Mary Immaculate, Chennai, India, for a truly remarkable record of service, touching the lives of many families. Also, I am very grateful to all the members who have donated so generously towards the fund.
Further monitoring visits are in the pipeline and I shall meet all the other societies which have received assistance from the fund.
Indonesia was my last destination for 2005 and I was privileged to visit Banda Aceh, one of the areas worst-hit by the tsunami, where Perwari, another member society, implemented funding from the CWA of Australia.
A decline in membership experienced by ACWW and societies continues to be a challenge. We have an illustrious past and a positive future. Therefore, let us combine and redouble our efforts to attract more members.
I foresee an enjoyably hectic and rewarding schedule in the coming months during which I look forward to meeting many more of my fellow members.
Saturday April 29 is ACWW Day – let us all do something significant to mark this occasion, and let the Editor of The Countrywoman at Central Office know about it afterwards.
I take this opportunity to thank everyone for their support and encouragement in our endeavours: shared endeavours, as they should be in all good partnerships.
My regards to you all
Ursula Goh ACWW World President
Dear Fellow Members, January 2006
AGAIN at the beginning of a New Year there is sadness for the victims of natural disaster. In 2005 our thoughts were with those affected by the Indian Ocean tsunami. Now our sympathy also goes out to the people of the Kashmir region, where the lives of so many have been lost or devastated through earthquake, and those of the Gulf coast in America hit by hurricane. We feel for them all.
A busy round of Board and Committee meetings in October brought their members winging to Central Office in London from all points of the compass. Not only did they deal with the business in hand, they also embarked on a full day's development course in Capacity Building. Staff also devoted half-a-day to a similar exercise.
Days of meetings sped by with full agendas and much to discuss about our organisation's response to the challenges of a fast-changing world. With these in mind, our Strategic Plan – touching on the work of each ACWW committee – was reviewed.
As ever, October 15, World Rural Women's Day, was celebrated in various ways by many of our member societies. On the day, I was privileged to join Northamptonshire County Federation of Women's Institutes for a lunch, at which I was invited to speak on the principal interests of ACWW.
The Tsunami Disaster Fund continues to receive donations from societies – thank you for maintaining your support. Ranee Herath, Central and South Asia Area President, reported to the Board that projects are going ahead very satisfactorily. I hoped to visit some of the affected areas when I set off for the Area Conference in Sri Lanka in November and, if all went to plan, I shall write about them in the next edition of The Countrywoman.
As 2006 begins, I look forward to receiving ideas from you on appropriate ways of taking ACWW forward. Meanwhile, allow me to extend to you, and your families, my greetings and good wishes for the year ahead.
Ursula Goh ACWW World President
Dear Fellow Members, October 2005
A YEAR of the new triennium has passed, so this is a good time to reflect on the commitments we pledged at the Triennial Conference in Hobart and to consider how best to turn those undertakings into deeds in our various parts of the ACWW world.
Area Conferences are an ideal means of taking the process forward; where the needs of rural women and the workings of our organisation can be discussed in the light of local concerns and conditions. I have attended the four that have been held since March and was impressed at every one of them by the enthusiasm of members and their dedication to ACWW's ideals.
Besides the important issues on the agenda there is an opportunity to create and renew bonds of friendship and these are another of our strengths. It was a great pleasure to me to recognise so many faces at the conferences – and to know that many delegates were doing the same. Some may have been reunited more times than they care to remember!
If I may single out one experience: how good it was to be met in Alice Springs, in the Outback of Australia, by Shauna Artig, a young mother who also finds time to be the president of her CWA branch. In our drive to attract new members, let us hope that Shauna is followed by many others of her generation. The views of younger people are heard more and more in the world in our times and ACWW's broad horizons have much to offer.
The pages of The Countrywoman also draw us together. When you arrange a special event, do send Central Office a few words about it and, if possible, enclose a photo or two. Our members love to know about each others' activities and, often, we can learn from them, too.
Ursula Goh ACWW World President
Dear Fellow Members, July 2005
The busy round of Area Conferences has begun, the South Pacific setting the pace in Australia with a great success at Ballarat, Victoria. I travelled to the big event via Melbourne after committee meetings at Central Office in London and was very encouraged to see many delegates representing member societies in the islands of the Pacific.
The Country Women's Association (CWA) of Victoria were the hosts and, besides debating important topics, the conference made a most generous donation of A$22,861 to the ACWW Tsunami Disaster Fund. In addition, CWA Victoria made a further pledge of A$30,000 to come from their own fund. I am deeply touched by the magnificent gestures of so many. On behalf of ACWW, I thank you all.
Later I flew to Alice Springs at the invitation of the CWA of the Northern Territory. Here a packed three-day schedule awaited me. I spoke to CWA members, top government people and local community leaders, and was privileged to give an overview of the work of ACWW and our collaboration with the CWA.
In Darwin I again met many people involved in the life of the territory. A very high-profile visit, this: I was a guest at Government House and entertained by the Administrator of the Northern Territory, Mr Ted Egan and his wife, who is Patron of the CWA in the territory. Interviews included 'live' ones on ABC and Bush Radio, which focuses on rural communities.
The ACWW Tsunami Disaster Fund continues to grow through the efforts of many member societies and individuals. Let me assure everyone that ACWW will allocate funds as soon as necessary procedures are completed. The criteria are being applied as quickly as possible by staff at Central Office and the Executive have already identified a number of viable projects. These will be announced to all members.
Thank you all for your donations and cooperation. Best wishes.
Ursula Goh ACWW World President
Dear Fellow Members, April 2005
CENTRAL OFFICE has been acting as the main resource point for information and advice on the catastrophe of the tsunami in the Indian Ocean and I was deeply impressed by all the messages of sympathy and condolence that were received as our work went on to set up the ACWW Disaster Fund.
The essence of ACWW is precisely here – at the interface of concern and action – and has been vividly demonstrated by the readiness of so many of you to offer assistance. This is global partnership at its best.
By your efforts, donations to the fund will be channelled to the affected areas through ACWW member societies in the region. We hope that our efforts, and those of our counterparts, will ease the burden on some of the victims. On behalf of ACWW I wish to thank each and every one on you for your support and co-operation.
At the time of writing I am preparing to leave Sarawak for London for the Specified and Executive Committee meetings. Among our aims will be ensuring that good ideas generate strategic actions.
The persistence of global poverty continues to give our work its purpose and direction, and is the background to preparations that are going on at Central Office for the meetings.
I am looking forward to attending the South Pacific Area Conference in Ballarat, Australia, in March and will use the opportunity afterwards to carry out an extension visit to the Northern Territory, where I hope to meet many more members and renew and strengthen further the bond of mutual understanding and friendship.
May we continue, as our Mission Statement pledges, to inspire and inform by Working with Women Worldwide.
Ursula Goh ACWW World President
Dear Fellow Members, January 2005
OUR SYMPATHY goes out to all those affected by the catastrophic tsunamis.The thoughts and prayers of all of us are with those who suffered so much and the terrible happenings of the day will always remain with us. I thank you all for the messages of concern I have received in recent days.
At its close 2004 brought great sadness. I send you best wishes for this New Year.It is going to be a busy one for all of us in ACWW. With this in mind I will touch on last October's Board and Specified Committee discussions at Central Office:
Full Board meetings were held over three days, with our new General Secretary, Ian McConchie, attending for the first time.
ACWW's Strategic Plan was reviewed and the priorities were confirmed. They are to:
– Raise the profile of ACWW
– Increase membership
– Improve external and internal communication
– Extend and strengthen collaboration with other agencies/NGOs
– Simplify decision-making structures
– Give rural women a voice at international level through links with the UN
Area Presidents now face the challenge of acting upon the Hobart conference's resolutions and recommendations. Please do support them wholeheartedly when the issue on which your part of the world will concentrate has been chosen.
I am delighted to be attending the Area Conferences that are already lined up for the coming year. Thanks, also, to the societies who have invited me – I look forward to being with you when time permits.
Let us continue to unite and show our determination to improve our world. With faith in ourselves and our thoughts towards others we can surely look forward to better times in 2005 and beyond.
Ursula Goh ACWW World President
'DATO'' TITLE FOR URSULA GOH October 2004
WE ARE DELIGHTED to announce that ACWW's World President, Ursula Goh has been awarded one of the highest honours in the Malaysian State of Sarawak, where she lives. It carries the title 'Dato' and was conferred by the Governor of Sarawak. Shamsiah Latif, Area President, said: 'On behalf of ACWW South East Asia and Far East member societies we would like to congratulate the World President for the award. Mrs U. Goh is now Dato U. Goh PSBS, PBK, ABS, BBS.'
OBITUARY: IVY RAHMAN October 2004
Hilda Stewart, immediate past World President of ACWW, writes:
IT IS WITH A DEEP SENSE OF SHOCK that we announce the untimely death of Mrs Ivy Rahman, Area President, Central and South Asia 2001-2004. Ivy died as a result of injuries sustained in the grenade attack on the Awami League rally in central Dhaka, Bangladesh, on August 21. Her state funeral was attended by around 30,000 people.
Ivy, who was President of the Bangladesh Mahila Samity, was also involved with many other women's organisations in Bangladesh. An exceptional leader with a strong sense of duty, she led by example and helped transform the lives of many, nationally and internationally.
She will be greatly missed from the ACWW global family and will long be remembered and revered for her sound judgement, her great wisdom, her stunning beauty, style and elegance.
Our deepest sympathy goes to her devastated family, wider family circle, and to our member society Bangladesh Mahila Samity.
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