International Bulletin - Fall 1997
Observations of a First-Time Conference Participant
It was an impressive sight: the lobby of Kuala Lumpur's fanciest five-star hotel was packed. Not with businessmen in suits, as is the norm, but with women dressed in saris, sarongs, tapa cloth and selendang (Muslim headscarves). As I entered the lobby, the sounds of many Asian languages mixed with the ringing of cell phones tucked into the women's traditional costumes.
Such contrasts were not unusual at PPSEAWA's 20th International Conference. The hundreds of women who gathered at the Kuala Lumpur Hilton were combining many of their traditional values and beliefs with new tools and technologies.
The conference was my first experience as a new member of PPSEAWA. I heard of the organization from my friend Sonia Gunderson, whose mother Lorene is a long-time member of the Toledo, Ohio chapter. Because I am planning to spend much of 1998 traveling in Asia and writing about women's issues, I thought the conference would be a great introduction.
It certainly was. Over 350 women representing 22 Pacific-region countries gathered to share their views. They ranged from high-level dignitaries to community workers. Politicians, academics, entrepreneurs and NGO leaders came together to discuss ways to strengthen alliances and implement the Beijing Platform for Action. Delegates emphasized that by improving the status of women, nations can strengthen their economies, societies and political structures.
Like most delegates, I spent my days in a dizzying succession of meetings, workshops, discussion groups and luncheons. During the cultural presentations each evening, I was delighted to see my new friends take to the stage to share the songs, dances, traditional stories and costumes of their homelands.
Throughout these activities, I was interested to see some broad themes emerge. One such theme was introduced by Queen Halaevalu Mata'aho of Tonga, who urged parents and governments to place a high priority on strengthening and supporting family life, and eliminating gender stereotypes. Many delegates joined her in calling for greater respect and support for mothers.
Launching another theme that echoed throughout the conference, the Queen said relationships between men and women need to be improved. She urged women to work for "gender complimentarity" rather than equality, saying that in Tonga, "equality would make us lose our socially superior roles."
Other delegates agreed with this approach for different reasons. "In the Pacific, if you talk equality, people are suspicious," said Jennifer Litau, a social scientist from Papau New Guinea. "If you talk complimentarity, they say that's OK, we'll support you. You have to start with something that sounds familiar, then go gradually."
"We've started talking this way too," said Chandermani Chopra, Vice President of the All India Women's Conference and an attorney in India's Supreme Court. "Men have been in power for centuries. You can't suddenly say you'll be equal with him, he can't accept it. It will take time."
In addition to exploring similarities, delegates also noted the differences between their countries. The opportunities available to Malaysian women served as a model during the conference. Over the past decade, a booming economy and supportive government have reduced poverty and expanded women's opportunities in this majority-Muslim nation. Women now make up 35% of the work force, 11% of the national legislature, and over 50% of university enrollment.
Rafida Aziz, Malaysia's spirited Minister of International Trade and Industry, credited strong grassroots support and "enlightened leadership from men who understood what women can contribute to nation-building" for the increase in women politicians and professionals.
"Those of us from other countries can learn from Malaysia," said Muniza Basir of the All Pakistan Women's Conference. Her colleague, economist Dr. Aneesa Farooqui, noted that ninety percent of Pakistanis live in poverty. In rural areas, "the women work three or four times as much as the men. Yet they're not paid in cash, and their work is not counted," she said.
Many such contrasts emerged during the conference. For me, the most valuable and inspiring aspect of the event was meeting the women delegates. I made some wonderful new friends, many of whom I hope to visit in the year ahead as I travel through India, Pakistan, Nepal and Indonesia.
I encourage my PPSEAWA sisters to contact me at my new e-mail address, which is lisadreier@aol.com. And I look forward to seeing you all again some day soon!
Last Modified: November 29, 2002