International Bulletin - Spring 1997
Australia Report
"If a woman is sufficiently ambitious, determined and gifted, there is practically nothing she can't do."
PPSEAWA members all over the world fit into this category. We do our best to make life easier for women and families.
National Conference 1997: PPSEAWA Australia is preparing for their National Conference. South Australia will host this important function in May 1997. The topic - Womens Health - A Holistic Approach. Preparation and determination for a successful conference is the aim of National President Mary Cabrera and her executive members.
Canberra - Round Table Meeting: National President Mary Cabrera attended a round table meeting of National NGOs in Canberra 1996. The meeting was chaired by Senator Jocellyn Newman, who is the Minster for Social Security and Assistant to the Prime Minister of Australia for the Status of Women. Much time was given to discussion on the portrayal of violence in various forms in the electronic media and the Internet.
The meeting recognised that violence was a complex issue. It was urged that the Federal Government should implement a fertile and comprehensive solution to violence.
Multicultural Week: In October 1996, the Forrest Folk Festival was held in Western Australia. Ethnic groups carrying banners and flags paraded through the city of Perth to the heart of the city where the Honourable Paul Omedi, Minster of Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs, declared the event open with the release of red and white balloons with the message "Be Active Every Day." An extravaganza of ethnic music and dancing was woven around the theme "Together We Make a Difference."
Demonstrated in the programme the Aboriginal Dance Group, Warda, performed traditional dances accompanied on the Didgeridoo. (A Didgeridoo is a long straight wooden wind instrument that gives off heavy bass notes.)
Portugal was next. Children 7-15 years entertained everyone with their regional fold dances. From Portugal to China to the beat of the drums and the Lion Dance together with an exhibition of Martial Arts.
Exotic Egyptian Belly Dancers followed by the young Flamenco Dancers from Spain. South East Asia was represented by the Indian Fire Dance and folk dances. Folk dances from Burma and Sri Lanka pleased the audience.
The Mauritian Sega dancers had the crowd clapping to the wonderful beat of their island music.
The Punta and Lambarda, from the Latin Americas and the lively Bamboo Dance by the Philippine Dance Group was accompanied by toe-tapping music. The lilting music and song by the Maoris (New Zealand) gave the crowd a Festival to remember.
International Conference 1997: PPSEAWA Australia has been preparing for the International Conference to be held in Malaysia 1997. Guest speakers with South East Asian Affairs at heart, have influenced PPSEAWA members to work towards unity and enrichment of the lives of women and children in these regions.
Conclusion: The top twelve topics at the Beijing Womens Conference are the principal components that PPSEAWA Australia are using to improve relations in the Pan Pacific and South East Asian area. Round table meetings, workshops, multiculturalism and the International Bulletin gives us the ingredients to respond to the rights of women and children.
Last Modified: November 29, 2002