The Region 5 Conference, hosted by the AIWC-Cologne was attended by all clubs in the Region (Germany, Austria) with guests Zurich and Paris. Friday night was festive with a program Celebrating Home: A Musical, Political and Literary Tribute to the Place We Love featuring two of Cologne’s members and the Vice Mayor of Cologne, Angela Spizig. Saturday was busy with updates from the FAWCO Board and The FAWCO Foundation. Laurie Richardson, FAWCO 3rd VP gave an introduction to the new Target Issue: Human Rights for Women, which was followed by a moving presentation by medica mondiale e.V. about their work in Liberia assisting women and girls who are subjected to sexual and gender based violence (sgbv). Click here for presentations, videos and photos. Download Meeting Summary .
Following lunch the group strolled along the Rhine and was treated to a rooftop tour of the Cologne Cathedral. Dinner followed and then the fun began again… with a Fashion for FUNds Charity Accessory Fashion Show! The 2,500+ Euro raised will benefit the German Association of Women’s Shelters, to underwrite the production of sign-language videos for their website to reduce barriers to access domestic violence services for the hearing impaired community.
The group was up early again on Sunday and back to work. They met to discuss the common issues all clubs face in their daily operations, offering a venue to exchange ideas and information. Barbara Bühling, of Düsseldorf and FAWCO Youth Program Chair, brought two FAWCO Youth Volunteers to speak about their experience in Dubai. The day ended with a tribute to Frauke Rademacher-Heidemann, who after 10 years stepped down as Region 5 Coordinator. “Frauke thank you for your leadership and guidance in making Region 5 such a strong and cohesive group.” Taking over is Angelika McLarren of Berlin.
Cologne is happy to hand the baton over to Hamburg - we’ll see you in the Hansestadt next fall. And in Brussels in March!