The 30th Triennial Conference will take you on an exceptional journey – a stimulating social, cultural and intellectual experience! In a Latin American setting, Â you will have the opportunity to meet IFUW members from around the world and participate in an exciting, eye-opening programme on women and the challenges they face today.
We think the 30th Triennial Conference is going to be a unique event.
But, what do YOU think? On this week’s blog, we would like to hear your thoughts. If you have attended many conferences, what keeps you coming back? If you registered for the first time, what are your expectations?
We look forward to receiving your comments and to seeing you in Mexico City!
For years I dreamed I could attend an IFUW conference as I listened to the reports of members of our branch who had attended a triennial conference. Finally, I was able to go in 1989, and I have attended every one since, saving my money for the three years leading up to the next conference.
Why such a focus in my life? Because I find nothing more stimulating than interacting and becoming friends with women from all over the world who may have different academic and cultural/ethnic backgrounds than my own (American), but with whom we share a common perspective about peace, justice and the need to overcome the inequities in this world. The variety of activities sets a pace that might be exhausting, but you don’t realize that until you are home again!
The interactive workshops allow the opportunity for everyone in the room to share their own ideas and experiences, such that the group can view the issue through a different lens, greatly expanding our understanding for solving issues. For those not involved in IFUW business, alternative workshops are provided so no one has time to just sit around! The more formal presentations at the interdisciplinary seminars are a mini-course about an issue, hearing from those with different academic disciplines discuss the same issue. The opportunity to learn more about the culture of the host country is always a highlight, with further opportunities for tours especially designed for “university women.” I can vouch for the beautiful historical palace in Mexico City where we will have our gala dinner, because I was there a few years ago.
Now that we have the communication technologies available, we can easily continue the conversations for years if we like. I have to say that some of my dearest friends are located all over the world, and it is a truly a blessing to know such women.
Dear IFUW Members
I am an independent member from Malawi and my paper was selected for presentation at the forthcoming IFUW Conference in Mexico but up to now I have not been able to secure sponsorship. If you can, please assist me with names of sponsors I could approach.
Yours Sincerely
Margaret Nkhoma
Dear Margaret,
In the past, conference participants have been able to secure funding through local universities and from international companies based in their home countries. We do not have a list of potential sponsors however.
IFUW itself has an extremely limited number of grants, and priority for these goes to existing national affiliates. Information concerning these grants will be distributed through our official communication channels. Unfortunately, IFUW does not have any additional funding.
We regret not being able to provide more information, but hope that you are able to secure funding and join us in Mexico.
Anamaria Vere
IFUW Programme Officer
This is the first time that I will try to go to a IFUW conference in Mexico because it will be held in America, I have never been in any before. Only one question, if I only want to assist to the conference and stay in another shipper hotel how much will it cost me the suscription to the conference.
I think it will be a great experience to meet many women from different cultures but have our same thoughts and defend women rights.
Dear Bertha,
Thank you for your comment. We are very happy to hear you are thinking of coming to the Conference and hope you will be able to attend. The conference registration fee is separate from your hotel booking. The conference registration fee does not include accommodation. Therefore, whether you stay at the conference hotel or at another hotel, the conference fee will not change. You can see the exact conference fees and what is included with each one here: http://ifuw.org/ifuw2010/registration.shtml.
If you have any other questions about conference registration, you can contact us at registration@ifuw.org.
I went to my first IFUW Conference, held in Japan, as the Australian Young Member and was also able to present a workshop of a leadership model for women in Australian universities. What an honor! I had just changed administrative positions at the university I was working in, the university wanted more women in leadership positions and being active at the international level fit university priorities to gain funding support then and for a number of subsequent conferences.
The seminars, workshops and interaction with women at conference has amazed and challenged me to be more active in the communities I am in. My involvement at the local through national and international levels, has influenced my family, conversations around the table and with friends/acquaintances, and interactions while travelling.
I was raised to have a strong civic conscience, especially in regards to educational opportunity for the advancement of ‘man’. IFUW has helped me be connected globally on issues of education, peace and fellowship.
I treasure the friendships made with women supposedly different from me and the conversations and understanding gained by taking time to talk and share about life experiences.
I return this time to Mexico City to renew friendships, to meet and share, to encourage and be encouraged, and to contribute to peace, fellowship and understanding of issues confronting women globally and at the local level.
I would love to be there and I wish you all a happy supportive learning environment.
We look forward to reports of positive and productive gain!
Going through these articles I am also too interested to join this conference and know new things and can uplift women in my society…….I am male whether I am allowed to participate in this conference or not?
Dear sir,
Thank you for your comment. Nice to see that men are also interested in these issues. Yes, male participants are welcome to the conference as well. If you have any other questions about conference registration, you can contact us at registration@ifuw.org.
I am so excited to be attending the next conference in Mexico – a country i have never been to. My first conference was Canada, as a representative of the Vanuatu Association of University Graduates, and again i represented them in Perth. That was where I was elected as Chair of the Projects Committee, introducing me to IFUW Board and committees. In Manchester I was one of seven members of the Rwanda Association of University Women – a great impetus to our new association, born in 2006. And here I had the privilege to be elected Vice President of IFUW, another amzaing learning experience. The cost to attend Mexico will mean not as many RAUW members will be there in 2010, but we will still be represented and will report back as usual to all our other members. What a marvellous opportunity to meet women from all over the world with shared interests and experiences and the opportunity to learn so much!
I am looking forward to seeing friends I met at the Perth and Manchester conferences and to also meeting new IFUW members. See you there. It is exciting to learn about activities all over the world. Carol Hare
I’ll be there in August to present and share with all you my lecture: “STRATEGIES FOR STUDENTS’ INSERTION AT THE UNIVERSITY LEVELâ€
Best regards,
I’m very excited about the Conference at Mexico City and look forward to meeting my friends I met at the Perth (Australia)Conference. This is where life long frienships are formed. I look forward to meeting people from different countries, who can share my interests in Peace and Security, Disabilities and Human Rights. The work shops and seminars should be very interesting. Thank you Anamaria Vere and other staff for the great work you do. See you in Mexico City.
Lalani Weddikkara
Like the others above, I am looking forward to the IFUW Conference. I also attended Perth (with my four week old baby) and I look forward to reacquainting myself with the wonderful women from around the world whom I met there!
I would like to know if a noticeboard will be available for us to leave messages regarding informal meetings and looking for others interested in discussing topics (such as those which Lalani suggests)which may not be covered in formal sessions?
Dear Martine,
We have a discussion ongoing on Facebook. Look for us here:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/International-Federation-of-University-Women-IFUW/364352213914?ref=ts