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MINUTES
OF THE 2ND MEETING OF THE PGWNet HELD AT SHERATON PERTH
HOTEL,
PERTH, AUSTRALIA, 6 AUGUST 2004,6:30PM.
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1. INVOCATION
Following the Pacific way, the
Chair, outgoing PGWNet President Lily Vesikula invited Dr Akanisi
Kedrayate to invoke blessings upon the meeting before
it commenced.
2. WELCOME
The Chair extended a warm welcome
to all those present (more than 50, see below). She highlighted
that at the first meeting in Suva, 1999 when the
idea of the regional group was formally accepted by members of
FAWG, AFUW, and NZFUW (now NZFGW), there was just a handful of
Australia and New Zealand members and
only one Pacific island association. However, the excellent attendance
at this meeting of the 7 full members
showed the steady growth of PGWNet. She thanked all those who
had made the effort to attend in particular the large number of
observers present, as this indicated the
strong support and interest in PGWNet. Special thanks were expressed
for the assistance from AFUW and NZFGW
that enabled the participation of 8 delegates from the Pacific
islands. Acknowledgement was also extended to SAWG for their ready
agreement to take the minutes of this
meeting.
The Chair also thanked AFUW and the IFUW
for the excellent arrangements for the 28th Triennial Conference
in Perth and for their assistance in enabling
meetings of regional groupings like PGWNet to take place as part
of the triennial conference.
3. ROLL CALL
Present:
PGWNET Council:
Lily Vesikula President (Chair)
Agnes Kotoisuva (Vice President
& Acting Treasurer)
Beverley Turner, IFUW Membership
Adviser & ex Steering Committee Convener
Rae Duff (President NZFGW)
Rosemary Everett (President AFUW)
Daphne Buckley (CIR, AFUW)
Akanisi Kedrayate (President FAWG)
Laeimau Oketevi Tanuvasa-Savea (Vice
President SAWG)
Funealii Lumaava Sooaemalelagi (SAWG)
Lia Maka (Secretary ATUW)
Grayleen Lapi (Junior President
VAWG)
Shirley Randall (mentor,VAWG)
Joanne Boso (Secretary, SIGWA)
Observers:
Leatuaolevao Ruby Vaa (President-elect)
(SAWG); Agnes Whiten (AFUW), Alla Romanos (FAMU - Argentina),
Amelia Siamomua (FAWG), Ann Pomeroy
(NZFGW), Annette O'Sullivan (NZFGW), Betty Cuthbert (NZFGW), Dalma
Jacobs (AFUW Qld), Daphne Elliot (AFUW), Dawn
Patchett (NZFGW), Dorothy Meyer - Status of Women Ctee (NZFGW
Nth Shore), Ellen McCrae (NZFGW Canterbury), Ema Denby (CAPA),
Mary Trounson (NZFGW), Gillian Tan (AFUW), Gladys S. Dodson (AFUW),
Gretchen Keelty (AFUW), Heather Nash (AFUW ACT),
Jean Corbin Thomas (NZFGW), Jennifer Coote (NZFGW), Jennifer Strauss
(AFUW), Jill Ellis (NZFGW Nth Shore), Joan Smith (AFUW),
Kathryn Seymour (AFUW), Kathy Mumsford (AFUW), Lyn Thompson (AFUW),
Margaret Brothers (NZFGW), Margaret Maxwell (AFUW),
Marie Hampton (NZFGW), Mary Ellen Kane (AFUW NSW), Mary Minns
(AFUW), Merle Thompson (AFUW), Muriel Clark (NZFGW),
Norma McMichael (AFUW Qld), Pamela Lemoine (AFUW NSW), Peg Hutchison
(NZFGW), Reet Bergman (AFUW), Rosalie Sutherland
(NZFGW), Shirley Manion (AFUW NSW), Valerie Dell (NZFGW Hawkes
Bay), Virginia Passmore (AFUW), Wendy Zemanek (NZFGW),
Yvonne Curtis (NZFGW).
OBSERVERS: Please
remove any NZFGW branches to make listing coherent ie just NZFGW
is sufficient..
Apologies:
Telesia Tonga (NZFGW), Salote Fukofuka
(Vice President ATUW), Emma Kruse Vaai (President SAWG), Heather
Leo, President VAWG.
4. MEETING
PROTOCOL
The Chair clarified the voting
rights as follows: Only the President of PGWNet and 2 delegates
each of the NFAs had voting rights. All others had speaking
rights only.
5. ADOPTION
OF AGENDA
The Agenda was adopted unanimously.
6. MINUTES
OF THE INAUGURAL PGWNET COUNCIL MEETING, 3RD MAY 2003, PACIFIC
HARBOUR, FIJI
6.1 Confirmation
of Minutes
The
minutes were endorsed and no corrections were raised.
6.2 Matters
arising from the Minutes
(i)
Election By-Laws - Amendments proposed by PGWNet President L.
Vesikula based on the FAWG constitution were discussed. B. Turner
suggested the second part which was subsequently withdrawn.
Moved
by Laeimau Oketevi, seconded by Lia Maka that the first set of
amendments be adopted (i.e., By Law 6 would be expanded to include
4 parts as follows:
By
Law 6
a)
When an election for President of PGWNet is due, the PGWNet
Secretary shall call for nominations from NFAs which are full
members of PGWNet
at least two months before Council meeting at which the election
will take place.
b)
If there is more than one nomination within an NFA for President-elect
of PGWNet, an election shall be conducted by that NFA.
c)
Nominations must reach the current PGWNet Secretary, one month
before the date of that Council meeting.
d)
Nomination(s) must be signed by the proposer and nominee
and be endorsed by a Council meeting of the NFA to which she belongs.
(ii)
Approval of Membership form
The
newly designed form had been circulated earlier. One amendment
was proposed by Laeimau Oketevi of SAWG, to add clarification
of
the membership types on the back of the form. This was seconded
by ATUW. It was the moved by SAWG and seconded by ATUW that
the membership form be approved. Approval was unanimous and the
new Executive would action the amendment proposed.
7. CORRESPONDENCE
AND COMMUNICATIONS
The Chair noted that there had been
a very large volume of correspondence mostly by email and that
although it would be very difficult to list them all,
many important matters had been discussed this way. Special appreciation
was extended by the Chair to Beverley Turner for her active role
in circulating/distributing information.
Shirley Randall was also thanked for her similar role.
8. REPORTS
FROM PGWNet EXECUTIVE
8.1
President's report
Highlights
from the report presented by Lily Vesikula were as follows:
Two
face-to-face meetings of the PGWNet Executive occurred -one in
2003 and the second in February 2004 at which Beverley Turner
(NZFGW,
IFUW membership adviser) was able to attend while visiting Suva
for consultations wearing her UNIFEM hat. The latter was a very
useful meeting as we were able to map out our strategy for this
meeting. Other meetings were via email and the Executive certainly
used email
to great effect.
A major achievement for the Fiji-based executive was the
inaugural meeting of the PGWNet Council held in May 2003 as part
of the FAWG Triennial
Confeerence. This was made possible with funding from UNIFEM Pacific
which enabled Council members from SAWG, SIGWA, VAWG,
ATUW and also group member UPNGWA to participate. They also took
part in an Advocacy Workshop which was part of the triennial
conference. Lily thanked UNIFEM Pacific Director, Ms Amelia Siamomua
who was present at the meeting for her support in this regard.
The
Fiji-based Executive had received much goodwill, support and assistance
from NFAs, particularly AFUW and NZFGW.
Beverley
Turner had provided much support and active participation in the
correspondence and distribution of information. The full support
of FAWG
had been vital to the success of PGWNet in its formative stage
and tribute was paid to the former and current FAWG Councils for
this
invaluable assistance.
The performance of some member NFAs in winning prizes for
their Projects was commended: FAWG at the Ottawa conference and
SAWG and
VAWG at the Perth conference.
Administratively
there were many challenges particularly because the PGWNet president
was also FAWG secretary and the Vice President was
also FAWG Treasurer. A recommendation was therefore made for other
executives to note this and to separate PGWNet executive from
the NFA executive.
The
outgoing president then expressed her thanks for the honour of
holding the office and expressed her hope that FAWG, SAWG, and
ATUW
would work towards being full IFUW members in the near future
- as it was in this way that we can obtain voting rights and be
able to
fully participate at IFUW meetings.
Report
was accepted (ATUW, SAWG)
8.2 Treasurer's
report
The
financial report was presented by Agnes Kotoisuva, acting Treasurer
who spoke to the tabled written report. It was noted that
payments had
been made by AFUW, FAWG, SAWG, ATUW and that NZFGW was submitting
its payment during this IFUW conference. The current balance
now stood at $US175.00. The sale of the packs of cards had now
brought in some more funds and this would be recorded appropriately
in the statement that would be handed over to the new Executive.
As a gesture of support, the out-going Executive was donating
75
packs of greeting cards, [some had been sold at A$10 at the conference]
to the new PGWNet Executive to put its coffers in good stead.
Report
was accepted (SAWG/NZFGW)
8.3 IFUW
membership adviser
Beverley
Turner reported that she had established contacts with Marshall
Islands, PNG and Niue but that the latter had been "lost"
due to the person
having migrated to New Zealand. There had been a problem with
PNG but she was hopeful that she will be able to re-establish
contact.
She
also reported that active networking was occurring with PacWin,
FemLink Pacific, UNIFEM Pacific, and AWID, mostly via email.
A
partnership between SIGWA and NZFGW Waikato had been formed and
the new executive needed to follow up on this as a model for other
possible partnerships.
The
wise counsel of Leigh Bradford Ratteree was acknowledged as was
the active work by Rosemary Everett in obtaining funding from
AusAID.
The
care and attention of Lily Vesikula was also acknowledged.
It
was reported by Rosemary that a problem had occurred resulting
in a loss of money when a delegate withdrew very later and airfares
could not
be refunded. She therefore recommended that before funds
were committed, delegates need to confirm leave and visa, at least
by the time the
itinerary had become available.
Rosemary
would draft a policy on this matter and the draft would be circulated
for comments from NFA members of PGWNet.
9. REPORTS
FROM INDIVIDUAL COUNTRIES
9.1 ATUW
(Association of Tonga University Women)
Dr
Lia Maka reported on the scholarship project of ATUW which commenced
on 6,400 Paanga and funded young females studying science at the
University of the South Pacific centre in Tonga. There was substantial
success in the fundraising for this as diplomatic wives had been
invited to
participate as associate members. Funded recipients were progressing
well and future funding has been confirmed.
9.2 SAWG
(Samoa Association of Women Graduates)
Laeimau
Oketevi reported on SAWG activities especially their dictionary
project which involves awarding a dictionary as a prize for the
best all round
Year 9 (Form 3) girl. It had started with 10 dictionaries to 10
different schools in 2000, but by 2003 all 42 secondary schools
of Samoa had
been covered. There was also a scholarship project which had benefited
some 6 girls to date. Fundraising involves monthly luncheons at
which
a high profile speaker was invited to speak on a pertinent topic,
and the very successful golf tournament at Easter this year which
is now planned
to become an annual event. Communications among members was mainly
by email. Some collaboration with other women's groups had
started, e.g. women and leadership project in conjunction with
a number of other groups such as the Women's committee. Visibility
of the association
was through press releases on newspapers and television. Laeimau
concluded by acknowledging the active involvement and support
from Beverley Turner, and also Lily Vesikula.
9.3 VAWG
(Vanuatu Association of Women Graduates)
Grayleen
Lapi reported that the association had unfortunately lost some
of its active members overseas (President Jeanette Bolenga to
USP, Fiji,
Treasurer Sehra Haggai to UNSW, Australia, and Publicity Adviser
Shirley Randall to Bangladesh.) Projects included the EU funded
project
"Girls can do anything", the Bina Roy first prizewinner
on Women and violence. Another project saw the publication of
4 books on niVanuatu
women, with the assistance of AFUW for which they were very grateful.
9.4 SIGWA (Solomon
Islands Graduate Women Association)
Joanne
Boso reported that there were leadership problems in their association
and consequently very little had been achieved. However, it was
expected
that the elections being planned for end of August 2004 will result
in some a new leadership that will enable the association to move
forward.
She also stated that on her return she would work on some
promotional materials in the media which should motive others
to join.
Joanne
finished by thanking IFUW, PGWNet and in particular, AFUW for
the assistance SIGWA has been receiving.
9.5 FAWG (Fiji
Association of Women Graduates)
Dr
Akanisi Kedrayate reported on FAWG projects to date which had
received assistance from other sister groups, e.g. Otago branch
of NZFWG
had donated much needed books for 6 primary schools and 2 secondary
schools. The Queensland branch of AFUW had enabled two
gender workshops and the VGIF had led to two workshops for secondary
schools science girl students. She extended sincere gratitude
to these
groups for their generous assistance to FAWG's work.
In
recent times, advocacy efforts by the association had been very
successful e.g. the rugby union proposal for casinos had been
stalled because of
FAWG protests. Other aspects of FAWG advocacy was on political
issues. Now, FAWG is being invited for consultations on government
programmes
as well as nominations of women board members.
9.6 AFUW (Australian
Federation of University Women)
A
written report by Rosemary Everett had been circulated highlighting
the following:
Change
in officers since last PGWNet meeting, to Rosemary Everett and
Daphne Buckley
Major
activity in 2004 has been the organizing of the 28th IFUW Triennial
conference
Membership
is around 1,150 but one state branch was in recess due to unavailability
of members willing to take on the executive roles
Starting
to plan for the AFUW 2006 conference, likely to be in Canberra
AFUW
high priority is advocacy and several submissions have been lodged
with the Australian government: views on next "Time Use"
survey,
valuation of unpaid work in the community, strategy of how to
maximize retirement incomes in an ageing society, demographic
challenges
in Australia, views on what government policy should be for an
ageing society, value of higher education and government policies
to attract/retain
people to undertake education to their highest potential.
AFUW
continuing role in the Australian government office for the status
of women, in Security4Women and Women Speak
AFUW
is concerned about Australian government reaction to Pacific issues
e.g. in Solomon islands and is of the view that proper consultation
must be carried out. Further, that Pacific women be involved in
all peace building efforts
AFUW
is also becoming involved in the reports of the government for
the implementation of the Beijing Platform for action.
Reviewing
Policy and Attitudes document of 1982 to remain focused on advocacy
work.
Intending
to lodge applications for a VGIF grant later in 2004 and continue
work for the Bina Roy Development Programmes.
9.7 NZFGW (New
Zealand Federation of Graduate Women)
Rae
Duff spoke briefly and congratulated the council and all active
members on the energy and enthusiasm shown. She informed the meeting
that
she would take news of this meeting to the NZFWG mid-term council
meeting in March 2005 (Palmerston North) and their next conference
in Wellington in 2006 on Women as agents of change, June 20th
2005.
At
this point, some of the Pacific island associations presented
gifts of appreciation to AFUW, NZFGW and some individuals who
had been of particular
assistance to them.
10. CONFIRMATION
OF PRESIDENT AND HAND-OVER
The Chair reported
that at the close of nominations, one nomination had been received
for Leatuaolevao Ruby Vaa of SAWG. She was therefore declared
elected. Her nomination would need to be endorsed by the Council
in accordance with Article 5 (v).
The nomination was unanimously
endorsed by the Council and out-going president Lily Vesikula
then vacated the chair and the new president took
over. (Lily continued with the minutes)
Future
directions of PGWNet
The new President, L.
Ruby Vaa, expressed her delight at being given the opportunity
of serving for PGWNet having been at the first meeting in Suva.
She stated that because of her strong belief in the work of the
women graduates associations and IFUW she would ensure that the
great work by the previous
executive would continue. Further, she said she was honoured by
the trust given to her and hoped she would be able to live up
to that trust during her term as president. The new President
expressed her hope that PGWNet would grow further and, as a regional
group, be able to support
and assist the Pacific NFAs to develop even more over the next
two years.
Finally, she suggested
that, given the lateness of the evening, all suggestions for the
future directions of PGWNet be sent to her by email then these
would be compiled and
circulated for comments from the membership. There was unanimous
agreement to this suggestion.
The meeting then ended
at 8.30pm and adjourned to the dinner hosted by the NZFGW.
L.R.Vaa
and L.Vesikula
Perth, Australia
9 August 2004 |
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PGWNet meeting, Perth 2004
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