National Council of Women of Great Britain

        

 


European Centre of the
International Council of Women

Grace Wedekind was elected with overwhelming support as President of the European Centre of the International Council of Women (ECICW) at its General Assembly in Monaco in April 2007,   In congratulating her, NCW President Monica Hall said: 'Grace has served the Council with dedication, conscien-tiousness and sheer hard work and this appointment is a reflection of the esteem in which she is held'. 

Eleni Valassi-Adam (Greece), Doreen Micallef (Malta), Cosima Schenk (Switzerland) were elected Vice-Presidents and  Brigitte le Gouis (France) is General Secretary.
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What is the ECICW?

Its members come from twenty-three countries, both within and beyond the European Union, meet twice yearly to discuss problems of common interest and to extend contacts, particularly with women from the former East European countries and Soviet Union.  It works within the agenda of ICW and UN CSW, but additionally covers topics of particular interest to the host country, with a major seminar at each meeting on the chosen priority.

The most recent meetings have been held in Monaco in April 2007,  in Strasbourg in October 2007, and in the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead in April 2008, hosted by the National Council of Women of Great Britain.

[MORE about the April 2008 Assembly in Britain]


The ECICW meeting in Monaco in April 2007  was a very enjoyable meeting, hosted by ECICW's newest member organisation. The Monaco Government provided generous sponsorship, and entertainment.

A seminar on Domestic Violence was attended by members of the Monaco Government and by a representative from the Council of Europe. Domestic violence is increasing across Europe.
A resolution on domestic violence was drawn up and agreed by the full ECICW Assembly.


The Resolution  was sent to the European Commission and Parliament, the Council of Europe and National Governments, urging action:

 

  • to define domestic violence throughout Europe as a criminal act;

  • to undertake initiatives to raise awareness that violence against women damages peace, democracy and economic development in society;

  • to introduce a policy of zero tolerance against this crime;

  • to implement national and local plans to combat domestic violence, including appropriate training of police, magistrates, doctors, teachers and other professionals involved.;

  • to provide safe houses, appropriate medical and psychological services and financial support for victims;

  • to introduce mediation services with rehabilitation therapy for habitual offenders.

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European Women’s Lobby
(EWL)

Grace Wedekind, the ECICW President, is on the Board of the European Women’s Lobby. The most recent Board meeting was held in SloveniaDoreen Micallef, the President of NCW Malta (and an ECICW Vice President) went as an observer.

Work in the EWL continues on the campaign for parity in democracy.  Prominent women, one hundred from each European country, are to be asked to sign a petition asking for parity democracy to be set up in Europe. 

The next EWL general assembly will be held in Lyons in October 2008.  There will be a seminar on work towards parity in local government.  Grace Wedekind has been asked to speak on this at the seminar.

         

The National Council of Women of Great Britain.      Founded 1895  
Registered charity No. 100  1015.   Company limited by guarantee No.502692       
Administrative office:    72 Victoria Road, Darlington  DL1 5JG     Tel: 01325 367375    Fax: 01325 367378
London Policy Centre:   36 Danbury Street, Islington, London N1 8JU
email: info@ncwgb.org
 
                                                              

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