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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]
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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:
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to define
domestic violence throughout Europe as a criminal act;
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to undertake
initiatives to raise awareness that violence against women
damages peace, democracy and economic development in society;
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to introduce a
policy of zero tolerance against this crime;
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to implement
national and local plans to combat domestic violence, including
appropriate training of police, magistrates, doctors, teachers
and other professionals involved.;
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to provide
safe houses, appropriate medical and psychological services and
financial support for victims;
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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 Slovenia.
Doreen
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.
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