2009 Annual Conference in Chicago

Women and Men Gather from Across the Country to Empower Women and Transform Lives

The 2009 annual meeting and conference of the US National Committee for UNIFEM took place July 10 – 12 in Chicago, Ill. Participants included the National Board of Directors, Chapter officers and members, and a number of people who were being introduced to the organization.  All sections of the country were represented.

Saturday’s workshops on Trafficking, Microfinance and Women’s Maternal Health , chaired by Dr. Katrin Schultheiss were extremely well received. Saturday evening’spicnic at Millenium Park, listening to the beautiful music of Gilbert and Sullivan, provided a respite from the busy schedule of the day.

Sunday’s highlight was a luncheon at the Crowne Plaza which featured Peg Snyder, a founder as well as the first Executive Director of UNIFEM, who gave us an overview of how the organization began as an outgrowth of the International Conference in Mexico, and Joan Libby- Hawk, Chief of Public Affairs at UNIFEM who spoke about Partners for Empowerment.  Ms. Libby-Hawk reminded us that partnerships not only have to be nurtured, they have to be a good fit for both parties.

Cumulative attendance reached over 150 with an average of 40 – 50 at each event.

The 2010 annual meeting and conference will take place in New York, NY, June 10 – 12.  Please save the date.

To view our conference pictures, please click here.

View speakers’ material here: