The Region 5 Conference was hosted by the AIWC Cologne the weekend of November 8-10, 2013. All of the German and Austrian clubs were represented along with guests from Zurich and Paris. The fun kicked off Friday night with “Celebrating Home: A Musical, Political and Literary Tribute to the Place We Love” featuring two of Cologne’s members and the Vice Mayor of Cologne, Angela Spizig.
The Region 5 Conference was hosted by the AIWC Cologne the weekend of November 8-10, 2013. All of the German and Austrian clubs were represented along with guests from Zurich and Paris. The fun kicked off Friday night with “Celebrating Home: A Musical, Political and Literary Tribute to the Place We Love” featuring two of Cologne’s members and the Vice Mayor of Cologne, Angela Spizig.
Saturday began with presentations by both the FAWCO Board and The FAWCO Foundation. Laurie Richardson, FAWCO 3rd VP-Committees gave an introduction to the new Target Issue: Human Rights for Women, followed by a presentation by medica mondiale e.V. about their work in Liberia assisting women subjected to sexual and gender based violence.
Following lunch, the group strolled along the Rhine and was treated to a rooftop tour of the Cologne Cathedral. Dinner followed with a Fashion for FUNds Charity Accessory Fashion Show! The 2,500+ euros raised will benefit the German Association of Women’s Shelters, to underwrite the production of sign-language videos for their website to reduce barriers to access domestic violence.
Early on Sunday, we met to discuss the common issues all clubs face in daily operations. Barbara Bühling, FAWCO Youth Program Chair, brought two FAWCO Youth Volunteers to speak about their experiences in Dubai. The day ended with a tribute to Frauke Rademacher-Heidemann, who after ten years is stepping down as Region 5 Coordinator. Taking over is Angelika McLarren of Berlin.