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2023 FAWCO Biennial Conference
March 24-26, 2023 — Bratislava

The 2023 FAWCO Biennial Conference took place at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Bratislava, Slovakia, March 24-26, 2023. Hosted by the AWA Vienna with the generous assistance of the IWC Bratislava, 140 Participants, 30 guests and 24 conference volunteers enjoyed a long weekend of business and fun, combining our AGM with fascinating speakers and panelists and informative reports and workshops. Below you will find links to remind yourselves of the event or catch up on what you might have missed.

2022 FAWCO Annual Report

Agenda & Directory

Approved Items

• Amended Bylaws, Article V, Section 2 and Article XIII, Section 2, approved March 23, 2023
• Resolutions & Recommendations 2023-2025 approved March 25, 2023. Presentation or PDF.

Awards

Liz MacNiven (AIWC Cologne) and Suzanne Wheeler (AAWE Paris/FAUSA) were awarded the Caroline Curtis Brown Spirit Award in recognition of service exemplifying the spirit, inspiration and dedication of FAWCO's Founder. Rep Appreciation Awards were given to Mary Adams (AWC The Hague), Bev Bachmayer (AWA Vienna), Anitra Kitts (Munich IWC), and Belen Monasterio (AWC Madrid) in recognition of their outstanding work promoting FAWCO.

Minutes

• Saturday, May 21, 2022 (Final AGM Session 3, 2022 Interim Meeting — Luxembourg)
• Thursday, March 23, 2023, approved March 24, 2023
• Friday, March 24, 2023, approved March 25, 2023
• Saturday, March 25, 2023, approved March 26, 2023

Speaker — Alison Smale

Keynote Speaker Alison Smale is a veteran British journalist with some 40 years’ experience, half of that with The New York Times. She lives in Vienna, where she was also based between 1987 and 1998 as the AP’s (Associated Press) Bureau Chief covering the anticommunist revolutions and the war in former Yugoslavia. After a 20-year career at the New York Times, she did a two-year stint as United Nations Undersecretary General for global communications. She was Chief of Bureau at The New York Times in Berlin from 2013 to 2017, and before that Executive Editor of the International Herald Tribune (IHT) Paris. She is the first and only woman to have held that post. Alison currently is part of Europe’s Futures Program at the IWM (Institute for Human Sciences) in Vienna and is a freelance contributor to The Times.

Sponsors

• Gold Sponsor Janet Darrow Real Estate
• Bronze Sponsor MyExpatTaxes.com
• Target Program Sponsor Launch

 Spotlight on Luxembourg

• Spotlight on Bratislava #1, Agenda & Voting, December 21
• Spotlight on Bratislava #2, January 21
• Spotlight on Bratislava #3, March 2
• Spotlight on Bratislava #4, Pre-conference Reminders March 22 
• Spotlight on Bratislava #5, Minutes from Day 1, March 24
• Spotlight on Bratislava #6, Minutes from Day 2, March 25
• Spotlight on Bratislava #7, Minutes from Day 3, March 26
• Spotlight on Bratislava #8, Post Conference Survey and Notes, March 30

2023-2025 FAWCO's Fifth Target Project Announced — Awesome Blossoms

Awesome Blossoms is the latest evolution of a community-based organization, Safe Spaces, created by Mrs. Peninah Nthenya Musyimi. This project features organic, water-efficient urban farms with 500 gardens in each farm to support girls’ education and empowerment programs and with 75 women in partnership with three primary schools located in the Mathare slum area of Nairobi. Read more about the project on the Target Environment Blog. The FAWCO Foundation announced that even before the project had been selected, FAWCO members had already donated over $26,000. We are also pleased to announce that the Clydette de Groot Foundation has offered a $10,000 matching grant. 

FAWCO Has Joined the State Department Federal Credit Union!

FAWCO has gone through the strict approval process to qualify as a member of the State Department Federal Credit Union. This means that US members and green card holders and their children are now eligible to open US dollar accounts without a US address or mobile phone number.  Please see our website or download our information sheet to share with your club members!

Login Required to access Conference Photos, Presentations and Workshops

Part 1 — Focus on the Future

Virtual on Hopin March 4-6, 2022

Part 1 of our 2022 Interim Meeting included a celebratory wrap up for our successful Target Program Health, the launch of our new Target Program Environment and The FAWCO Foundation announcements, including celebrating 50 years of Education Awards and 25 years of Development Grants. We had a limited number of sessions on Sunday, including FAWCO the UN and CSW66, the SDG #TurnitAround FilmFest and the Global Issues Book Discussion on Jane Goodall’s The Book of Hope.

Part 2 — Celebrate FAWCO, Fun and Friendships

Parc Hotel Alvisse, Luxembourg, May 19-21, 2022

Part 2 of our Annual General Meeting took place in Luxembourg, May 19-21, 2022 at the Parc Hotel Alvisse Luxembourg.

The Agenda featured the Club Development Workshops that help inspire you and your Club, as well as providing the opportunity to meet and learn more about our FAWCO Teams and Volunteers at a Face2Face. In addition, The FAWCO Foundation announced the recipients of the 2022 FAWCO Foundation Education Awards and Development Grants. Foundation Night “Celebrate FAWCO, Fun and Friendships” was a real celebration, with music, live and silent auctions and a chance to recharge after too much time in lockdown. 

Special Thanks to our Sponsors

Gold Sponsors:  Janet Darrow Real Estate and London & Capital

Silver Sponsor: The Short List

Login to view conference materials.

2019 FAWCO Biennial Conference

Dalmahoy Hotel, Edinburgh, March 20-24, 2019

Agenda

Annual Report

Edinburgh Edition — Conference Newsletter

• Edinburgh Edition Wednesday March 20, 2019
• Edinburgh Edition Thursday March 21, 2019
• Edinburgh Edition Friday March 22, 2019
• Edinburgh Edition Saturday March 23, 2019
• Edinburgh Edition Sunday March 24, 2019

Minutes

• Edinburgh AGM Session 1 Minutes March 21, 2019
• Edinburgh AGM Session 2 Minutes March 22, 2019
• Edinburgh AGM Session 3 Minutes March 23, 2019
• Edinburgh AGM Session 4 Final Minutes March 24, 2019

Photos

The conference photos are ready to view!! Please use password "LUCY" for the site. The photos are free for you and your clubs to download and use from her website by simply clicking on the download arrow icon at the bottom right of the photos. Thanks to Patricia Ramaer for the photos. 

Conference commentary via social media: follow @fawco on Twitter, tweet using #fawco2019 and like us on Facebook!!!

Resolutions and Recommendations 2019-2021

Committee Chairs shall be full and current members of an overseas FAWCO Club at the time of appointment. A limited number of committees may be chaired by members of FAUSA providing that they are also full and current members of an overseas FAWCO club. The Chair who is responsible for submitting a written report at the Interim and Biennial Conferences.

Administrative Committees consist of Archives, Bylaws and Administrative Guidelines, Finance, Membership, Resolutions and Recommendations, Conference Site Selection, and Nominating Committee.

The Rebranding Team is currently discussing FAWCO's mission and goals.  Committee members post their ideas here and invite your comments and feedback. Be sure you are logged in so you can add your comments.  

The US Tax & Banking Committee gathers information on US tax and banking legislation and regulations, and informs the membership of their US tax responsibilities while living overseas. It collects information from the FAWCO membership on specific tax and banking related problems to bring these to the attention of legislators in Washington.

What will I find here?

The Tax & Banking Committee develops lists of resources and advisors, and publishes periodic newsletters, presentations and videos, and updates and links to media articles and other resources for Overseas Americans and “US tax persons.” You can find more information on each category by clicking on the title below.

• Tax: Cross-border tax issues, information & IRS links
• FATCA information

We encourage Overseas Americans to plan their international financial lives and maintain compliant status with US regulations.

Remember, overseas residents have until June 15 each year to file their US taxes. However if you owe taxes, to avoid late payment penalties, pay the taxes by April 15. Please refer to this link for more detailed information.

How can I get more information about tax and banking issues?

Even as a FAWCO Member, you must subscribe to receive the US Liaison Bulletins, which include information about US citizenship, voting from overseas and tax and banking information.

Send us your questions, comments, problems or let us know if we can help you with anything. Contact .  

Read the Tax & Banking Disclaimer. 

Banking & Financial Services

Living outside the United States creates particular challenges to personal financial management. Banking services in countries of residence can vary widely, U.S. and foreign government regulations and the banking industry’s reaction to them can make fluid transitions of funds, opening of new accounts, changes in providers, and even access to new banking cards confusing and difficult. Many of us are happy to take advantage of the benefits of internet-based, online banking services; while others are suspicious of the security and identity theft issues that increasingly appear in the press.

We all need access to secure and reliable banking and investing services wherever we live around the world. FAWCO advocates for this in Washington and abroad. We'll be providing links for FAWCO tips, explanations and suggestions, expert presentations, and other helpful information.

Click on a category below under any of the main subjects to learn more.

If you have updates regarding banks that serve U.S. tax persons abroad or difficulties you have faced with banking or other financial services overseas that you would like to share please email us at .

Banking Overseas

Bank Accounts in the U.S.

Bank Accounts in Country of Residence

FATCA

Financial Planning Resources

Current Issues

Basic Information & Strategy

Mutual Funds

Retirement

Retirement Issues & Links

Foreign Retirement Accounts & IGAs

Other Topics

Social Security

Read the Tax & Banking Disclaimer.

Legal & Estate Planning

Those of us who live overseas have plenty of challenges to contend with that become increasingly complex as we move from one country to the next leaving a wake of residences, accounts, and often business and personal investments behind us. While living in non-U.S. countries we are often subject to their inheritance laws that evolve from local attitudes and traditions. Sometimes these conflict with U.S. law in uncomfortable ways.

Whether you are considering marrying a foreign national, facing foreign taxation by your country of residence of an U.S.-based inheritance, or planning for the distribution of your assets after you are gone, you will find helpful material here from various country jurisdictions, diverse experts & other FAWCO members.

Click the category title below to learn more about each topic, and find articles related to tax below.

If you have stories or information regarding legal and estate planning issues facing U.S. person living abroad that you would like to share, or you have questions or problems, we will try to help. Please send them to .

Basic Inheritance Law

Medical Directives & Living Wills

Country Specific Info & Presentations

Read the Tax & Banking Disclaimer.

Most Americans and green card holders must file tax forms and in some cases pay taxes with the US Government every year. You may have to file even though you have no earned income, already pay taxes in your country of residence, are below the foreign income exclusion and/or give or receive money in the form of a gift or inheritance. It can get complicated but we're here to help!

Click the category title below to learn more about each topic, and find articles related to tax below.

Have a tax story or information about taxes to share? Email us at 

Tax Basics

Income Tax

Compliance Issues

Tax Planning

PFIC Regulations

IRS Links

Filing Options

Tax Forms

DC Advocacy

Read the Tax & Banking Disclaimer.

FAWCO's Environment Team aims to inform members about global environmental issues that confront our planet, such as air, soil & water pollution, energy efficiency, conservation and waste reduction, and the major issues of global climate change. Since we believe that each person can make a difference, one of our main goals is to help members become more environmentally minded through the choices they make in their daily lives. The Team also seeks to promote informed action within FAWCO, at both global and local levels. Major past activities have supported carbon sequestration through tree planting and water awareness in conjunction with the First Target Program.

For more information and to get involved with us, contact the Environment Team Chair at .

The Health Team provides information on women's health and aging to allow you to make informed health decisions. We will take a holistic approach to help us safeguard and nurture our bodies, as well as enrich our minds and spirits. There will be articles and reports, suggested books, and FAWCO member contributions. We will also include practical information and resources, such as caring for loved ones from a distance, for ourselves and family members. 

In 2014, we re-launched Clubs in Motion, with the goal to walk or run around the globe before the March 2015 Conference. That's 40,000 kms, so we better get moving! To learn more, sign up your club's walking or running group, and check how far we've come, go to Clubs in Motion. 

We have gathered information from FAWCO Clubs about their Heart Pillow Projects to help women who have had breast cancer surgery. If you have Heart Pillow news to share, please send it to us at . 

We are currently looking for a Health Issues Team Chair. Please contact  if you are interested in the position.

Clubs in Motion!

Join Clubs in Motion and get moving with FAWCO. If your club has a walking, hiking or running group, this is for YOU! You can dowload a flyer to publicize the program to your club members by opening Clubs_In_Motion.doc.  

Let's get moving! Join FAWCO Clubs in Motion today! Happy and healthy! 

Our FAWCO Leadership was caught in the act - out WALKING while attending the Geneva NGO Forum Beijing+20!!  From left to right on the rock...  Kathleen Simon (Counselor & AWC Bern), Maggie Palu (AWG-LR - thanks to Maggie for the photos), My-Linh Kunst (President & AWC Berlin), Monica Jubayli (1st VP & AWC Lebanon), Suzanne Wheeler (Foundation Board Member & AAWE Paris), and Sallie Chaballier (2nd VP & AAWE Paris). Well done ladies! 

Clubs in Motion is a FAWCO initiative to encourage members to stay physically fit.
Keep your club members healthy and increase FAWCO awareness. Start sending a record of all those kilometers or miles your clubs' walkers and runners have walked or run NOW!

Who can send in kilometers/miles?
FAWCO Club activities can include walking groups, participating in walks/runs in your area, organizing a walk with your club members ,etc. In order for the kilometers / miles to count, three or more members must be exercising together.  We are not gathering data from individuals walking on their own, because this is about both the physical benefits and the mental benefits of getting active together!  
 
How will the kilometers/miles be tallied?
Send kilometers from club activities with club name to and the number of participants. Please include the name and location of any organized walks/runs - for example: breast cancer awareness, club walking group, marathons, etc. and any special locations. Send photos!

You'll find updates on the FAWCO Clubs In Motion page under the Health Team site, so you can check the progress of the various clubs.

Why should clubs get involved?
Exercise benefits your health. Did you know that for every hour of regular, vigorous exercise you do, like brisk walking, you can live two hours longer? And we all know that it's more FUN to exercise with friends. Clubs in Motion will be a fun way to get your members active and interested in FAWCO, and introduce them to FAWCO's website.

Top 10 reasons to Get in Motion with Clubs in Motion:

• Prevent Type 2 diabetes
• Reduce risk of heart disease
• Reduce the risk of osteoporosis: strengthen bones/maintain bone density
• Improve blood pressure
• Help lower cholesterol
• Help you maintain a healthy body weight
• Reduce the risk of breast and colon cancer
• Good for your brain: cognitive functions improve with regular exercise
• Enhance well-being and reduce stress
• Improve fitness

When do we start?

NOW! Let’s ‘move it’ together -- with FAWCO!

Many FAWCO member clubs are involved in making heart pillows to donate to help the recovery of women who have had breast cancer surgery. AWC The Hague has a Heart Pillow Best Practice with instructions for how you can start your own heart pillow project that you can access in our members-only Best Practices section (you must be registered and log in to see these). We also have Heart Pillows featured in these articles: Heart Pillow Project and Stitched with Love.  

All FAWCO members are invited to get involved in their area of interest. If you don’t see yours here, let us know. Please email Therese Hartwell, Chair of the Human Rights Team at  to discuss participation. 

And sign up to receive the Human Rights Team Bulletin at Subscriptions.

Therese Hartwell, AW Eastern Province
Chair, Human Rights Team

Ending Violence Against Women is a Committee of the Human Rights Team, addressing issues of domestic violence and sex trafficking, as well as other forms of violence against women. The Ending Violence Team was created in April 2008 to address issues of domestic violence, human trafficking and sexual exploitation in order to increase awareness and empower those women and children affected. Over the years, the Team has put a spotlight on the issues to get people talking about them. We also promote tangible actions that we can all take to help eradicate these forms of violence. When you look at the facts you see that we still have a long way to go.

1 in 3 women has been sexually assaulted in her lifetime;

Rape continues to be used as a weapon during war and conflict;

Globalization and climate change are having the most profound impacts on women and children who are disproportionately displaced and left without options;

Gender-based violence is an affliction that millions of women and children suffer in silence and shame. Many become victimized by those who are supposed to love and protect them. 

Please share these three one-page information sheets on issues of Domestic Violence, how you can help victims of Domestic Violence, and global issues of Violence Against Women with your club members. 

For a worldwide listing of domestic violence agencies, see the Hot Peaches website. 

You'll find a link to the Americans Overseas Domestic Violence Crisis Center (AODVC) website on our homepage under Domestic Violence. 

For more information or to get involved, contact the Committee Co-Chairs.

Co-Chair, Global Issues, Tonya Teichert at . 

Tonya Teichert (AWC The Taunus)

Co-Chair, Global Issues

Co-Chair, Domestic Violence and AODVC Liaison, Karen Lewis at aodvc@fawco.org.


Karen Lewis (FAUSA)

Co-Chair, Domestic Violence and AODVC Liaison

Women Peace and Security is a committee within the Human Rights Team. Its goal is to raise awareness about violence against women in conflict zones and the role of women in the peace-keeping process.

The theme of women and conflict resonates with the very origins of FAWCO. According to The Red Book, FAWCO: A History 1931-2011:
 
Caroline Curtis Brown founded FAWCO on the belief that "enlightened women, working cooperatively throughout the world, could do much to help achieve permanent international peace; and that this was especially true of American women living abroad who had acquired special experience in living in foreign lands among foreign people and foreign customs. Their American clubs not only provided a home away from home, she felt, but also served to promote sympathetic awareness of the needs and problems in countries other than the United States."  Our founder's words are perhaps even more relevant today than in her own time. In our globally connected world, wars have a real impact on the lives of all of us, even when they occur in a distant land. A peaceful world benefits everyone.
 

In 2009, FAWCO and The FAWCO Foundation announced the Target Program to bring a critical global issue to the attention of FAWCO Clubs, their members and the world. The Target Program offers opportunities for local FAWCO Clubs to make a global difference.

Target Programs:

• Follow a three-year cycle of issue awareness and education, project selection, fundraising, project monitoring, review and evaluation.
• Demonstrate the power of FAWCO Clubs working together toward a common goal.
• Increase knowledge and awareness of global issues affecting women.

In keeping with FAWCO’s Resolutions and Recommendations, Target Programs have the overarching goal of improving the lives of women and girls. The FAWCO Board, in consultation with The FAWCO Foundation Board, chooses Target Issues on a revolving basis through our four areas of interest: Education, Environment, Health and Human Rights. As a United Nations accredited NGO (non-governmental organization) with special consultative status to the UN Economic and Social Council, FAWCO places a high priority on giving our Member Clubs the opportunity to contribute together to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

The theme of our recently concluded Target Program 5 (2022–2025) was “Our Natural Environment: Empowering Women and Girls to Ensure a Sustainable Future.” FAWCO members selected the Awesome Blossoms project, which developed water-efficient urban farms to support education programs for children as well as the empowerment of 75 women entrepreneurs in the Mathare slum of Nairobi. With the enthusiasm and support of the FAWCO family, we were able to install three farms, with 500 hydroponic gardens each, in two schools, purchase a vehicle to transport vegetables to the market for sale, as well as purchase land for the creation of a center of excellence and training for the long-term sustainability of the project. In recognition of the transformative nature of the project, Awesome Blossoms was recognized in the 2024 Gender Just Climate Awards in the Non-Technical Solutions Category. We were grateful for the support of Launch Education Advisors for their support in raising awareness during the three-year project cycle. (FAWCO clubs and members raised $ 211,000 for Awesome Blossoms, which included land to create a center of expertise, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the project and serving as a proof of concept for this type of hydroponic agriculture and entrepreneurship model, which can be replicated in other parts of the world).

At our Biennial Conference in Annapolis in March 2026, we announced the theme of our upcoming Target Program 6 (2025–2028): “Human Rights: Advancing Dignity, Equality and Freedom for Women and Girls,” aligning directly with UN Sustainable Development Goal 5 (Gender Equality) and other interconnected SDGs. In general, these projects could address systemic barriers, protect fundamental freedoms, and/or advance equal participation in society. Launch Education Advisors has once again generously agreed to sponsor education and awareness-raising activities for this Target Cycle. Please click on the link below to learn more about Target Program 6.

Previous Target Projects have included:

• Target Program 4 (2019–2022) Health: Promoting Well-Being and Healthy Lives for Women and Girls
  • Project: S.A.F.E. (Safe Alternatives for Female Genital Mutilation Elimination)
  • Location: Tanzania
  • Amount raised: $177,413
• Target Program 3 (2016-–2019) Education: Empowering Women and Girls through Knowledge and Skills
  • Project: Hope Beyond Displacement (Collateral Repair Project)
  • Location: Jordan
  • Amount raised: $190,000
• Target Program 2 (2013–2016) Human Rights: Protecting the Rights and Improving the Lives of Women and Girls Worldwide
  • Project: Free the Girls 
  • Location: Sites in Africa and Latin America
  • Amount raised: $172,000
• Target Program 1 (2009–2013) Environment: Water and Sustainability
  • Project: Tabitha Wells
  • Location: Cambodia
  • Amount raised: $165,000
• NetWorks Malaria Project (2005–2009)
  • Location: Sites throughout Africa
  • Amount raised: $165,885

In March 2013, Human Rights for Women – Protecting the Rights and Improving the Lives of Women and Girls Worldwide, was announced as the overarching theme for the FAWCO Target Program 2013 - 2016.  

The Target Program: Human Rights for Women was composed of two parts: Target Education/Awareness and the Target Project. The Education/Awareness Program focused on women's rights as human rights, specifically in the areas of political empowerment, economic empowerment, peace and security, and ending violence against women. The Target Project was our opportunity to financially support a project that met the Target goal.

Target Education/Awareness continued through the Target Bulletins, Special Programs and Workshops, and with the support of FAWCO's Human Rights Team. Fundraising for the Free The Girls Target Project, through the Backing Women Campaign as well as special events sponsored by Member Clubs, continued through February 2016.  

In 2013, twelve Target Project proposals were submitted and the Target Selection Committee developed a short list of three finalist projects announced in December 2013. FAWCO Member Clubs voted for the winning Target Project. The Target Project -- Free The Girls -- was announced at the March 2014 Interim Conference in Brussels. Free the Girls works with former victims of sex trafficking in Africa and Latin America, helping them rebuild their lives through economic empowerment. 

From left to right: Melissa Watson, National Director, Free The Girls; MyLinh Kunst, FAWCO President 2011-2015; Kimba Langas, Co-Founder & Executive Director, Free The Girls; Catherine Marland, FAWCO Rep and Application Sponsor, AWC Surrey; Betsy Speer, President, AWC Surrey; Johanna Dishongh, Chair, FAWCO Target Program 2013-2016; Michele Hendrikse DuBois, President, FAWCO Foundation 2012-2015.  

Following the Target Project announcement, The FAWCO Foundation launched the Backing Women Fundraising Campaign with the unveiling of Christian de Laubadère’s painting, the inspiration for the campaign logo. The original painting was auctioned at the FAWCO Biennial Conference in Rome (March 2015) with all proceeds going to the campaign.

With the support of The FAWCO Foundation Backing Women Campaign and Member Clubs from every region of FAWCO, over $172,000 was contributed to FREE THE GIRLS, which allowed this start up non-profit the necessary breathing room to streamline operations, fine tune their limited staff positions, all while maintaining a focus on the women they serve. Women who, prior to participating in the FREE THE GIRLS program, did not have a means to support themselves or their families. Women, whose children and very often, children of extended family members, now attend school with school fees paid from their earning. Women, who through their own purchasing power, now support the local economy.

Johanna Dishongh
AWC The Hague
Target Human Rights Chair 2013-2016

In 2009, FAWCO and The FAWCO Foundation announced a four year program to bring a critical global issue to the attention of FAWCO Clubs, their members and the world. The FAWCO Target Water Program was an opportunity for FAWCO member clubs and FAUSA members to work together towards the goal of clean water worldwide.

The 2009-2013 Target Program was focused on the global environmental issues of Water and Sustainability. In addition to raising awareness about the importance of clean water in all the countries where we are represented, we asked our member clubs to fundraise specifically for Tabitha Wells for Clean Water, Cambodia.

FAWCO is an international NGO and the Target Program distinguishes FAWCO clubs from other international clubs by giving them the opportunity to pool their efforts and contribute together to a UN Millennium Development Goal. We asked our member clubs for their support in whatever ways were open to them. Together we have made a huge impact on access to clean water worldwide.

 At the 41st Biennial conference in Bern, Target Program Chair Anne van Oorschot (AWC The Hague) received a Caroline Curtis Brown Spirit Award for her tireless work in the last two years. She gave an excellent final report and included a thank-you video from Tabitha's founder Janne Ritskes.

Thanks to the generosity of our clubs and members, FAWCO has changed the flow for 1541 families in Cambodia.

CLUB RESOURCES:

Download the Target Program Final Presentation. 

Download PICTURES of FAWCO wells .

Check out our fundraising ideas.

Go to The FAWCO Foundation website for more fundraising ideas and stories from Cambodia.

Target Program Education 2016-2019

At the Interim Meeting in Frankfurt (March 11-13, 2016), Education – Empowering Women and Girls through Knowledge and Skills, was announced as the overarching theme for the FAWCO Target Program 2016 - 2019. 

Education is one of the most critical areas of empowerment for women. When girls are educated, they lead healthier and more productive lives. They gain the skills, knowledge and self-confidence to escape the cycle of poverty. They become better citizens, parents and breadwinners. An educated girl has a positive ripple effect on her health, family, community and society as a whole.  - USAID

Stay Up-to-Date

On April 1, 2017, FAWCO announced the 2017-2019 Target Project

Hope Beyond Displacement an initiative of the Collateral Repair Project                - Submitted by Therese Hartwell of FAUSA

Educating and Empowering Refugee Women and Girls in Jordan

Visit the Target Project page to learn more.

FAWCO Target Program Education 2016 - 2019

Education – Empowering Women & Girls through Knowledge & Skills

The best way to find out everything you need to know about the Target Program is through our monthly Bulletin. 

Over the next three years, we will take a deep dive to learn what matters in girls’ education. We will explore the issues which prevent millions of women and girls from receiving quality education around the globe. We will become familiar with the goals established by world leaders in education to remedy this injustice. We will look at the impact educating women and girls have on their lives, their families, their communities and society. We will become experts! Click the image above or link below to visit our Education and Awareness page. Here you will find information about the new Target Program Blog: Let's Get Schooled, writings by the UN Team and Teams which discuss the topic of education, and our growing Resource Library. Education and Awareness page...		The FAWCO Target Project is a sustainable investment by our Member Clubs to empower women and girls. Over the next two years (2017-2019), The FAWCO Foundation will employ the energy and generosity of our members through the Backing Women Fundraising Campaign to support women's and girls’ education. Proceeds generated through these efforts will support the FAWCO Target Project: Hope Beyond Displacement an initiative of the Collateral Repair Project Submitted by Therese Hartwell of FAUSA Educating and Empowering Refugee Women and Girls in Jordan Target Project page…

Target Program Flyer 

We know it can be hard to explain exactly what the Target Program is all about. This PDF flyer explains the Why, What and How. If there is anything else you need to promote the Target Program in your club, please be in touch! 

Tricia R. Saur

Target Program Chair

FAWCO Target Program 2016 - 2019: 

Education – Empowering Women and Girls through Knowledge and Skills

In our Blog: Let's Get Schooled​ we will explore why education matters; we will examine the barriers, one by one, which impede women and girls from accessing quality education and completing their studies; we will become familiar with the strategies to address these issues; and we will discover who the leaders in world education are.

Don't forget you can get this blog posts via email in the Target Program: Education Bulletin sent out once a month. Sign up now and don't miss any information!

"Ensuring Healthy Lives and Promoting Well-Being to Improve the LIves of Women and Girls" was announced as the theme for the 2019-2022 FAWCO Target Program: Health at the Biennial Conference in Edinburgh, Scotland, on March 24, 2019.

Health is a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease and infirmity.

– World Health Organization

Health programs that address gender barriers improve development programs overall. When women are educated and can earn and control income, infant mortality declines, child health and nutrition improve, population growth slows, economies expand, and cycles of poverty are broken.

– US Aid

Key Areas that have Serious Consequences for Female Health

Target Program: Health Timeline 2019-2022

Target Health Blog - coming soon

In our monthly Target Blog, we will learn about the most important issues in women's and girls' health:

• What are the top ten issues for women's and girls' health?

• What prevents women and girls from accessing quality health care?

• What are the goals established by world leaders in health to remedy these issues?

• What are the effects of poor health on women and girls, their families, communities and societies?

• What is the impact on women and girls, their families, communities and societies when good health is achieved?

Target Health Bulletin

Our monthly bulletin, Target Program: Health, will update you on the current status of the Target Program, tease you with a snippet from the blog, and offer a visual inspiration to enhance your understanding of the health issues faced by women and children.

Don't miss a future issue, it's the best way to stay up to date!

FAWCO Target Program 2019 - 2022: 

Health – Empowering Women and Girls by Ensuring Healthy Lives and Promoting Well-Being

Welcome to the new Target Program Health Blog, Health Matters! In this monthly blog we will be exploring matters important to women's (and girls') health: the top 10 issues for women's health according to the WHO, what prevents women and girls around the globe from enjoying good health, which societal and cultural factors play a role in health for women and girls, the targets of SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-Being, the relationship between SDG 3 and the other SDGs, and more! The subject of health is broad, and encompasses all of FAWCO's focus areas, so there will be something for everyone. Join us as we take a look at how ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being can empower and improve the lives of women and girls.

Please stay in touch!

• Send ideas, questions or comments to .

• Join the FAWCO Facebook Group.

• Sign up for the monthly Target Program: Health Bulletin to hear the latest news!

SDG Team Leaders

Alexandra De Jager, FAUSA and Katja Malinowski, AWC Berlin

The UN Sustainable Development Goals

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), also known as the Global Goals, were adopted by all 193 Member States of the United Nations in September 2015. 

These goals are ambitious (ending poverty world wide), and comprehensive (including people, planet, prosperity, peace and partnership). The more people who know about and support the goals, the more likely countries are to achieve them.  

However, on 24 September 2019 UN Secretary-General António Guterres gave a speech at the first Global Goals Summit, saying: 

We are far from where we need to be. We are off track... We must step up our efforts.  And we must do it now... I am issuing a global call for a decade of action to deliver the Sustainable Development Goals by 2030.

In spite of the best efforts of the UN and of UN Member States, the majority of people around the world remain unaware that the SDGs exist. Without adequate awareness and support, we will collectively fail to achieve these goals. 

In 2020, FAWCO launched SDG Awareness for the Decade of Action: 2020 – 2030.

FAWCO Already Aims to Support the Global Goals

The Global Issues Teams and the UN Reps Team promote the SDGs. FAWCO’s Youth Program encourages the next generation to connect to the SDGs, and the Target Program and the FAWCO Foundation also invoke the SDGs in their work. Member Clubs around the world contribute to achieving the SDG with projects in their local communities.

Raising SDG Awareness in FAWCO Clubs 

To reinforce the efforts already in place within FAWCO, the SDG Awareness Team is developing actions to inspire FAWCO Member Clubs to integrate the SDGs into their club communications and activities. Many materials exist for clubs and FAWCO volunteers to use, but searching through them is time consuming. Also, not all materials are adapted to the FAWCO Club context. The benefit of this project is that materials will be adapted to the FAWCO audience. The tools selected will integrate a gender perspective. Additional tools will be selected to emphasize the connection between the SDGs and the current Target Program.

We'll regularly publish blogs here. 

This blog provides information about the Human Rights Target Program 2025-2028:  Advancing Dignity, Equality and Freedom for Women and Girls.

The Cultural Volunteers module of FAWCO's Youth Program is designed to foster cultural awareness and volunteerism among FAWCO youths. FAWCO teens aged 15 - 18 will be hosted by FAWCO families for a week, and will experience a new culture while volunteering with local charities, working side-by-side with local teens. As part of the program, the participants will create a video about their experiences, and write individual essays reflecting on what they learn. Participants will be able to receive community service credits required by their International Baccalaureate program. 

Here are just a few excerpts from reflections by our Youth Cultural Volunteers in 2013 and 2014:  

"I made new friends in the UAE --- Emirati teens, who helped us learn more about their culture. Believe me, we may dress differently and practice different religions, but teenagers around the world are pretty much the same --- we're all goofy, curious, and hoping our generation can improve life for all of us."

"In the end, what matters is that you have raised your personal awareness of poverty. And maybe it would have inspired you by then to grab the initiative and take part in a bigger project."

"It was nice to be able to go outside the tourist destinations and contribute to the lives of others who may not have the same luxuries as we do back in our own countries."

"[It was] a wonderful group of people. . . These friendships will last a lifetime. . . I am proud of what I feel I have accomplished with the group, and look forward to hearing about FAWCO Youth’s continued development."

The pilot Cultural Volunteers Program was held in Dubai in July 2013, hosted by AWA Dubai.

The 2014 Cultural Volunteers Program was held in Shanghai in July 2014, hosted by AWC Shanghai. 

The 2015 Cultural Volunteers Program was held in Mumbai in August 2015, hosted by AWC Mumbai.
 
Please contact for more information.

Click to see videos prepared by the Youth Cultural Volunteers for Dubai 2013, Shanghai 2014 and Mumbai 2015.

12 FAWCO Youth Cultural Volunteers hosted in Athens by AWO Greece

By Stacey Harris-Papaioannou

Teens from 14 to 17 years old came to Athens from October 16th to 23rd to get a taste of Greek culture and volunteering through the American Women's Organization of Greece (AWOG). The teens were hosted by local FAWCO Chair Georgia Kallis, AWOG Treasurer Stacey Harris-Papaioannou, and Danielle Termote, a Cultural Volunteer Alumna and volunteer from AWC Amsterdam, staying in an AirBnB down the street from Stacey.

The students hailed from 10 FAWCO clubs and live in England, Switzerland, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and France. The youth put in hours at a Caritas soup kitchen serving meals and sorting clothing, helping with AWOG’s heart pillow stuffing, visiting the Sea Turtle rescue center in Glyfada and getting a hands-on experience at Pame Mmazi, the art therapy program for cancer patients at Agoi Anargyri Hospital in Kifissia. The group also visited Merimna center for unaccompanied refugee boys in Exharxia and had the opportunity to interact with some of the 29 boys, ages 12 to 17, currently housed there. 

They visited the Acropolis, Sounion, Lake Vouliagmeni, the Niarchou Center, Monastiraki and Syntagma — the A list of attractions for Athens. You can watch a highlight video, produced by the youths themselves on the In Their Own Words page. The participants reflection essays are also shared there. (you must be logged in).

The FAWCO Youth Cultural Volunteers (YCV) Program flourished in its fourth year as seven of our YC Volunteers travelled to Dublin for a week in June. They were hosted by AWC Dublin members and were joined by Carson and Ian, two local youth volunteers. The enthusiastic feedback described the week as "wonderful" and an “unforgettable experience."

The teens between the ages of 13-17 representing FAWCO were from AIWC Cologne, IWC Torino, AWC Hamburg and AWC Berlin. Thanks to the organization and energy of the Dublin Club President Rheagan Coffey and her capable team, the group enjoyed a fun week that included both sightseeing and volunteering.

The program including both sightseeing in Dublin and real hands-on volunteering. The group cleared out the gardens of two local residents and both enjoyed working together as a team and they were very proud with their efforts! All of the CVs recognized the satisfaction of seeing how one’s work can make someone else happy.

Laura Wilhelm (AIWCC) summed up her observations beautifully: 

"The Cultural Volunteers trip was definitely eye-opening. It allowed me to meet many new people and to learn and experience new, interesting things. I got to spend time with some amazing people and had a lot of fun. With friends, both garden work and exploring a new city were suddenly much more fun! This experience is one I will remember and treasure."

Read all of the participants' reflections on their experiences, In Their Own Words. You must be logged in to view this content.

The 3rd FAWCO Youth Cultural Volunteers Program took place in Mumbai, India from August 22-29, 2015 and was a huge success! Many thanks to the AWC Mumbai for their hospitality and generosity. AWC Mumbai’s Club President Meenakshi Advani and her team put together a full program and these teens came away full of praise: “Life-changing!” “Amazing” “Wonderful Memories” and they all agreed they made friends for life!

Fifteen teens from seven countries travelled to Mumbai August 22-29 and were hosted by the local club.

The group was treated to a mix of culture and charity. They visited the Foundation for Mother and Child Health (FMCH), an NGO providing preventive health and balanced nutrition in underprivileged communities, VOICE, an organization that helps street children, the MANN Center for Individuals with Special Needs, and URJA, a shelter for homeless young girls.

The tours included watching the Dabawallas work, the Mumbai Heritage Walk, a visit to the Ghandi Museum, a trip to the American School of Bombay, a yoga lesson and Bollywood dancing and lots and lots of fun!  

Read all of the participants' reflections on their experiences, In Their Own Words.

The 2014 FAWCO Youth Cultural Volunteers Program took place in Shanghai July 18-27, 2014. Many thanks to the AWC Shanghai for their generosity and willingness to set up this year's program!

Fourteen teens from 8 different countries travelled to Shanghai in July, where they were hosted by the AWC Shanghai. (The list of Shanghai participants is here.) The teens were treated to a mix of cultural activities and volunteering opportunities. They visited Shining Star Orphanage for Blind Children, where Chinese orphans learn English to improve their chances of being adopted into English-speaking homes; the Renewal Center for Homeless Migrants in Shanghai, where volunteers assist homeless people coming in off the streets for a shower, a change of clothes, and something to eat;  the YouDao Center for Migrant Children, where the Cultural Volunteers spent time with migrant children; and Heart to Heart Shanghai, a non-profit community outreach organization that supports children undergoing heart surgery. The cultural outings included a tour of the city, sightseeing in the Yuyuan Garden and Confucian Temple, shopping in Shanghai's markets, tours of the Qibao ancient town, and a Shanghai Acrobatic Show. 

The pilot project for the Cultural Volunteers module hosted by AWA Dubai was a week-long program (July 16-23, 2013) attended by seven FAWCO teens from Germany, the Netherlands, Ireland, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. The teens were hosted in AWA Dubai members' homes and had the opportunity to do hands-on volunteering in three local charities. Participants received community service credits for their IB program. The program included cultural learning about the UAE and Ramadan, as well as experiencing the sights and sounds of a new country. 

In August 2017, Samuel Witt (son of Susan Stanley-Witt, AWC Hamburg) began his FAWCO UN Youth Rep experience. 

From May - August 2017, Paige Higbie was FAWCO's UN Youth Rep in New York. Paige's mother is UN Rep Erica Higbie (FAUSA) and her brother Gavin was FAWCO's first UN Youth Rep. Now enrolled in a Master's program studying international relations in Berlin, Paige serves as FAWCO's UN Youth Rep Coordinator.  

FAWCO's UN Youth Rep 2015 - 2017 is Vali Mitsakis from AWO Greece. Vali is studying in New York, and as a former Model UN participant, is excited to be a FAWCO UN Youth Rep. 

In 2014, FAWCO had its first UN Youth Rep, Gavin Higbie, son of Erica Higbie (FAUSA), FAWCO UN Rep in New York and former Chair of the Human Rights Team. In August 2014, Gavin attended the Summer 2014 Youth Assembly at UN headquarters in New York City. He also attended the Winter 2014 Youth Assembly, and posted blogs about his experiences.

Gavin Higbie, FAWCO UN Youth Rep 

FAWCO is more than just a group of people sharing a common culture, it offers an opportunity through The FAWCO Foundation to change people’s lives through charity work.

Established in 1967 as the philanthropic arm of FAWCO, The FAWCO Foundation is a not-for-profit organization registered in the State of Missouri. It was created exclusively for “charitable, scientific and educational purposes and for the purpose of the prevention of cruelty to children.” The Foundation's mission is to carry out the philanthropic work of the members of FAWCO.

A large portion of the donations to The Foundation come from the FAWCO Member Clubs and their individual members.

Member Clubs are under no obligation to contribute to any of FAWCO’s fundraising activities but all have the opportunity of proposing their favorite charity for a Development Grant awarded by The FAWCO Foundation and of raising more money for their charity as FAWCO promotes club charities to a wider audience. The FAWCO Foundation education awards are a wonderful opportunity for FAWCO members and their children to gain financial assistance to further their education.

Through its extensive communication channels, FAWCO is able to spread the word about all the wonderful work being down by our Member Clubs and sometimes, to help projects grow beyond the local scale. One example was the "challenge" to FAWCO clubs to raise $75,000 for the FAWCO 75th anniversary, to be donated to help fight malaria. Thanks to the enthusiasm of FAWCO members around the world, that original target was more than doubled.

The FAWCO Club Presidents’ Coordinator acts as a liaison to establish and maintain communication between Club Presidents and FAWCO as well as among the Club Presidents themselves.  The Coordinator sends out the quarterly electronic Club Presidents’ Post containing important and pertinent information from FAWCO for Club Presidents.  The Coordinator also plans, organizes and facilitates informative Club Presidents’ Workshops at FAWCO Annual Meetings.

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FAWCO Mission Statement

FAWCO's Club Workshops program is designed to help Member Clubs enrich their meetings, provide value to their membership and perform better as a Board. Most workshops are FREE to members. Please contact us for more information about any costs and how to arrange a workshop for your club. More information about all the workshops can be found on the Club Workshops Description page. 

Please send a message to , if you are interested in a workshop for your Club.    

Are you interested in developing a workshop or presentation? Please contact us at . 

Welcome FAWCO Member Clubs!!! First and foremost, thank you for visiting our website and checking out our Member Services section. Your Club will benefit from the sharing of resources with our nearly 70 member clubs.

• News from our Clubs is a great way to share what is happening with your and spread the FAWCO Fever. Be sure to subscribe to this E-bulletin.
• Member Clubs Area: provides information you can use to find out the ABC’s of being a Rep, Regional Coordinator, Hosting a Regional Meeting and much more! Click on the blue button on the home page.
• Looking for new ideas for FUN-draising? This is another area that is extremely valuable for your Club and also for the FAWCO Foundation. For more information on Fundraising ideas please go to the Foundation’s website at www.fawcofoundation.org
• FAWCO’s annual global conferences and regional meetings provide an opportunity for Club presidents, Club FAWCO representatives and other interested members to meet and exchange ideas, as well as learning and developing themselves and their Clubs.
• Enjoy your journey into the world of FAWCO as a FAWCO Rep and please contact me if you have any questions, Sallie Chaballier, 2^nd VP Member Clubs, .
• Club Workshops Program: Do you have a unique professional skill that would be of value to our FAWCO clubs? Club Workhops is about Members helping Members! A wonderful opportunity for members to come directly to your club and present a workshop that would help your clubs grow and improve in many ways. If so- please contact our new Club Workshops Coordinator, Elizabeth Kennedy, for more information.  More information on Club Workshops coming soon on the website!

If you are a FAWCO Rep and have a question, please write to the 2nd VP

If you are a Club President with a question, please write to the Presidents Coordinator

Regional Meetings have been taking place since 1978. If you are a FAWCO member and logged in you can browse through the lists of past Regionals. Learn more about the Clubs who hosted them and what happened there. Make sure you are logged in to see the lists below. 

Focus on Malaria - NetWorks

As a United Nations accredited non-governmental organization with consultative status with the Economic and Social Council, FAWCO has an obligation to work for a better world and to help achieve the 8 Millennium Development Goals. We have long realized that to be effective and make a significant impact on the MDGs, it would be best to focus mainly on one MDG. Malaria seemed to be the logical choice, since it is an attainable goal and one that FAWCO could easily influence. Malaria is a preventable tragedy that impacts so many other problems – health, child mortality, poverty and hunger, primary school education, maternal health, the environment - probably 7 of the 8 MDGs.

On March 18, 2005 the delegates to the FAWCO conference in Birmingham, England were asked if they would like to pull together on one MDG project – so that together we could try to make - not a small difference - but a big impact. They responded with an enthusiastic yes to tackling malaria prevention together! Since its founding in 1931, FAWCO has worked for the well being of children - so it is appropriate that for our first joint global effort we focus on malaria – the single largest killer of children in the world.

Commitment to Malaria Eradication 

At the 2005 FAWCO Conference in Birmingham , the delegates committed to take on one of the world’s great problems and unanimously agreed to: “take up the global challenge for reducing poverty and improving lives by promoting and supporting the Millennium Development Goals. More specifically, they resolved to address the tragedy of malaria by encouraging FAWCO's members to make a significant commitment to worldwide malaria prevention." Over $100,000 was raised the first year for the purchase of insecticide treated bed nets.

From May 2006 to May 2007, FAWCO's Global Concerns Fund continued this focus on malaria eradication raising over $40,000 for integrated malaria prevention.

At the FAWCO biennial Conference in Lyon in 2007 , the delegates once again re-affirmed this commitment to malaria eradication by unanimous vote of FAWCO’s Resolutions and Recommendations with a continued commitment; "encouraging our members to focus on malaria, the single largest killer of children". With this resolution, fund raising and awareness raising will continue at least up until the 2009 FAWCO Conference.

Beginning in 2005, FAWCO partnered with the Swiss Foundation BioVision in support of their integrated approach to malaria prevention in pilot projects in Africa. FAWCO’s partnership with BioVision was enthusiastically supported by member organizations and individuals and as a result, thousands of children have lived to see their 5th birthday and beyond.

In total, FAWCO distributed $165,885 for the purchase of insecticide treated bed nets and integrated malaria prevention. Additionally, FAWCO applied for and received a $100,000 grant from the Hilton Foundation that was paid directly to our partner Biovision in 2008, for a grand total of $265,885.

CEDAW is the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. It was adopted in 1979 by the UN General Assembly and entered into force in 1981.

What does CEDAW do?
Reduce sex trafficking and domestic violence

Provide access to education and vocational training

Ensure the right to vote

End forced marriage and child marriage and ensure inheritance rights

Ensure the right to work and own a business without discrimination

Why has the USA NOT ratified CEDAW?
Almost all countries have ratified CEDAW - 189 out of 195 countries. Only six have not ratified including Sudan, Somalia, Iran, two small Pacific Island nations (Palau and Tonga) and THE UNITED STATES!

FAWCO supports CEDAW and continues to work towards it ratification.

Key Links

UN Women CEDAW Text

UN High Commissioner for recent developments, links to treaty, reports  www.ohchr.org/en/hrbodies/cedaw/pages/cedawindex.aspx

Amnesty International Fact Sheet on CEDAW www.amnestyusa.org/sites/default/files/pdfs/cedaw_fact_sheet.pdf

Organization working for US Senate Ratification 
http://www.cedaw2015.org/

The UN Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), part of the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), promotes gender equality and the advancement of women. Its charge is to measure progress towards equality and highlight challenges, set standards and formulate concrete policies to promote equality and women’s empowerment, and encourage mainstreaming of the gender perspective in all UN activities worldwide.

FAWCO is a member of the NGO Committees on the Status of Women (NGO CSWs) in NY, Geneva and Vienna. FAWCO members and UN Representatives regularly attend the annual CSW in New York. You can read blogs by members of FAWCO's delegations to CSW. 

FAWCO signs on to Written and Oral Statements submitted to UN Women for consideration by CSW, joining our partner women's NGOs with consultative status to ECOSOC. You can read these statements on the Advocacy page. 

The sixty-second session of the Commission on the Status of Women will take place at the United Nations Headquarters in New York from 12 to 23 March 2018.

Representatives of Member States, UN entities, and ECOSOC-accredited non-governmental organizations (NGOs) from all regions of the world are invited to attend the session. FAWCO is sending a delegation of ten members from around the world, and they will be posting on the CSW62 Blog.

See more at: http://www.unwomen.org/en/csw/csw62-2018

The sixty-first session of the Commission on the Status of Women will take place at the United Nations Headquarters in New York from 13 to 24 March 2017.

Representatives of Member States, UN entities, and ECOSOC-accredited non-governmental organizations (NGOs) from all regions of the world are invited to attend the session. FAWCO is sending a delegation of ten members from around the world, and they will be posting on the CSW61 Blog.

See more at: http://www.unwomen.org/en/csw/csw61-2017#sthash.5Yges7P1.dpuf

A FAWCO delegation of 17 women attended CSW59 at UN Headquarters in New York from March 9 - 20, 2015.  We posted blogs here to report on our experiences and impressions.

Click to download the four-page FAWCO Brochure created especially for CSW59: front and back pages and the inside pages.

A delegation of 14 FAWCO women joined over 6,000 other NGO representatives for the 60th Commission on the Status of Women (CSW60) in NY from March 14 - 24, 2016. The Commission was established in 1946 and is "dedicated to promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women". The annual sessions provide advocates for human rights for women an opportunity to influence the UN agenda. Around 6,000 delegates from the 45 Member States of the Commission, United Nations entities, and accredited non-governmental organizations (NGOs) attended this year's annual session with the priority theme "women's empowerment and its link to sustainable development". The session comprised the official ministerial meetings, more than 200 side events hosted by the Member States and UN entities, and around 450 parallel events organized by NGOs.

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), launched in September 2015, are the top priority at the UN and are to be achieved by the year 2030. Goal 5 is "achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls". The focus of the Goal 5 Targets—e.g., violence against women and girls, trafficking, early marriage, health, discrimination—were reoccurring themes in the events. "Planet 50-50 by 2030: Step it Up", the theme of 2016 Women's Day, was also in focus.

The opening speech "CSW60 is the First Test of Our Resolve" by UN Under-Secretary-General and UN Women Executive Director Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka gives a perspective on the 2030 Agenda. The concluding commitment of CSW Member States to the implementation of Agenda 2030 is summarized in a press release from the closing day.  (Thanks to Carol Strametz of AWC Hamburg for contributing this introduction.)

Blog posts are by UN Liaison Laurie Richardson (AWA Vienna) unless otherwise noted. 

Live reports from Erica Higbie who is attending the UN Commission on the Status of Women at the UN in New York.

Read Final Report on CSW 57 from UN Rep Erica Higbie.

“The trade in and exploitation of human beings through trafficking is one of the gravest violations of human dignity that exist. The purposes of trafficking in persons range from forced and bonded labour to various forms of sexual exploitation, forced marriages, removal of organs and other contemporary practices similar to slavery."

Navi Pillay
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights

The CRC was the first legally binding international instrument which set standards for the civic, economic, social and political rights of children under the age of 18. It consists of 54 articles and two optional protocols.

The four core principles of the Convention are non-discrimination; devotion to the best interests of the child; the right to life, survival and development; and respect for the views of the child. Every right spelled out in the Convention is inherent to the human dignity and harmonious development of every child. The Convention protects children's rights by setting standards in health care; education; and legal, civil and social services.

The optional protocols deal with rights of children involved in armed conflict, sale of children, prostitution and child pornography.

It is the most widely signed of all UN treaties. To date, 195 countries have ratified it; South Sudan and Somalia ratified the CRC in May 2015. Only the United States remains as a non-signatory to the treaty.

FAWCO endorses CRC and has joined other NGOs in urging the US Senate to ratify the treaty as soon as possible. In late 2015, in honor of International Children's Day and in collaoration withFAWCO's UN NGO Reps Team, FAWCO's US Liaison promoted an advocacy campaign to FAWCO members, with letters to President Obama and key US Senators encouraging them to ratify CRC as soon as possible. 

        

Key Links

UNICEF- Rights of the Child www.un.org/rights/dpi1765e.htm

Campaign for US Ratification of CRC www.childrightscampaign.org

Amnesty  International – Rights of the Child www.amnesty.org/en/children

Child Right International Network (CRIN) www.crin.org

Welcome to our new UN Youth Rep, Vali Mitsakis. Vali is from Greece; her mother is a member of AWO Greece. She was active with the Model UN in high school, and she's spending a year in New York, where she's keeping very busy going to UN meetings and learning about the UN's post-2015 sustainable development agenda.

FAWCO's first UN Youth Rep was Gavin Higbie (pictured below at UN Headquarters in New York, third from left). Gavin is the son of Erica Higbie (FAUSA, AWC Perth) who is an active FAWCO volunteer; she serves as our UN Rep in New York and as the Chair of the Human Rights Team. 

Gavin attended UN meetings live in New York and via Webcast throughout 2014 and reported via a blog. He attended the UN Youth Assembly on February 5 and 6, 2014 and posted blogs about his experiences.

This is a great way for your club's teenagers to engage in global issues and get involved with other FAWCO youths. Please encourage your club's teenagers to check our Youth Program webpages.

To follow Gavin's UN Youth Rep Blog, click here.

Violence against women and girls is a horrific worldwide phenomenon.

It has been estimated that one in three women (35%) of women worldwide have experienced intimate partner violence or non-partner sexual violence in their lifetime.

Intimate partner violence is the most common however other forms of violence include human trafficking, sexual violence including when it is used a s tactic of war and harmful traditional practices such as early forced marriages, female genital mutilation and so called “honor” killings.

Globally, as many as 38% of murders of all women are committed by an intimate partner.

Gender based violence cuts across ethnicity, race, class, religion, education and international borders.

Click here for more information about FAWCO’s Sub-Committee on Ending Violence against Women and Children
 

Key Links

World Heath Organization Fact Sheet on VAW www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs239/en/

Say No to Violence - Join the orange campaign to fight violence against women www.saynotoviolence.org/

UNITE- UN Secretary General’s Campaign to End Violence against Women www.un.org/en/women/endviolence

UN Women- support for Ending VAW  www.unwomen.org/

US Strategy to End Violence against Women and Girls http://iipdigital.usembassy.gov/st/english/article/2012/08/20120812134584.html#axzz2nkXBZuih

"Education is not simply a moral imperative—it is the smart choice. Every dollar invested generates US$ 10 to US$ 15 in returns. Yet worldwide, some 61 million children are still not in school. Our shared ideals are simple. We want all children to attend primary school and to progress to secondary school and relevant higher education. We want them to acquire the literacy, numeracy and critical-thinking skills that will help them to succeed in life and live as engaged and productive global citizens.”

- UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon

If you would like to get involved, join FAWCO's Global Issues Team on Education.

 
Excerpts from the UN report "The Global Education First Initiative" (2012) are below:

It is time for the international community to face the fact that we have a crisis in education. We must be clear that if children are forced out of school, their governments and communities are also failing.

As we approach 2015, we must have unwavering support for achieving and exceeding the global education goals we have set for ourselves. It will take relentless and uncompromising focus on the most
marginalized children and countries lagging furthest behind to finish the job. But we cannot stop until
every child, youth and adult has the opportunity to go to school, learn and contribute to society. 

When we put Education First, we see an end to wasted potential -- we unleash the human spirit.

Meeting the urgent needs of our children and communities will take more than good intentions. To fulfill the promise of the Initiative, the United Nations Secretary-General will lend his convening power, supported by his Special Envoy for Global Education and all the education-related UN agencies, to leverage the expertise and experience of existing stakeholders, as well as find innovative ways to engage new networks. Everyone has a critical role to play. When we act with unity of purpose and rise above self interest, miracles will happen.

Non-governmental organizations and community organizations must play an important role as advocates for education, including mounting media campaigns, mobilizing networks and members and engaging governments, donors and multilaterals.

http://www.globaleducationfirst.org/files/GEFI_Brochure_ENG.pdf

To fulfill the requirements to maintain our UN accreditation, FAWCO submits annual reviews to the UN Department of Public Information (DPI NGO) and quadrennial reports to the Economic and Social Council of the UN (ECOSOC).

The UN Reps Team reports to the FAWCO Board through Annual Reports.

If you are a student who learns differently who is living abroad, a family member of such a student, or an educational professional concerned with the teaching of such students, this is an invaluable resource. Much of the information compiled in this study is the result of research undertaken by members of FAWCO. In many cases, the respondents have been American women who were living overseas at the time the study took place. Many of these were living in non-English speaking countries. Often the women had to try to find adequate accommodations for their LD learners with little or no assistance. Students Who Learn Differently Overseas is an attempt to help fill that void by researching accommodations, rights, and resources that are or should be made available to our learning-differently students, their families and their educators.

For more information please contact Students Who Learn Differently Overseas Co-Chair, Susan van Alsenoy at .

The Table of Contents and Introduction will give you a more complete overview.  The full text of Students Who Learn Differently Overseas can be found at http://studentswholearn.fawco.org.