Four years on, she will co-convene the International Colloquium on Women’s Empowerment, Leadership Development, International Peace and Security in Monrovia, Liberia with President Tarja Halonen of Finland. The Colloquium seeks to realise the aims of UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on women, peace and security that calls on governments to ensure women are protected from the worst abuses in times of conflict and to empower women to play a vital role in helping their countries prevent, end and recover from conflict.
A World YWCA delegation of women and young women will participate in the leadership colloquium from March 7-8 that will bring together 400 Liberian nationals and 400 international participants including female leaders and heads of states.
“This is a strategic opportunity to engage with a dynamic range of global leaders on issues related to those of the World YWCA such as women’s leadership and empowerment, peace with justice and HIV and AIDS,” says World YWCA Deputy General Secretary Natalie Fisher-Spalton.
“We are delighted President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is hosting this important Colloquium in Liberia. It is a sign of women’s solidarity to support President Sirleif’s Presidency and her vision to maintain peace, law and order in Liberia after 14 years of civil war, “ reflected Fisher-Spalton.
The World YWCA will co-host a youth pre-forum on March 6 to engage young people in supporting and embracing women's empowerment, leadership development and contributions to international peace and security. “ The World YWCA brings to the table the commitment to young women’s leadership in addressing the important issues that face young people today, “ said Fisher-Spalton. “ Young women play a vital role in both conflict and peace and the youth pre forum will be an opportunity for young people to assert their right and responsibility to promote peace with justice.”
With two female global leaders hosting the Colloquium from countries where YWCA member associations are based, it has also been important to work in partnership with YWCA of Liberia and YWCA of Finland respectively. “World YWCA has engaged closely with the YWCA of Liberia and YWCA of Finland to prepare for the Colloquium and the partnership with World Association for Girl Guides and Girls Scouts, UNFPA, UNICEF and the Liberian Minister of Youth and Sports has been crucial in our preparation of the event.”
In the lead up to the Colloquium, the World YWCA has signed on to a statement to the 1325 Expert Group Meeting calling for the effective implementation of UNSCR 1325. Over 40 women’s organisations and NGO’s have signed on to the statement that urges UN member states to ensure women’s meaningful participation in peace negotiations and all peace processes.
World YWCA Delegation to the International Colloquium on Women’s Empowerment, Leadership Development, International Peace and Security
Susan Brennan
, World YWCA President
Nyaradzayi Gumbonzvanda
, World YWCA General Secretary
Natalie Fisher Spalton
, World YWCA Deputy General Secretary
Helene Yinda
, World YWCA Africa and Middle East Programme Director
Florence Kanindeh
, YWCA of Sierra Leone
Lo Toya Smith
, YWCA of Barbados
Rachael Clapson
, YWCA of Great Britain
Pirjo-Liisa Penttinen
, YWCA of Finland
Roseline Toweh
, YWCA of Liberia