On Thursday September 2nd, 2010 “Women’s perspective from around the globe: an international symposium” was held at Utah Valley University. Students and community members gathered to hear presentations given by many successful and influential women from around the world. The key guest presenters were Mrs. Mariza Graca Lima ( Wife of Consul General of Brazil), Dr. Galit Dayan (wife of Consul General of Israel), Mrs. Kamsiah Kamaruddin (wife of the Consul General of Malaysia), Mrs. Jan Ippolito (wife of the honorary Consul General of Liberia and president of the Los Angeles Ladies Consular Corps Association), Mrs. Lala Abdurahimova (wife of the Consul General of Azerbaijan) and Mrs. Ingrid Hirstin Lazcano ( Wife of former Consul General of Bolivia). Also, Dr. Susan R. Madsen & Dr. Tcholpon Akmatalieva were the moderators for the panel of session 2.
The guest speakers started their presentations by introducing themselves and the country they were from. While all the speakers spoke on similar topics about the success and advancement of women in the business world as well as the political sector they all brought a different perspective and a very unique story of their personal achievements as women and the progress that their countries have made with women’s rights.
Each woman shared personal stories of the choices and decisions that they made in their lives that helped them become the women of influence that they are today. When the question “What pushed you to be a woman of influence?” was asked, they all had an experience earlier in their life that touched their hearts and planted a desire in them to help others and be leaders even if it was uncommon for a woman to do so at the time or in their cultures. One woman told the story of growing up in a Muslim family where women were not allowed to go to school or become leaders. She decided that is not what she wanted for her life and is now a successful diplomat today.
Each of these women made commitments to themselves to become a woman of influence and not just what the world or people of their countries viewed as being a woman. They wanted to make a difference in this world and their societies and that is what they have done and are still doing today. Almost every one of them put education as a pillar of their success. We think that this statement is very important to young ladies in Utah where there is a problem with a smaller proportion of the female population attending college. As Dr. Tcholpon Akmatalieva highlighted: it is not enough to wish to be women of influence and make a difference. It is also important to be able to fulfill that wish. Education gives women knowledge and skills for that.
One bold message that was proclaimed is that you do not have to choose between being a wife and mother or having a career and going after your dreams. The message to women is that you can have both. You can have it all in today’s world if you own your time and manage it wisely. You can find the true happiness that you pursue if you really want it.
All who were in attendance were inspired by the message that each these women presented. Kathie Kriek, a UVU student stated. “All of the speakers were really good and inspiring to me as a woman. I was able to see women from around the world and how much work they put into their lives. They also showed me how amazing you can be as a woman and that if you want it no one can hold you back from it. They also showed me that women all over the world are becoming stronger and more independent. This however does not stop them from having a family life and supporting their husbands in their jobs.”
The conference was directed towards women, it strongly affected many of the men who were in attendance as well. Eric Seegmiller another student of UVU, who was in attendance stated the following. “Although it seemed to be addressed to the audience of women, I took to heart a lot that was said, and I know that it will make me a better leader and a more influential person in the world today.”
We personally had the opportunity to talk with few of the guests and during our conversation with them we found out that they were very hopeful and optimistic about the future of women in general. They mentioned that women are making a difference no matter whether it was being a mother, a CEO, a doctor or a diplomat; they all believed that we had so much to offer to our society.
Seminar was organized by office of International Affairs and Diplomacy at Utah Valley University with personal contribution from Dr. Rusty Butler, Associate vice-president and the Honorary Consul General of Russian Federation to the State of Utah.
Written by Samridhi Poudel and Don Southwick, students of Utah Valley University
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