ICUUW Gathering in the Philippines

The theme of the conference is" Transforming Women's Lives though Livelihood." Our Keynote Speaker, Rep. Luz Ilagan is a member of the Philippine Congress representing Gabriela Women's Party, a political women's party in the Philippines. Other speakers include Dr. Nongbri from India, Dr. Fe Sycip-Wale and Cecilia Hofmann from the Philippines. Except for Dr. Creamlimon Nongbri, the speakers are non-UUs yet they share the same vision to empower women so they may realize their fullest potential.

Through a needs assessment jointly sponsored by the UU Church of the Philippines and the UU Church of Annapolis, Maryland, USA, the Philippine UU women on Negros Island have identified livelihood as their top priority need. The women have seen the importance of having their own source of living for the family. Economic dependence on their husbands is one of the many reasons for domestic violence. It makes wives persist even in an abusive relationship. It has destroyed many women's lives. Now, they have come to their senses, decrying cultural traditions, they are accepting the reality that women should earn a decent living.

Unitarian Universalist women from the United States of America, India, Transylvania and the Philippines are gathering together to understand and to support each other. Men advocates of women's rights will be in attendance also. As a UU woman leader, I feel very proud that ICUUW is going to the world living and proclaiming its gospel- the gospel of love, compassion and fairness.

It is said, "....to change the society, educate the women..." Come, let us create a just society.