February 10th

Associated Country Women of the World (ACWW)
Jean Bates

We welcome Jean Bates from the County team to talk to to us about ACWW - Associated Country Women of the World, of which we are all members, being in the WI. Although Jean writes a piece in our County newsletter each month under sub committee news, we felt that it would be useful to our new members to explain about the organisation and to remind older members of what is being done throughout the world.

“The Associated Country Women of the World exists to amplify the voices of rural women, so that the problems they face and the solutions they raise are heard and acknowledged by international policy-makers and legislators. Rural women are the backbone of families, of communities, of nations, but they are often a silent support, adapting to change and tragedy with comparative ease. They bear the burden of conflict, they go unheard in legislation, and they remain unprotected and unsupported. ACWW exists to change that.”

Recycled materials as seen below can be taken along on the evening and Jane and Jean will happily take these away for use in the organisation.

Items we recycle with all proceeds to ACWW 

• Jewellery and watches including damaged items and costume jewellery
• Bank notes and coins, including foreign and/or unchangeable currency of any age
• Mobile ‘phones, cameras and gadgets including SatNavs, computers, laptops, tablets, iPods, games consoles, games and accessories
• Stamps of any sort, UK and foreign, postcard collections

Review of the evening

Jean was welcomed by Brenda and her enthusiasm for the charity shone throughout her talk. The charity was founded in 1929 and now has 9 million members in 80 countries. It supports country women who live in deprived conditions across the world. It is recognised by the United Nations which highlights the value of the support for projects which the charity gives.

Jean mentioned various projects that have been supported and we especially remembered one for Kenyan women setting up a brick factory which we raised money for. The women were abe to have an income to provide food for their families and education.

She explained much more about the charity which members found very interesting.

She asked us to remember the Women Walk the World Day on April 29th which we usually partake in by going for a walk in the local bluebell woods.

On May 20th there is a 'World Bee Day" at WI House which we were asked to support.

A collection of recyclable items were given to Jean and Jane.