VWU delegation attended the ceremony of the 60th Anniversary of the Women’s International Democratic Federation - WIDF

Truong Thi Khue to the ceremony of the WIDF’s 60^th Anniversary, held in UNESCO office, Paris, 6 December 2005.

Attending the ceremony were about 50 delegates from WIDF member countries and Ambassadors to UNESCO from Brazil, Venezuela, Cuba vµ Turkey.

Making remarks at the ceremony, the Ambassadors spoke highly of women’s role in the fight for equality and democracy and wished WIDF many more successes in the future.

In the opening speech, WIDF President Mrs. Marcia Campos recalled WIDF’s founding at the end of the Second World War as an organization of women fighting against fascism and the struggle by its members for self-determination, equality and peace in the world. The year 2005 is the anniversary year of many WIDF member organizations and sister organizations, such as the World Federation Democratic Youth (WFDY) and World Federation of Trade Unions (WFTU). Mrs. Marcia Campos expressed gratitude to generations of WIDF leaders as well as current regional offices for their active contributions to WIDF development (Mrs. Campos’ speech enclosed).

Former WIDF President – Mrs. Sylvie Jan – called for more active activities by WIDF and member organizations to turn words into action and to create positive developments in women’s movement and the struggle for advancement in the world.

Together with other representatives of regional offices, Mrs. Truong Thi Khue o­n behalf of VWU made a remark at the ceremony. She expressed gratitude to the valuable support and assistance by WIDF and women in the world to the Vietnamese people and women during the American war. VWU is always aware of its responsibilities to WIDF and has made specific contributions to WIDF membership development and cooperation among its member organizations in the Asia Pacific. She called for further support by WIDF member organizations and women in the world to Vietnam in its current renovation cause.

At the ceremony, WIDF conferred merit certificates to the distinguished women who have made active contribution to WIDF. Representing Vietnam, Mrs. Truong Thi Khue received the merit certificates presented to 2 Vietnamese women:

1. Mrs. Truong My Hoa, Vice chairwoman of the State, Former VWU President
2. Mrs. Ha Thi Khiet, VWU President

On this occasion, VWU delegation met with Ms. Yuri, President of the Japanese FUNDAREN. She presented VWU with a plastic doll, depicting a Vietnamese women holding a baby and carrying a rifle. During the 1960s and 1970s, these small dolls were placed by the Japanese women organization in public places such as schools, hospitals and shops to collect donations for Vietnamese women and children. The gift was latter handed to the Vietnam Women’s Museum for display.

The ceremony took place in the cordial atmosphere of international women’s solidarity, signifying the commitment to the tireless struggle for Equality, Development and Peace.