August 7, 2009

8:45 AM EST

The participants have been practicing their presentations for the last few days and are getting ready to present them. Later today, in small groups, the young ladies will discuss the issues that they are going to be combating in their respective communities. They will be making their presentations in front of listening panels at the Massachusetts State House. The listening panels are comprised of influential political, business and social leaders who will provide feedback to the presenters and their action plans. GOOD LUCK GIRLS!

8:30 AM EST - PHOTO UPDATE

August 6, 2009

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2:45 PM EST

Participants journeyed to the Family Justice Center of Boston, one of 12 centers in the state dedicated to serving all victims and survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse in safe and welcoming environment. The center's leaders talked about domestic violence, human trafficking, and child abuse explaining what those topics are and why its a problem. The girls were also told what they can do in their states and country to combat these problems. Victims also spoke about their personal experience and shared their insights.

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12:45 PM EST - Photo Update

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10:00 AM EST

James Roosevelt, President and CEO of Tufts Health Plan and the grandson of President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Elenor Roosvelt spoke today about his grandmother and her impact on women and human rights.

August 5, 2009

9:00 PM EST - The participants enjoyed a performance by a red hot rock band called FAIRHAVEN. Check out their music here.

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3:00 PM EST - Personal Reflections

"My favorite part of today has to be the speech made this morning by Farah Pandith. She was truly inspirational. Her skills as a speaker were something I believe everyone in the room should be very jealous of. The positions given to her throughout her career are proof of how special she really is, and what she has achieved is something we all should aspire to."
- Elena Soper - Scotland


"Spending time with Ambassador Swanee Hunt was an amazing part of this day. Her encouraging words and house was truly beautiful. One of the things she talked about was mother's and how we need to be thankful for them. So to all of our mothers.. thank you very much!"
- Bana Abraha - USA

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3:00 PM EST

Participants are visiting Massachusetts State House, the oldest in the nation. The tour was about the architecture and history of the State Capitol. The girls even got to see the House and Senate Chambers. Up next - a panel discussion with government leaders and a speech by Attorney General Martha Coakley.

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11:00 AM EST
The participants took part in the second international webcast on August 5, 2009 live from the conference. This webcast called "TRAILBLAZERS" featured prominent women who are directly involved in providing solutions to the issues that impact women both locally and globally. These women helped to provide the young girls with some of the best practices used in identifying important issues and how to move forward to create positive change.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH THE "TRAILBLAZERS" WEBCAST

August 4, 2009

8:00 PM EST

We are wrapping up a crazy day of fun activities. The girls are returning to Lesley University after a night reception at the home of Ambassador Swanee Hunt. Ambassador Hunt talked about her role as an ambassador in Austria and how she helped the world realize the genocide that occurred during the Kosovo War. She also talked about how she overcame difficult times with her family because of her career path.

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7:00 PM EST

Check out pictures from our conference! Click Here

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12:15 PM EST

Women2Women participants are at Harvard Law School learning about the Art of Negotiation from Susan Hackley, the Managing Director of the Program on Negotiation. The girls are learning why negotiation is a core leadership skill and how they can be a better negotiator. The workshop included exercises and a discussion of the process of preparation and process in negotiation. Participants learned how being a skilled negotiator can give them the confidence to ask for what they need and the ability to get the results they want in their community, at work and at home.

August 3, 2009

5:20 PM EST

Drew O'Brien, the State Director of United States Senator John Kerry of Massachusetts, spoke to the W2W participants this afternoon talking not only about Senator Kerry's commitment to the rights for women around the world but also shared his own insight into why women's rights are so important.

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4:20 PM EST -- PHOTO UPDATE

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11:00 AM EST

We are in the midst of a wonderful session with Victoria Budson, the Executive Director of the Women and Public and Policy Program at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government. Victoria shared her experience and knowledge with the young ladies and then led an interactive discussion.

Some quotes from Victoria:

"We spend much too much time wondering if we're good enough and not enough time knowing we have what it takes."

"Whenever I look down and see my feet, I'm home...These feet have taken me everywhere I want to go."

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August 2, 2009

8:20 PM EST

Empower Peace and Women2Women founder Rick Rendon officially kicked off the 4th annual Women2Women Conference this evening telling this year's participants about how they can affect change the world. He went on to tell the young women how they are the best of the best ~ chosen to attend the based on their commitment to their community and proven leadership.

Conference chair Diane Caldwell, lead sponsor Todd Patkin, and Executive Director Tricia Raynard also addressed the young women, each inspiring them to take full advantage of the weeks activities.

Following the opening ceremonies, Women2Women participants got together for some more ice breakers sharing information about their home countries with everyone else.

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8:15 PM EST

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8:00 PM EST -- VIDEO UPDATE

Dr. Norma Ghamrawi has come to the Women2Women Conference for three years bringing her students from Lebanon. Hear what she has to say.

Click here to watch!

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7:45 PM EST -- Personal Reflection from Glorianna Tillemann-Dick who is from Denver, Colorado, USA

"I woke up this morning still energized by all of the girls I had met the evening before.  My roommate, Nikita, had already gone down for breakfast, and I was eager to join her.  We had a lovely meal, talking about our families, and friends back home.  After a filling breakfast of french toast and fruit, we headed out on a tour of the city.  I was in the same boat as many of the girls here, who were seeing the city of Boston for the first time.  I love American history, but coming from Denver, I have never felt that I lived amongst it before.  Every corner of the city has some historic significance, whether it is because someone walked here, or something happened there.  Most American's know of Bunker Hill, but they might not appreciate the equal significance of Breed's Hill, where the battle was actually fought.  My favorite part of the tour was seeing Beacon Hill and all of the beautiful historic homes.

Later in the afternoon, I had my first ride on the "T", and introduced Nikita to her first bagle.  When we got back, we got to know each other a lot better.  I now know Emma's favorite food (broccoli), Ghofran's plans to spread women's rights when she returns to Yemen, and how to say education in Gaelic.

It's been a wonderful first day of firsts here at Women2Women.  And while I'm glad it was the first, I'm am even happier that there are many more days to come!"

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4:45 PM EST -- VIDEO UPDATE

Women2Women participants reflect on the opening day of the conference and their expectations. Click here to watch!

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1:45 PM EST

We are in the midst of doing ICE Breakers ~ the 80+ young women are getting to know one another.

Other than introducing themselves, participants are finding out about each others favorite foods, activities, families and birthdays.

The young women split into groups of ten and each speaking for 1 minute on subjects including their families, their favorite places and what its like to be a woman in their country.

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12:30 PM EST

Empower Peace and Women2Women Executive Director Tricia Raynard and Nada Bedir from Kuwait

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11:30 AM EST

We just got back from a trolley tour of Boston and Cambridge. The girls got a taste of Boston's history and its culture. We travelled through Cambridge stopping by Harvard University and Massachusetts Institute of Technology. We then proceeded to Fenway Park, the home of the Boston Red Sox baseball team ~ the pride of everyone in the Boston area.

The tour then took us through downtown Boston past Boston Common (the country's first public park), Boston Public Library (the country's first public library), and the State House (home of the Massachusetts legislative body).

Up next - lunch and then ice breakers!

August 1, 2009

1:30 PM EST

We have had a tremendous time collecting all of our student from the airport. So far we have had students from Yemen, Dubai, Jordan, Scotland, Kuwait and Pakistan arrive. Students from all over the United States are trickling in as well.

Lots of the students have settled in to their dorms and are starting to explore the Lesley University campus as well as nearby Harvard Square. A few shopping bags have been spotted as well which means those of you back home will be getting some presents!

Many of the students have been traveling for 15 hours or more to get to Boston, so we are encouraging them to relax and get some sleep this afternoon and evening ~ but I think its hard for many of them to get sleep when they are meeting other future leaders!

Tonight most of the rest of the students arrive. We will have dinner in a few hours. Tomorrow the conference starts!

July 30, 2009

5:40 PM EST

Empower Peace and Women2Women staff are putting together the final touches for the conference. People start arriving in 24 hours! We are all very excited.