by Carole A Shaw

A hauntingly beautiful rendition of ‘You’ve got to keep on moving forward’ marked the beginning of the UN ESCAP High Level Intergovernmental Meeting to Review Regional Implementation of the Beijing Platform for Action and its Regional and Global Outcomes in Bangkok today.

Weaving Wisdom, Confronting Crises, Forging the Future
22-24 October 2009, Miriam College, Quezon City, Philippines

Weaving Wisdom…

Acknowledging and recognizing the hard work and struggles of many women who have walked with us to this point and paying tribute to those who have passed on, we, close to 700 women and girls representing women’s movements from the Asia and Pacific Region, reaffirm the Beijing Platform for Action (BPFA) as a strategic document for women and girls empowerment, human rights, peace, human security and gender-inclusive development and as a key tool for advancing government’s commitments to the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

by Nina Somera, Isis International

Manila, Philippines - (25 October 2009) A serious plenary discussion on a conference outcome document turned into joyful pass-the-hat session in the Marian Theatre of Miriam College, making the convener Patricia Licuanan beam and express, "This is better than a statement."

Summary Report and Declaration
Thai Women Forum:
National Consultation on Beijing + 15 Review
15-18 September 2009, Nonthaburi, Thailand

Thai Women Forum 2009: National Consultation on Beijing +15 was held during 15 – 18 September, 2009. The event was part of the national review on the occasion of 15 years of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. It was co-organized by the Office of Women’s Affairs and Family Development, Ministry of Social Development and Human Security and Thai WomenWatch. Over 900 women and men, representatives of government and non-government organizations, grassroots and community workers, people with disabilities, ethnic minorities as well as various marginalized groups from all 76 provinces of Thailand attended the four days event.