ARMENIAN INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S ASSOCIATION
65 Main St., #3A
Watertown, MA 02472
CONTACT: Barbara Merguerian
Tel: 617/926-0171
Email: [email protected]_ (mailto:[email protected])
web:
French Parliamentarian Will Open AIWA International Conference
Boston – Valerie Boyer, Deputy in the French National Assembly, who has
spearheaded legislation to make denial of the Armenian Genocide recognized as
a criminal offense, heads the list of distinguished speakers who will
participate in the 7th International Conference of the Armenian International
Women’s Association (AIWA).
Under the general theme `Armenian Women in Action: Building Communities
Across the Globe,’the Conference will be held in Yerevan, Armenia, on October
9 to 12.
In recognition of next year’s centennial of the Armenian Genocide, the
first full day of the conference (October 10) will explore new perspectives on
the roles of Armenian women during the Genocide, as well as the lingering
effects that followed. Italian-Armenian scholar and writer Antonia Arslan,
author of the best-selling novel about the Genocide, “Skylark Farm,” is one
of several distinguished speakers on this topic. The day will end with a
visit to Tsitsernakaberd to place a wreath at the Genocide Monument and tour
the Genocide Museum with its Director, Hayk Demoyan.
Other speakers on the first day include Fethiye Ã=87etin from Istanbul, author
of the groundbreaking book “My Grandmother,” which has opened a discussion
in Turkey about Islamized women survivors of the Armenian Genocide whose
origins have been hidden. Ã=87etin, who is the lawyer for the Dink Foundation,
has been in the news recently for her criticism of the Turkish government’s
role in the investigation of the murder of journalist Hrant Dink.She will
be joined by her associate, AyÃ…=9Fe Gül Altinay, in a discussion about “Women’
s Memories: Uncovering the Silence about Islamized Armenians.”
The second full day of the conference (October 11) will focus on Armenian
Women in policy-making, entrepreneurial, social, and health issues. Among
the presenters scheduled for that day are internationally recognized
authority on women’s health, Judy Norsigian, who will moderate a panel on “Meeting
Challenges in Women’s Health.” Other presenters include Vahan Zanoyan,
author of the highly acclaimed novel about trafficking, “A Place Far Away, and
human rights activists Sarah Leah Whitson and Alexandra Pitman. Several
Non-Governmental Organizations have been invited to provide models for what
can be accomplished in a panel on “NGO’s in Action in Armenia.”
Culture will also be on the agenda that day, with a stage reading followed
by a discussion of the new play “Women of Ararat,” by Judith Boyajian.
Ottoman-Armenian author Zabel Yessayan, some of whose works have just been
published in English by AIWA in two volumes (“Gardens of Silihdar” and “My Soul
in Exile”) is one of the authors featured in a panel on Women in
Literature.
Sunday morning will open with an AIWA organizational meeting, open to the
public, designed to provide an opportunity for affiliates in different areas
to get together to discuss current programs and future plans. There will
also be an optional excursion to the Armenian Church Mother Cathedral in
Etchmiadzin. Lunch will be followed by a conference Wrap-Up, with the focus on
`Looking Ahead.’ The conference will end with a Closing Banquet on Sunday
evening.
Prior to the official beginning of the Conference, participants will be
welcomed on Friday evening (October 9) by Hranush Hakobyan, Armenia’s Minister
of Diaspora, at a Gala Opening Reception at the Kars Restaurant Complex.
The first day’s session will be held at Conference Hall of the Armenia
Government Building in Republic Square. Subsequent sessions over the next two
days will take place at Manoogian Hall of the American University of Armenia.
AIWA’s international conferences are designed to examine the evolving
status of Armenian women and develop strategies for the future in the fields of
government, the economy, business and finance, health, education,
communication, culture, and the arts. Beginning with the first AIWA conference in
London in 1994 and continuing in Paris (1994), Yerevan (2000), Geneva (2004),
Buenos Aires (2008), and San Francisco (2011), AIWA’s conferences have
become noted for their interesting presenters, stimulating discussions, and
especially for opportunities to interact with a diverse international network
of Armenian and non-Armenian women.
Details regarding the Conference program, speakers, and activities are
posted on the AIWA website (_www.aiwainternational.org_
() ). All sessions are open to the public through registration,
which can be made on the website or by contacting the AIWA office at 65 Main
St., Watertown, Mass., 617-926-0171 or [email protected]_
(mailto:[email protected]) .
From: A. Papazian