The Pan Pacific Southeast Asia Women’s Association (PPSEAWA) members representing 13 international countries had gathered at Fiji’s Peace Garden yesterday to commemorate the 85th anniversary of the PPSEAWA International and 25th anniversary of the PPSEAWA International Triennial Conference.
The dual anniversaries were marked through the unveiling of a plaque and cake cutting ceremony, followed by an official address from the Fiji’s Ambassador for Women, Madam Nazhat Shameem.
In her opening address Madam Shameem congratulated PPSEAWA International for its achievements and contributions for promoting peace around the world.
“The Pan Pacific Southeast Asia Women’s Association is the only international women’s organization devoted to families, peace and understanding in the Pacific and in Southeast Asia. Since the founding of PPSEAWA in 1928 in Honolulu, Hawaii its membership has grown to 23 national associations, many having several local chapters.
“PPSEAWA has Consultative Status in Category II to the United Nations Economic and Social (ECOSOC) with the privilege of making its voice heard in international decision making. The organization is represented at the United Nations in New York and Geneva and at ESCAP, UNICEF and UNESCO,” Madam Shameem said.
The PPSEAWA International President, Mrs Teresa Hintzke said that Peace Garden is a special place, symbolizing a peaceful environment.
“The celebrations today are very inspiring for PPSEAWA members and it represents the achievement of this international organization that is dedicated to promoting peace and harmony. The Peace Garden reminds us of Paddy Walker, one of the pioneers of PPSEAWA as she was the one who had envisioned this garden to be developed as a monument of peace. Paddy is now 95 years old and lives in Cook Islands and the celebration here today is a great tribute to her.
“Fiji is a beautiful place and I have only heard praises for the Fijian government and the friendly people here, our stay has been a wonderful experience and PPSEAWA International hopes to come back and have our international conference again, Fiji is amazingly a peaceful and wonderful place to visit,” Mrs Hintzke said.
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