International Women’s Day 8th March 2014 “Equality for Women is Progress for All”. Celebrating the Dignity of Women An event to mark the UN International Women’s Day was hosted by the Women’s Federation for World Peace – New Zealand (WFWP-NZ) in cooperation with UN Women NZ at Parnell Peace Embassy, Auckland, Saturday 8th March, 2014. Forty guests and twenty WFWP members attended. It was a great opportunity to work in collaboration with UN Women NZ. They supported us by advertising our event in their Newsletter and on their national website, provided pens, balloons and some of their leaflets. They wish to work with WFWPNZ jointly on future UN International Women’s day events. The first International Womens’ Day took place in 1911.Now every year the day is recognised around the world, providing an opportunity to celebrate women and to acknowledge the economic, political and social achievements of women throughout history. It is a day on which we can celebrate acts of courage by ordinary women who have played an extraordinary role in our history. Participants arrived from 10.00am for registration. They enjoyed morning tea in a comfortable and relaxed setting with background music played by Un Hee Minett. 
The official programme started at 10.30am with a warm welcome and introduction by WFWPNZ chairwoman Mrs.Felicity Cairns who was the MC. Messages of support were received from Lt Gen The Rt Hon Sir Jerry Mateparae, Governor-General of New Zealand, Rt Hon Jo Goodhew, Minister of Women affairs, Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN Women. Sue Kedgley,President of UN Women National Committee Aotearoa New Zealand.
The topics were: Equality for Women is Progress for All by Julie Watson Women & Purity by Ruth Cleaver Implications of Violence against Women by Jill Yielder The Physical & Emotional Wellbeing of Women by Jyotika Raj 12.30pm lunch were served. A big thank you to all the WFWP sisters and CIG missionaries who prepared a delicious meal and who really took good care of all the guests. A special thank you to all those who brought a plate of food to share and WFWP executive committee members who coordinated and organized the overall event.
After lunch entertainment were provided by AFP & WFWP member Midori Hari accompanied by guitarist Mr. Aki
1.10pm: The afternoon session commenced with the introduction & acknowledgement of women leaders in attendance from five different Non-governmental organizations plus WFWPNZ who gave a short introduction of the work they are doing in their respective areas. The day was concluded with the “Bridge of Peace Ceremony’’ introduced by Barbara Minett and a final good bye and expression of thanks with a peace dance led by Matapa Shelley and Sami Lee at 2.30pm. A big thank you to Barry Noel who took the photos, So-yong for the technical support, Seokbong Lee for the music, programme power point format and Candace Robertson for designing the flier and programme. Also a special thank you to Sami Lee, Miyuki Fyers & the Missionaries for preparing the venue, Junko Osborne for the Flower decorations. WFWPNZ Executive Committee Members: Felicity Cairns, Pauline Jamati, Sami Lee, Yoshiko Prentice, Jasmin Gicole, Junko Osborne, Miyuki Fyers, Barbara Minett.
