Universal sisterhood

Updated on: Thursday, November 19, 2009

Kolkata: Virginia Guildersleeve International Fund (VGIF) and Indian Federation of University Women’s Associations (IFUWA) came together to celebrate VGIF’s 40th anniversary celebrations on November 18.

Eileen Menton, president of VGIF, Fay Kittelson, executive director of VGIF, Enakshi Chattopadhyay, president of IFUWA, Louise Croot, president of IFUW were present.

The two organisations will jointly hold a seminar on ‘Women, Water and Food Security’ at the Lincoln Room in the American Center on November 19.

The first to speak was Louise Croot, who said, “What is common to both these organisations is that they are 90 years old, which is a long period for developing inter-cultural relations. Both these organisations are abuzz with a lot of project activity. VGIF alone has over 79 affiliates, members of 120 countries. We do not have any political stance, we are a very open and flexible organisation. We share historical ties with India. We see the potential of increasing our membership through our association with India. This in turn will generate multi-generational membership.”

On being questioned as to why the programmes were women-specific, she said, “The range of expertise among women is something that the world needs. Changes in the gender architecture will be of immense help to the world at large in the days to come.”

Having funded 54 projects in India alone, they are looking forward to expand their membership in the region. One of the first to benefit from VGIF was project 5-O Thakurpukur, Kolkata. This explains their longstanding relationship with the city.

Enakshi Chattopadhyay, president IFUW, greeting the delegates said, “What a remarkable job they are doing all over the world. They’ve tried to bring change from the grass-root level, not many organizations can do this. I feel honoured to have you amongst us this evening.”

The audio-visual presentation which had to be stopped midway because of a technical snag showcased a glimpse of the enormous work that they have undertaken in South and Central America, Africa, Eastern Europe, former Soviet Union and last but certainly not the least South Asia.

Responding to the AV, Chitra Ghosh, ex-president of IFUW, said, “This a very brief report of the mammoth work they’ve undertaken. If we have been able to do something in the last 25 years for our more unfortunate sisters, it is because of VGIF.”

Speaking to one of the beneficiaries from Andhra Pradesh D Leelavathi, president, Rural Development Women Welfare Society (RDWFS) it emerged, “Had it not been for VGIF we would not have been able to grow from a small group of 25 to an 850 member organisation. Help came from VGIF in 2006, USD 5000 for a year, and since then there has been no looking back. We’ve been able to generate many self-funded programmes like pickling, tailoring, medicinal plants cultivation, literacy programme and a small pre-school to name a few.”

Universal sisterhood

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