50 women, and several men, gathered in the warm, welcoming surroundings of Starbeck Church in Harrogate for this year’s World Federation Day which had a South American theme.
Welcomed by Alison Judd, World President Emerita, who brought a greeting from Britain & Ireland President Barbara Easton who was unable to be present, the day began with worship.
Our keynote speaker was Sandra Lopez who manages the America’s desk at Global Relations.
Using a Bolivian Aguayo, Sandra told us what Latin American women can teach us about weaving webs of hope and producing just and healthy communities.
We learnt that the Aguayo carries, beautifies, identifies, preserves and protects and Sandra brilliantly weaved scripture throughout her presentation as well as using willing helpers to demonstrate the versatility of the Aguayo.
After a break for coffee, Phoebe Parkin, former Youth President told us about her time spent on an Encounter placement with CEPALC in Columbia; a presentation that was both inspiring and challenging.
After lunch, which included some South American food, CoChair Leonora Wassell introduced a time of conversation in small groups around the SDG, encouraging us to think about how we can support and empower women in our own communities; and reminded us of the need to continue to promote Thursdays in Black because women are still being raped, abused, subjected to violence and killed – the problem hasn’t gone away.
Becca Wakelin from All We Can gave us a challenging task, to journal for 20 minutes considering some big questions, as a preparation for craftivism which was a project given us to take away.
Former CoChair, Ruth Parrott, shared some of her experiences of visiting Columbia and meeting the indigenous women; and how humbling it was to hear their stories.
Closing worship was led by CoChair Olive Ruzvidzo before we departed having, as always, enjoyed fellowship with others from around the country, renewing old friendships and making new connections.
