Women in Decision Making
an article by Joanne Tawfilis

A message from Koichiro Matsuura, Director-General of UNESCO states that the 2006 theme for the observance of International Women's Day, March 8th, is "Women in Decision-Making."

One special organization that comes to mind when thinking of where women decision makers can have an impact is the United Nations Association USA. "The mission of the UNA USA is to educate, inspire and mobilize Americans to support the principles and vital work of the United Nations, strengthen the United Nations system, promote constructive United States leadership in that system, and achieve the goals of the UN Charter."

The San Diego Chapter of the United Nations Association USA is fortunate to have a bevy of active and accomplished women leaders. Among them are our own renowned human rights academian and activist, Dr. Dee Aker, Anne Hoiberg (Women's Advocate) Rhoda Gilbert (Education Activist), and founder of the chapter, Nona Cannon.

During our recent election for the Board of Directors, Katharine Kubichan, a young and savvy woman, was elected as President of our chapter. She is likely the youngest president within UNA USA. She represents a phenomenon that I hope continues. Several other young men and women were elected as well, all of them possessing excellent educational credentials, meaningful international career experience, and a lot of energy and enthusiasm, with the added will to infuse "new energy" into our vital support organization.

Our chapter also keeps between six to twelve university interns busy on a daily basis doing project and program work. I see these changes as a brilliant sparkle of sunshine and a welcome addition to the evolution of how effective organizations can work with a super mix of seasoned professionals, strong women leaders, and young enthusiastic and highly qualified idealists. Time waits for no one, and for UNA USA San Diego both young and old will continue to effect positive support for the work of the UN and its specialized agencies, especially during the Decade for the Culture of Peace.

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Programs to support the United Nations
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WOMEN MAKING PEACE

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