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AIWA: French Parliamentarian Will Open AIWA International Conference

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  • AIWA: French Parliamentarian Will Open AIWA International Conference

    ARMENIAN INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S ASSOCIATION
    65 Main St., #3A
    Watertown, MA 02472
    CONTACT: Barbara Merguerian
    Tel: 617/926-0171
    Email: [email protected]_ (mailto:[email protected])
    web: http://www.aiwainternational.org

    French Parliamentarian Will Open AIWA International Conference

    Boston - Valerie Boyer, Deputy in the French National Assembly, who has
    spearheaded legislation to make denial of the Armenian Genocide recognized as
    a criminal offense, heads the list of distinguished speakers who will
    participate in the 7th International Conference of the Armenian International
    Women's Association (AIWA).

    Under the general theme `Armenian Women in Action: Building Communities
    Across the Globe,'the Conference will be held in Yerevan, Armenia, on October
    9 to 12.

    In recognition of next year's centennial of the Armenian Genocide, the
    first full day of the conference (October 10) will explore new perspectives on
    the roles of Armenian women during the Genocide, as well as the lingering
    effects that followed. Italian-Armenian scholar and writer Antonia Arslan,
    author of the best-selling novel about the Genocide, "Skylark Farm," is one
    of several distinguished speakers on this topic. The day will end with a
    visit to Tsitsernakaberd to place a wreath at the Genocide Monument and tour
    the Genocide Museum with its Director, Hayk Demoyan.

    Other speakers on the first day include Fethiye Ã=87etin from Istanbul, author
    of the groundbreaking book "My Grandmother," which has opened a discussion
    in Turkey about Islamized women survivors of the Armenian Genocide whose
    origins have been hidden. Ã=87etin, who is the lawyer for the Dink Foundation,
    has been in the news recently for her criticism of the Turkish government's
    role in the investigation of the murder of journalist Hrant Dink.She will
    be joined by her associate, AyÅ=9Fe Gül Altinay, in a discussion about "Women'
    s Memories: Uncovering the Silence about Islamized Armenians."

    The second full day of the conference (October 11) will focus on Armenian
    Women in policy-making, entrepreneurial, social, and health issues. Among
    the presenters scheduled for that day are internationally recognized
    authority on women's health, Judy Norsigian, who will moderate a panel on "Meeting
    Challenges in Women's Health." Other presenters include Vahan Zanoyan,
    author of the highly acclaimed novel about trafficking, "A Place Far Away, and
    human rights activists Sarah Leah Whitson and Alexandra Pitman. Several
    Non-Governmental Organizations have been invited to provide models for what
    can be accomplished in a panel on "NGO's in Action in Armenia."

    Culture will also be on the agenda that day, with a stage reading followed
    by a discussion of the new play "Women of Ararat," by Judith Boyajian.
    Ottoman-Armenian author Zabel Yessayan, some of whose works have just been
    published in English by AIWA in two volumes ("Gardens of Silihdar" and "My Soul
    in Exile") is one of the authors featured in a panel on Women in
    Literature.

    Sunday morning will open with an AIWA organizational meeting, open to the
    public, designed to provide an opportunity for affiliates in different areas
    to get together to discuss current programs and future plans. There will
    also be an optional excursion to the Armenian Church Mother Cathedral in
    Etchmiadzin. Lunch will be followed by a conference Wrap-Up, with the focus on
    `Looking Ahead.' The conference will end with a Closing Banquet on Sunday
    evening.

    Prior to the official beginning of the Conference, participants will be

    welcomed on Friday evening (October 9) by Hranush Hakobyan, Armenia's Minister
    of Diaspora, at a Gala Opening Reception at the Kars Restaurant Complex.
    The first day's session will be held at Conference Hall of the Armenia
    Government Building in Republic Square. Subsequent sessions over the next two
    days will take place at Manoogian Hall of the American University of Armenia.

    AIWA's international conferences are designed to examine the evolving
    status of Armenian women and develop strategies for the future in the fields of
    government, the economy, business and finance, health, education,
    communication, culture, and the arts. Beginning with the first AIWA conference in
    London in 1994 and continuing in Paris (1994), Yerevan (2000), Geneva (2004),
    Buenos Aires (2008), and San Francisco (2011), AIWA's conferences have
    become noted for their interesting presenters, stimulating discussions, and
    especially for opportunities to interact with a diverse international network
    of Armenian and non-Armenian women.

    Details regarding the Conference program, speakers, and activities are
    posted on the AIWA website (_www.aiwainternational.org_
    (http://www.aiwainternational.org) ). All sessions are open to the public through registration,
    which can be made on the website or by contacting the AIWA office at 65 Main
    St., Watertown, Mass., 617-926-0171 or [email protected]_
    (mailto:[email protected]) .




    From: A. Papazian
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