VCWA Event Panelists Discuss The Bravery of Ukrainian Women With NBC5
The bravery of Ukrainian women was the subject of much discussion at the Vermont Council on World Affairs (VCWA) during the International Women‘s Day Evening Reception. Naturally, amid the ongoing, heartbreaking tragedy, the International Women’s Day discussion shifted to Ukraine, where millions of refugees, mostly women, children and the elderly, have been displaced from their homeland. In honor of women across the world, the organization hosted a lineup of acclaimed female leaders in international development, women’s advocacy, and international security spheres. The all-day, four-part event series explored the transformative and progressive role women are playing in global affairs, peace, and security and included thought-provoking discussions from those working to inspire the next generation of female leaders.
NBC5 recently broadcasted a spotlight segment about VCWA’s International Women’s Day in-person event with Former Ambassador-At-Large to the United Nations for Global Women’s Issues, Kelley Currie, and Women of Color Advancing Peace and Security’s Executive Director, Shalonda Spencer. The two keynote speakers expressed their solidarity with the women of Ukraine with moderator Fran Stoddard.
Acknowledging the challenges to come for the women of Ukraine, fleeing the country en masse in a shocking humanitarian crisis, Spencer explained the difficulties ahead. “They are going to be set back because some have to go in different parts of the region in different areas as refugees and start their lives all the way over. And it’s not always easy for immigrants to adapt back into society." Ambassador Currie remarked on the resilience and tremendous strength of the Ukrainian women. “The strength that you see in them carrying their children across the border, they do everything with such dignity. And I think it’s important for people to see that anybody can become a refugee," she remarked.
Patricia Preston, Executive Director of the VCWA, also expressed her support and solidarity with the women of Ukraine, while also demonstrating the organization’s ongoing commitment to peacebuilding and conflict resolution. “On this International Women’s Day, I stand with women everywhere who have paved the way for a more just and peaceful world,” she proclaimed to the audience, adding, “this evening, my thoughts are specifically with the women of Ukraine, who continue to show resilience, determination, and strength in protecting their nation’s sovereignty.” The entire segment is available on NBC5’s website, located here. WAMC Northeast Public Radio also released a segment about the event, which can be accessed here.
Those who purchased tickets to this event can watch a recording of the entirety of the International Women’s Day event by emailing marya@vcwa.org. Information about future events at VCWA, including future International Speaker Series, can be found here.
VCWA will be hosting their next event within the 2022 International Speaker Series, “Harnessing the Power of Technology", on April 7. The event will discuss the changes in technology that will shape the coming era of world politics.
