It was certainly not a natural occasion in September 1953, when the female members of the bvp (Austrian People's Party), under the leadership of the Chairman, Lola Solar, invited women to attend the "First International Conference of Christian Democratic Women" in Salzburg, Austria. The aim of the meeting was to initiate closer contacts with politically active women in all the democratic countries of Europe. They wanted to confer with like minded women who were striving for the same goal.
At the Conference, they heard lectures on:
"Mother/child relationship today", Dr. Sylvia Klimpfinger, University of Vienna "Family as the supporter of the State", Germaine Touquet, Chairman of the Women of M.R.P., Paris "Equality and public life - personality development", Dr. Elsa Conci, MP, Rome "The healthy but endangered child", Dr. Verena Borsinger, Criminal Judge, Basel "Social position of the working woman", Dr. Helene Weber, MP, Bonn "Complete political picture", Lola Solar, MP, Vienna
They expressed their agreed intention to work closely together, in the following declaration:
"In view of the need for intensive cooperation and mutual understanding on all important relevant questions, including the continued existence of the family, the social protection and economic support of working women, and the necessity to influence the respective legislations in each country, the representatives of the European countries present at the Conference of Christian Democratic Women decide to cultivate and deepen this fruitful exchange of ideas. Therefore, assuming the approval of the organizations in their countries, they request the Austrian Women's Movement to carry out the groundwork for creating lasting cooperation in the form of a Christian Democratic working group of European women, with a permanent secretariat.
The representatives of the European countries present at the First International Conference of Christian Democratic Women in Salzburg recognize their high responsibility and obligations and, in the spirit of love and understanding, will do their utmost to bring lasting peace and freedom to the families, to the people of Europe and to the whole world, through untiring purposeful work."
After several preparatory meetings held during 1954, the first official General Assembly of the "Union of Women of Europe" took place in The Hague at the invitation of the then Catholic People's Party of the Netherlands.
At the Conference, they heard lectures on:
"Mother/child relationship today", Dr. Sylvia Klimpfinger, University of Vienna "Family as the supporter of the State", Germaine Touquet, Chairman of the Women of M.R.P., Paris "Equality and public life - personality development", Dr. Elsa Conci, MP, Rome "The healthy but endangered child", Dr. Verena Borsinger, Criminal Judge, Basel "Social position of the working woman", Dr. Helene Weber, MP, Bonn "Complete political picture", Lola Solar, MP, Vienna
They expressed their agreed intention to work closely together, in the following declaration:
"In view of the need for intensive cooperation and mutual understanding on all important relevant questions, including the continued existence of the family, the social protection and economic support of working women, and the necessity to influence the respective legislations in each country, the representatives of the European countries present at the Conference of Christian Democratic Women decide to cultivate and deepen this fruitful exchange of ideas. Therefore, assuming the approval of the organizations in their countries, they request the Austrian Women's Movement to carry out the groundwork for creating lasting cooperation in the form of a Christian Democratic working group of European women, with a permanent secretariat.
The representatives of the European countries present at the First International Conference of Christian Democratic Women in Salzburg recognize their high responsibility and obligations and, in the spirit of love and understanding, will do their utmost to bring lasting peace and freedom to the families, to the people of Europe and to the whole world, through untiring purposeful work."
After several preparatory meetings held during 1954, the first official General Assembly of the "Union of Women of Europe" took place in The Hague at the invitation of the then Catholic People's Party of the Netherlands.
EUW
Council Meetings (CM) and General Assemblies (GA)
1953 - 2015
1953 Salzburg - Foundation of the Union
1955 The Hague - The position of women in economic, social and political life Chairman: Lola Solar, MP
1957 Strasbourg - The attitude of women towards Communism Chairman: Lola Solar, MP
1959 West Berlin - Liberty, the foundation of a united Europe Chairman: On. Dr. Elsa Conci
1961 London - Europe and the developing countries Chairman: On. Dr. Elsa Conci
1963 Rome - Educational development of the European idea Chairman: Dr. Maria Probst MdB - read more
1965 Vienna - Cooperation of the peoples of Europe in the field of culture Chairman: Dr. Maria Probst MdB
1967 Munich - We are the citizen’s of Europe Chairman: Charlotte Fera, MdHB
1969 Stockholm - Europe in the world Chairman: Charlotte Fera, MdHB
1971 Paris On the road to European Unity Chairman: Charlotte Fera, MdHB
1973 Oxford Responsibility in the modern society Chairman: Baroness Elles
1975 Rome Equality, development and peace Chairman: Baroness Elles
1977 Turku A policy for freedom – our European challenge Chairman: Baroness Elles
1979 Bonn Child, family, society Chairman: Ingrid Diesen, MP
1981 Interlaken Quality of life in Europe, individual & society Chairman: Ingrid Diesen, MP
1983 Munich Women’s responsibility for the future Chairman: Ursula Schleicher, MEP
1985 Brighton New technologies – chance or danger? Chairman: Ursula Schleicher, MEP
1987 Vienna The challenge of the year 2000 Chairman: Dr. Marilies Flemming, BM
1989 La Baule Our European identity Chairman: Dr. Marilies Flemming, BM
1991 St Gallen European cooperation – a challenge for women Chairman: Dr. Marilies Flemming, BM
1993 Warwick The new Europe Chairman: Angela Guillaume
1995 Dresden Human rights – women’s rights Chairman: Angela Guillaume
1996, Madrid: Women at the centre of Europe CM
1997, Athens: Women Re-shaping Politics GA / Frauen Machen Andere Politk / Les Femmes Reinventent la Politique
1998, Velden: no title CM
1999, Stockholm: Safeguarding future generations across Europe GA / La protection des generations à venir à travers / L’Europe Zukünftige Generationen in Europa schützen
2000 Malta: no title CM
2001 Athens: Safeguarding Future Generations Across Europe GA / La sauvegarde des generations à vernir en Europe / Schutz der zukünftigen Generationen in Europa
2002 Warsaw: no title CM
2003 Graz: Shared Solutions to common Problems GA / Des Solutions communes à des problèmes communs
Gemeinsame Probleme miteinander lösen
2005 Bern: Women making the Difference CM / Femmes en Politique – Vive la Difference / Frauen machen es anders
2007 Hillerod: Women Facing real Life CM / Les Femmes confrontée à la Vie / Frauen stellen sich dem Leben
2009 Dijon: Europe: Vision for the Future CM / Europe: Vision pour le Futur / Europa: Eine Vision für die Zukunft
2011 Athens: Europe: Migration and Human Rights CM / Europe: Migration et Droits de l’Homme / Europa: Migration und Menschenrechte
2013 Brussels: CM
2013 Poitiers: Diamond Jubilee Women and Economic Crisis Impact
1955 The Hague - The position of women in economic, social and political life Chairman: Lola Solar, MP
1957 Strasbourg - The attitude of women towards Communism Chairman: Lola Solar, MP
1959 West Berlin - Liberty, the foundation of a united Europe Chairman: On. Dr. Elsa Conci
1961 London - Europe and the developing countries Chairman: On. Dr. Elsa Conci
1963 Rome - Educational development of the European idea Chairman: Dr. Maria Probst MdB - read more
1965 Vienna - Cooperation of the peoples of Europe in the field of culture Chairman: Dr. Maria Probst MdB
1967 Munich - We are the citizen’s of Europe Chairman: Charlotte Fera, MdHB
1969 Stockholm - Europe in the world Chairman: Charlotte Fera, MdHB
1971 Paris On the road to European Unity Chairman: Charlotte Fera, MdHB
1973 Oxford Responsibility in the modern society Chairman: Baroness Elles
1975 Rome Equality, development and peace Chairman: Baroness Elles
1977 Turku A policy for freedom – our European challenge Chairman: Baroness Elles
1979 Bonn Child, family, society Chairman: Ingrid Diesen, MP
1981 Interlaken Quality of life in Europe, individual & society Chairman: Ingrid Diesen, MP
1983 Munich Women’s responsibility for the future Chairman: Ursula Schleicher, MEP
1985 Brighton New technologies – chance or danger? Chairman: Ursula Schleicher, MEP
1987 Vienna The challenge of the year 2000 Chairman: Dr. Marilies Flemming, BM
1989 La Baule Our European identity Chairman: Dr. Marilies Flemming, BM
1991 St Gallen European cooperation – a challenge for women Chairman: Dr. Marilies Flemming, BM
1993 Warwick The new Europe Chairman: Angela Guillaume
1995 Dresden Human rights – women’s rights Chairman: Angela Guillaume
1996, Madrid: Women at the centre of Europe CM
1997, Athens: Women Re-shaping Politics GA / Frauen Machen Andere Politk / Les Femmes Reinventent la Politique
1998, Velden: no title CM
1999, Stockholm: Safeguarding future generations across Europe GA / La protection des generations à venir à travers / L’Europe Zukünftige Generationen in Europa schützen
2000 Malta: no title CM
2001 Athens: Safeguarding Future Generations Across Europe GA / La sauvegarde des generations à vernir en Europe / Schutz der zukünftigen Generationen in Europa
2002 Warsaw: no title CM
2003 Graz: Shared Solutions to common Problems GA / Des Solutions communes à des problèmes communs
Gemeinsame Probleme miteinander lösen
2005 Bern: Women making the Difference CM / Femmes en Politique – Vive la Difference / Frauen machen es anders
2007 Hillerod: Women Facing real Life CM / Les Femmes confrontée à la Vie / Frauen stellen sich dem Leben
2009 Dijon: Europe: Vision for the Future CM / Europe: Vision pour le Futur / Europa: Eine Vision für die Zukunft
2011 Athens: Europe: Migration and Human Rights CM / Europe: Migration et Droits de l’Homme / Europa: Migration und Menschenrechte
2013 Brussels: CM
2013 Poitiers: Diamond Jubilee Women and Economic Crisis Impact
EUW Workshops 1999- 2007
General Assembly 1999 Stockholm
General Theme: Safeguarding future generations across Europe
Commissions: Environment, Local Government and Regional Planning; Food and Agriculture; Health
General Assembly 2001 Athens
General Theme: Safeguarding future generations across Europe
General Assembly 2003 Graz
General Theme: Shared Solutions to common problems
Commissions: Environment, Local Government and Regional Planning; Education, Culture and Science; Information and Mass Media
Commissions: Economics and Employment; Family and Social Affairs; Food, Agriculture and Consumers
Council Meeting 2005 Bern
General Theme: Women making the difference
- Migration into Europe
- Domestic Violence
- International Crime
- Security
- Social Systems
- Economy and Labour
- Impact on the Environment
- Demography
- Work/Life Balance
Council Meeting 2007 Hillerod
General Theme: Women facing real life
Council Meeting 2009 Dijon
General Theme: Europe – Vision for the future
General Assembly 1999 Stockholm
General Theme: Safeguarding future generations across Europe
- Workshop I: Safeguarding the environment
Commissions: Environment, Local Government and Regional Planning; Food and Agriculture; Health
- Workshop II: A successful enlargement
Chair: Linda Bialek (Poland)
- Workshop III: A European model for employment
Chair: Morag White (United Kingdom)
General Assembly 2001 Athens
General Theme: Safeguarding future generations across Europe
- Workshop I: The ethical aspect of present and future employment in new technologies
Chair: Maria Fekter (Austria)
- Workshop II: Bringing together national ethics into a European ethic
Chair: Christiane Tricot (France)
- Workshop III: “Educate a women and you educate a family” – ethical considerations for the society of the twenty first century
- Chair: Eva Moeller (Denmark)
General Assembly 2003 Graz
General Theme: Shared Solutions to common problems
- Workshop I: Preventing and fighting against trafficking in human beings
Chair: Francoise Sème-Wallon (France)
- Workshop II: Building Bridges between women of different cultures
Commissions: Environment, Local Government and Regional Planning; Education, Culture and Science; Information and Mass Media
- Workshop III: Link diversity
Commissions: Economics and Employment; Family and Social Affairs; Food, Agriculture and Consumers
Council Meeting 2005 Bern
General Theme: Women making the difference
- Workshop I: Human Rights
Chair: Marlene Lenz (Germany)
- Migration into Europe
- Domestic Violence
- International Crime
- Security
- Workshop II: Globalisation
Chair: Margaret Hales (United Kingdom)
- Social Systems
- Economy and Labour
- Impact on the Environment
- Workshop III: Social Challenges in the 21st century
Chair: Lidia Bialek (Poland) + Marietta de Pourbaix-Lundin (Sweden)
- Demography
- Work/Life Balance
Council Meeting 2007 Hillerod
General Theme: Women facing real life
- Workshop I: Women – Innovation and technology
Chair: Caterina Papacosta (Greece)
- Workshop II: Women as trouble-shooters
Chair: Eva Moeller (Denmark)
- Workshop III: Women and employment
Chair: Dianne Coe (United Kingdom)
Council Meeting 2009 Dijon
General Theme: Europe – Vision for the future
- Workshop I: Dangers and hopes – energy, wasting, health autosufficency of the resources
Chair: Erica Bargman (United Kingdom)
- Workshop II: Political role of Europe in the World (stop wars, terrorism and cultural conflicts)
Chair: Francoise Sème-Wallon (France)
- Workshop III: Competition in Europe, challenges on work world and social life
Chair: Christina Deligiannis (Greece)
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Elected Officials 1995 - 2015
1995 Dresden no title GA President : Angela Guillaume C.B.E. (UK)
Edeltraud Gatterer M.P. (A) Maren Günther, MEP (Ger) Elsbeth Luber-Melchiot (Sui) Fanny Palli-Petralia M.P. (Gr) 1997 Athens Women Re-shaping Politics GA President: Angela Guillaume C.B.E. (UK)
Board Members: Isabel Barosso (Sp) Edeltraud Gatterer (A) Elsbeth Luber-Melchio (Sui) Fanny Palli-Petralia (Gr) Bärbel Steinkemper (Ger) 1999 Stockholm Safeguarding future generations across Europe GA President: Fanny Palli-Petralia MP (Gr)
Board Members: Lidia Bialek (Po) Tricia Birchley (UK) Eva Navarette (Sp) Sonja Sjoli (Nor) Christiane Tricot (F) 2001 Athens Safeguarding Future Generations Across Europe GA President: Fanny Palli-Petralia MP (Gr) Vice-President: Bärbel Steinkemper (Ger) Vice-President: Sonja Moser-Starrach (A) Treasurer: Lo Petersen-Kjaergaard (Dk) Board Members: Lidia Bialek (Po) Tricia Birchley (UK) Eva Navarette (Sp) Marietta de Pourbaix Lundin (Swe) Christiane Tricot (F) 2003 Graz Shared Solutions to common Problems GA President: Ingrid Tichy-Schreder (A) Vice-President: Peta Payne (UK) Treasurer: Birte Iversen (Dk) 2005 Bern Women making the Difference CM Femmes en Politique – Vive la Differen President: Ingrid Tichy-Schreder (A) Vice-President: Peta Payne (UK) Treasurer: Birte Iversen (Dk) 2007 Hillerod Women Facing real Life CM President: Ingrid Tichy-Schreder (A) Vice-President: Dianne Coe (UK) Treasurer: Birte Iversen 2009 Dijon Europe: Vision for the Future CM President: Walburga Habsburg Douglas (Swe) Vice-President: Dianne Coe (UK) Treasurer: Birte Iversen (Dk) 2011 Athens Europe: Migration and Human Rights CM President: Walburga Habsburg Douglas (Swe) Vice-President: Dianne Coe (UK) Treasurer: Birte Iversen (Dk) 2013 Brussels no title CM President: Elisabeth Morin-Chartier MEP (F) Vice-Presidents: Margaret Hales (UK) Aphrodite Bletas (Gr) Bärbel Steinkemper (Ger) Treasurer: Sonja Stiegelbauer (A) Vice-Treasurer: Irene Peer-Polzer (A) Web Master: Leigh Mendelsohn 2013 Poitiers Diamond Jubilee CM President: Elisabeth Morin-Chartier MEP (F) Vice-Presidents: Margaret Hales (UK) Aphrodite Bletas (Gr) Bärbel Steinkemper (Ger) 2015 Warsaw GM President: Elisabeth Morin-Chartier MEP (F) Vice-Presidents: Margaret Hales (UK) Aphrodite Bletas (Gr) Bärbel Steinkemper (Ger) Treasurer: Sonja Stiegelbauer (A) Vice-Treasurer: Irene Peer-Polzer (A) |
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Universal Suffrage – Votes for Women
1906 Finland 1913 Norway 1915 Denmark 1917 Estonia Latvia Lithuania Poland Russia Ukraine 1918 Austria Germany 1919 Netherlands Luxembourg Sweden 1920 Albania Czechoslovakia 1921 Romania Sweden 1922 Republic of Ireland 1928 United Kingdom 1931 Spain 1934 Turkey 1944 Bulgaria France 1945 Yugoslavia Italy 1947 Malta 1948 Belgium 1952 Greece 1960 Cyprus 1962 Monaco 1971 Switzerland 1976 Portugal 1984 Liechtenstein |
