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Under the patronage of UNESCO, 350 AIC volunteers coming from 50 different countries met in Rome for the International Assembly from one week, from 8 to 14 February. They link the voice of the poorest of the poor at the National and International level. The AIC acts against the constraints of social injustice, especially those which affect women. The theme of the Rome Assembly was: “Women and Poverty in the Diversity of Cultures”.

aic02Given that there are now more and more women living in poverty, the participants ere asked to reflect on culture either as obstacle or indeed enhancement for women’s development. They were also asked to reflect on the recognition of the fundamental human rights of women within different cultures. A theoretical response to this issue was given by Mr. Thierry Verhelst, a Belgian consultant on Inter-cultural relations. Throughout the week volunteers from the field gave personal accounts. Mrs. Bogaletch Gebre, an Ethiopian specialist on Women’s Rights, was one of the speakers. There were forums, workshops and cultural displays which showed examples of cultural and best practices.

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After the election of the new executive board of the association, the conclusions of the meeting were formalised in the new operational guidelines for the next four years.