European Centre of the International Council of Women

The general assembly of ECICW was held recently in Ankara, Turkey.

The Turkish Women's Association, with their president Mrs Fatos Uner Inal, organised the five-day meeting, which also included a trip to Urgup, Cappadocia.

The seminar was held in the Turkish Parliament and was attended by 200 delegates, among them the Minister of Women's Affairs, Ms Akshit, MPs and representatives of women's organisations. It was dedicated to "Women and Health, towards the tenth anniversary of Beijing".

ECICW president Dr Laura Finne-Elonen, in her opening speech pointed out the problems facing most countries through the over-sexualised environment facing youngsters, and the physical and psychological problems of modern living.

ECICW is represented in 22 countries. Other countries such as Ukraine, Azerbaijan and Macedonia attended as observers. It was also announced that Monaco is now a full member. Representatives Brigitte LeGouis, from the Council of Europe, Marguerite Blancke from UNECE and Astrid Lulling, from the European Parliament, reported on the relevant activities. The ECICW president also gave a report of the European Women's Lobby annual general assembly.

The major theme ECICW has chosen for 2005 is "Trafficking and Violence of Human Beings". Member councils will continue to work on this project in the coming months and members will attend meetings in many countries to support the control of trafficking.