Methodist women can
make a difference

By LAUREEN ONG and DOROTHY LIM



ABOUT 850 women leaders from 71 countries gathered at the 11th World Assembly of the World Federation of Methodist and Uniting Church Women (WFMUCW) on Jeju Island, South Korea, from July 11 to 17, 2006.


The Singapore delegation of 13 members was led by Mrs Laureen Ong, President of the General Conference Women's Society of Christian Service, who served as Registrar for the conference.


The theme of the conference was "Women Making A Difference". Its wide-ranging activities included lectures, Bible study sessions, workshops and discussions relating to women's role in society, churches and the home as well as specific changes women can create in their everyday life to engage in such roles.


Our Singapore members participated actively in the various workshops, some as leaders and presenters.


The conference reconfirmed the eight UN Millennium Development Goals, reaffirming the commitment to amass prayers, action and funds to achieve the goals by 2015. The goals are eradicating extreme poverty and hunger; achieving universal primary education; promoting gender equality and empowering women; reducing infant mortality; improving maternal health care; combating HIV/Aids, malaria and other diseases; ensuring environmental sustainability; and developing a global partnership for development.


Dr Teo Li Bee, President of Trinity Annual Conference WSCS, was one of the panelists and presenters for the Maternal Health workshop.


At the conference Mrs Chita Millan from the Philippines was elected World President. Mrs Eun-Young Choi (South Korea) was elected President of East Asia Area, and Mrs Laureen Ong was elected Vice-President of East Asia Area.

Laureen Ong is the GC-WSCS President and Dorothy Lim is the Chinese Annual Conference WSCS President.