report luisa vinciguerra women for europe naplel 2008

Luisa VINCIGUERRA

Workshops Coordinator

Past President National Council Inner Wheel Italy

President Inner Wheel Europe Literary Prize

WORKSHOPS: FAMILY, JOB, CULTURE AND SOCIETY

Napoli, Italy, 28th – 30th November 2008

1

“WOMEN FOR EUROPE -

Comparing Ways of Life and National Economic Systems”

“DONNE PER L’EUROPA - Vite e Sistemi-Paese a confronto”

Napoli, Italy 28th – 30th November 2008

Luisa VINCIGUERRA

Past President of the Italian National Council

President Literary Prize Inner Wheel Europe


Graduate in Pedagogy-Sociology from the Faculty of Teachers' Training, University of Turin,

teacher in primary schools for many years, she has carried out scientific research at the Chair of

Anthropology of the Faculty of Biological Sciences of the University of Turin, performing studies in

the field of Ergonomy and of Proxemics in School. From 1993 she has been member of the Inner

Wheel, where she has covered over the years various duties including being President of the

National Council of the Italian Inner Wheel in the year 2005-2006. She founded, in the year 1996,

the European Inner Wheel Literary Prize, of which she is President.

29 November

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EUROPE: AN INTEGRATION PATH BETWEEN DIFFERENT

HISTORIES AND CULTURES FOR THE FAMILY, JOB AND SOCIETY

WORKSHOP PRESENTATION

INTRODUCTION

Authorities and Guests,

I join with due respect the greetings which the President of the Club, Maria Irace

gave to the Experts and Authorities, to the illustrious Guests, to all those involved this

morning at the beginning of the Conference. A Conference of great interest, focusing

on three big topics: Europe - Women - the Inner Wheel. A Conference which will have

a "sequel", in the afternoon, in the three Workshops which I will now introduce.

I permit myself, however, in the opening, to make a first acknowledgement, in the

Person of the President, Maria Irace, to the Naples Club of Luisa Bruni, as well as to all

those worthy members of the committee, first Promoter and then Organizer - amongst

which I would like to quote the Past District Chairman, Maria Luisa Cangiano, joint

author with President Maria Irace of the initiative (but certainly, recognition must be

given to Dr. Enzo Giustino, a committed European, author of the interesting article

dedicated to the Convention and published this week by the Corriere, ever close to

the many cultural initiatives of the Club), who called me to participate in this wonderful

project, trusting the coordination of the Workshops to me.

I also permit myself to underline how it is the first time in which an Italian Inner Wheel

Club has organized not only an international Conference which is widely attended by

so many Inner Wheel Authorities (amongst which, in first place, the same President of

the Inner Wheel, Suzanne Hem Nielsen, who we have appreciated as authoritative

Relator) and members of many European Countries, but also we have undertaken the

objective of involving operatively in the afternoon sessions of the Workshops, our Inner

Wheels.

Women who live in Europe,

Women who work in Europe,

Women who are at the centre of their Family,

Women who have followed the Inner Wheel with enthusiasm, participation and

dedication,

Women of culture, who know how to give the IW, on a daily basis their time, their

competence.

Women who testify to the values of service, friendship and international

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understanding,

Women who have been and who are certainly "actresses" of the construction of the

"identity of the European woman", each in her own country,

Women who know how to develop and harmonize all these roles "to make the

difference",

Women who are an authentic resource.

PATH - INTEGRATION - HISTORIES - CULTURES

Accepting all this, entering into the spirit of my contribution, I can affirm that mine

wishes to be an intervention in order to connect various authoritative relations which

have just been expressed, and coming from very different "female" cultural

backgrounds - Inner Wheel Associationism, the world of Academy, the world of

business - and a series of brief communications (papers) destined to help Inner Wheel

Associates express themselves within three different Workshops concerning a

spectrum of themes that interest being a Woman in Europe in 2008 and the role that

the Inner Wheel has or can assume in the construction of the European Woman.

An intervention of connection where, in presenting the Workshops, I wish to anticipate

and touch a series of points, which in the afternoon will be the object of reflection and

broad treatment.

First of all, a short reference to the title which was given to me and which acts as a

framework to my presentation. The title is as emblematic as ever - suggested by the

mayor of the city of Naples, Mrs Rosa Russo Jervolino - in which, before introducing the

three big macro themes identified by us to reflect on together, we focus attention on

the key words such as: path - integration - histories - cultures.

The studies carried out in this field are notable and complex (European Cultural

Studies). It is not my responsibility to repeat it. I only wish to underline one concept,

that linked to the certainty which the consciousness of being European can be

conceived only as an open identity, fruit of the histories of diverse peoples, and

therefore constructed as a dialogue between cultures, both internal and external to

the continent. The multiplicity of Europe's ancient and modern roots are presented as a

source of cultural wealth for future generations. But these histories and cultures are

integrated within an idea shared by juridical and social citizenship. The training of the

European Citizen is fundamental in order to construct Europe, in this context enters,

obviously, everything which is linked to the training of the European Woman.

A second point which I want to emphasise as Woman of the Inner Wheel is that which

leads me to the report by our International President Suzanne Hem Nielsen, who states

that:

1. We are an organization of women

2. We have a specific interest in women’s life conditions.

3. The needs, the problems and the life conditions in Europe are very different from

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those in the so called “third world” but still life conditions are not as good as we

expect them to be in the European Union.

The role of the Inner Wheel in Europe can unfold, then, in various directions both to

guarantee a better quality of life and to ensure equal opportunity, removing

discrimination and promoting the development of a culture of solidarity and

participation, with an ethical conscience which increases awareness of the necessity

of interacting and participating in the real individual needs of the different countries.

For many of us, being associated with the Inner Wheel represents a vital instrument

through which we express a strong sense of belonging in order to realize not only the

staturary aims but also to demonstrate an active interest for society in general.

Specifically, to help and satisfy needs, resolve problems, and to improve the life

conditions also of the women of the European Union.

Another point to which I would like to attract your attention is the link - stronger in my

opinion than is perceived in the Clubs - of the Inner Wheel with UN. As well as

emphasising the relationship of collaboration between the EU and UN, Women and

Children are always themes which are especially dear to us Inner Wheel members.

The Inner Wheel is an NGO, inserted in the ECOSOC Roster. As is noted, the

International Inner Wheel has six Representatives at the UN (in Vienna, Geneva, New

York) coordinated by the International Vice President.

In this way, the Commission on the Status of Women (hereafter referred to as “CSW” or

“the Commission”) is a functional commission of the United Nations Economic and

Social Council (ECOSOC), dedicated exclusively to gender equality and

advancement of women. It is the principal global policy-making body. Every year,

representatives of Member States gather at United Nations Headquarters in New York

to evaluate progress on gender equality, identify challenges, set global standards and

formulate concrete policies to promote gender equality and advancement of women

worldwide.

On the occasion of United Nations Day, and in light of the growing partnership

between the United Nations and the European Union, the European Commission (EC)

has made available the third annual report on the extensive cooperation between the

European Commission and UN, entitled “IMPROVING LIVES”. Special emphasis this year

has been allocated to EC-UN cooperation in upholding human rights, in honor of the

60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It also presents the other

vital areas where the EC and the UN work together to make a difference: from

development policy and peace-building, to humanitarian assistance, environment,

culture, through the world.

Equality between women and men is one of the fundamental principles of Community

law. The European Union’s (EU) objectives on gender equality are to ensure equal

opportunities and equal treatment for men and women and to combat any form of

discrimination on the grounds of gender. The EU has adopted a two-pronged

approach to this issue, combining specific measures with gender mainstreaming. The

issue also has a strong international dimension with regard to the fight against poverty,

access to education and health services, taking part in the economy and in the

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decision-making process, women's rights and human rights.

Again on the Inner Wheel, in order to reflect on the extent and implications of the

Theme chosen by the President of the International Inner Wheel, Suzanne Hem

Nielsen: Realise your visions and make a difference.

Such a Theme poses, as observed yesterday by our National Representative Vera

Amici, “in the mould of the recent past: from ‘Communicate our vision' to 'Realise your

visions'. From communication to realization, to concreteness, to putting into practice".

The term vision, in my opinion, also encompasses the prospects over future scenarios,

reflecting ideals, values, expectations, and inspiring action… Vision is then necessarily

linked to the IW mission, that is IW’s ultimate aim and essential raison d'être, while

distinguishing IW from all the other Associations.

Vision, mission and values hold a communicational function for the Association,

strengthen its identity and the identification of each member, promote the

harmonizing of single members’ and IW’s values and aims.

President Nielsen spurs us, however, this year to realize our "visions". We must note the

plural of the term, almost as if to underline how the passage from communication to

realization carries a responsible commitment and awareness in diverse environments of

intervention to serve, experience friendship and international understanding.

Idealism and pragmatism. Communication and putting things into practice.

Diversification.

Wrote Joel Barker in "The Power of Vision".

“Vision without action is a dream. Action without vision is simply passing the time.

Action with vision is making a positive difference. Vision with action can change the

world.

The Power of Vision demonstrates that having a positive vision of the future is the most

forceful motivator for change-for success-that companies, schools, communities,

nations, and individuals possess.

Unforgettable and moving, The Power of Vision will inspire the people in your

organization to think together, dream together, and act together to make a

difference.

Having a positive vision of the future is what gives meaning to our present life”.

Associations like the Inner Wheel have been promoting for years international contacts

and understanding between peoples, they can actively take an interest in the role of

Women in the construction of the European identity. Through a positive vision of

Women in Europe, the Inner Wheel can contribute to the well being and development

of our societies as well as our different cultures, even in function of the process of

European integration. From vision to action: realizable commitment, taking account of

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the Inner Wheel experience, of its philosophy. as well as its notable diffusion in Europe.

THE WORKSHOPS

Let's now enter into the practicalities of the Workshops.

Aware of the importance of the contribution of Women to the definition of new

models of relationships between families, culture and society and aware of the role

which in this definition can be assumed also by the Associazioni Femminili Non

Governative (Female Non-Governamental Organizations), including the Inner Wheel,

the Workshops intend to be an open qualified space for Associates to tell of

experiences and situations relating to their own countries, as well as debating and

deepening in a key interdisciplinary way such themes.

Aim: promoting debate and participation by actively involving European IW Members

in an ‘interactive’ knowledge of the following issues:

1. Europe: women’s contribution to the definition of new relational models in

family, job, culture and society.

2. Inner Wheel: the role played by women’s NGOs, such as Inner Wheel, within this

model definition.

3 hours, the length

3 macro themes

3 sub-themes for each macro theme

3 Inner Wheel Group Leaders

Length: 3 hours. The time reserved for Workshops goes from 15.00 to 18.00

Macro-themes: FAMILY, JOB, CULTURE AND SOCIETY.

The Leaders:

Workshop 1 FAMILY Director: Lia Giorgino Professor at the Department of Educational Science University of Bari Immediate Past Chairman – District No. 210

Workshop 2 JOB

Director: Hannele Karhunen

Senior Lecturer, Quality Coordinator, M. Ed./ B. Econ.

Laurea University of Applied Sciences

National Representative

Workshop 3 CULTURE AND SOCIETY

Director: Hildegund Scheipermeier

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Doctor in Orthodontics Past National Representative and Past President of the German National Council

In each Workshop the discussion will be developed starting from the three specific

topics chosen, so as to allow an integrated analysis of possible responses to the

general issues.

1) FAMILY

I. Family as an educating community;

II. Family and gender relations: from equality to difference;

III. Promotion of difference: reciprocity and care for the others.

2) JOB

I. Equal opportunities for Men and Women with regard to access to employment,

professional training and career development;

II. Equal participation in decision-making processes;

III. Women’s role in science research.

3) CULTURE & SOCIETY

I. Female roles and ‘contemporary society’ in Europe;

II. Women’s contribution to the cultural identity;

III. Women, Culture, Society: the European Union commitment.

FAMILY

The chapter on the Family, subject of Workshop no.1 led by Lia Giorgino (Italy) is certainly

a fundamental chapter, in which both the "value" themes linked to the traditional notion

of family are dealt with, and also “role” themes linked to the profound changes of

customs and society, which have put such notions in a state of crisis and have induced

the European legislator, strong with new powers given to it by the birth of the EU, to

intervene in a more systematic manner in the field of family rights, in order to make this

institution as similar as possible within the EU.

The traditional family no longer appears as an exclusive model, and alongside it we find a

great variety of family models. The current typologies of family composition open

scenarios which radically modify the concept of natural nuclear family organised on the

traditional model. The new and different family forms put into the field a whole series of

discontinuity with the past which hinge on the non coincidence between parenthood

and the married state (the parental function can be exercised in the absence of the

married relationship); on the non overlap between nuclear families and family (families

can be based on different interconnected nuclear families :enlarged and reconstituted

families); on the dissimilarity between family culture and the culture of the social

community which one belongs to (families composed of mixed couples); on the non

consequentiality between biological parenthood and universal affection (family homes;

communities for minors); on the non coincidence between family roles and gender roles

(families composed of homosexual couples).

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The European debate on the different family forms has influenced, and influences

necessarily the family policies both in the context of the right of the family, and the

modifications of the European models of welfare.

On the other hand the same European citizens request greater attention by the EU to

guarantee legal clarity and certainty on the norms concerning the right of the family, such

as divorces, the care of minors and inheritances, taking account that liberty of circulation

permits European citizens, as has never happened in the past, to travel, work and study

freely within the European Union: as a consequence, very often new couples and families

from citizens of diverse member states are born, who can also decide to transfer to

another member state.

Additionally as well as transformations of the family forms and new models of parenthood

(the minimum family, new families), there are other important realities present, linked to

the dynamics of migration.

Article 8 of the Convention, with the notions of “private life" and "family life", has permitted

the protection of family relationships until a short while ago not susceptible to any

protection.

Also the conciliation of working life and family life (which we will refind in the chapter on

“Work”) is at the centre of important social changes, which interest work organizations,

demographic models, the restructuring of social protection, the division of assistance

duties and custody of people in the charge of women and men and the provision of

services from the public, private and service sector.

If we look at social services provision for families and children in Europe, we count a

European average of 8%, with countries which exceed this such as Ireland (14.7%),

Denmark (13.1%), Germany (11.1%) and France (8.6%), while Italy, unfortunately, is only at

4.5%.

The Commission “Promote solidarity between generations”, has welcomed favourably in

May 2007 the initiative of a European Alliance for the Family (proposed by Germany),

aimed at providing a platform for the exchange of knowledge and experience on the

policies favourable to families and on good practice of the member states, aimed at

replying to the challenges raised by demographic changes. On the occasion of the Third

Demographic Forum planned for 2010, the Commission will present a report on the

realization which as been completed in the context of the Alliance.

The challenges connected to demographic changes are worrying, in fact just as much for

the member states as the European Union. These plans to strengthen the intergenerational

solidarity and improve possibilities for citizens to realize their family projects. The member

states have exclusive responsibility in family policy matters; however the EU carries out an

important role concerning modernization and the success of such policies, especially on

the basis of the Lisbon strategy for growth and employment. In fact this latter underlines

the importance of female employment and the importance of equality between women

and men, proposing furthermore conciliation between professional life and family life, as

has been mentioned already.

The European Council of 13 and 14 March has among other things underlined that the

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European Alliance for the Family could contribute to the reaching of the objectives of

conciliating professional life with private life for women and men, of reducing substantially

the retributive differentials between the sexes and of activating the European pact for the

equality of the sexes.

JOB

Also the chapter on JOB, the subject of Workshop no. 2 led by Hannele Karhunen

(Finland) is of great topical interest. The role of women is changing. Next to the traditional

family duties their presence in the world of work has grown and their weight in the

decision-making processes has increased. This revolution has a world character: it

reaches also the most traditional societies, as the United Nations witnesses in their last

report on the Millennium Development Goals, the objectives of global progress up to

2015. A change which influences the labour market, slow, but in a generalized way. The

quota of women increases in the overall total of workers in the non agricultural activities.

Also the presence of women in decision-making processes increases, considered not only

a global objective, but an essential requisite for the success of any development policy.

We continue to talk about the so-called “glass ceilings” which limit the assumption of

responsible positions for women, especially in the big companies. We can note, however,

the first, timid signals of “success” which in many parts of the world carry women to the

peak in almost every sector. It is a phenomenon which we meet with ever greater

intensity in public administration, in non-profit making organization and in thousands of

small productive initiatives: a success which often escapes from official revelations. It

does not eliminate the problem, but it is an encouraging element.

The “change of pace” in government actions has represented a great novelty over the

past few years. In many countries it has passed from policies aimed at a gender

considered weaker and disadvantaged to actions which are considered essential for

economic growth. The term “womenomics” has become widespread to indicate

attention of economics research to the growing role of women outside of the family in

the creation of well being, with positive repercussions on the demographic situation, but

also on the pursuit of family and individual objectives about the quality of life.

The European Union has become conscious of the fact that all these elements are

absolutely correlated between themselves and exclude a static and separate definition

of the problems. Europe places the objective of raising female employment as a motor of

development, but underlines at the same time that the interventions in favour of

employment are to be connected and qualified in the network with those for the family,

for social services, for the conciliation of life and work rhythms, for a “positive” flexibility,

for a greater presence of women at the decision-making level. These interventions must

be therefore able to hold together plans which so far have been separated.

RAISE, EQUIP, INCLUDE

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We are experiencing a change of pace in policies in favour of women. And this change

of pace means, essentially, raising female employment, equipping the starting conditions

in society between men and women, including the female dimension in a new

intergenerational pact.

The “change of pace” is needed also to take into account current orientations in

European policy: the EU considers of fundamental importance the affirmation and the

development of gender and equal opportunity policies as essential instruments for the

growth, prosperity and competitivity. It is underlined, in particular, the transversality of the

actions connected to it and the necessary attention to the gender dimension, to the

promotion of the feminine role in the world of work. A true cultural evolution that places

men and women on a level of effective working, but also family equality, will have

positive effects in the economic field, on the conditions of work, on choices as parents.

Equality between women and men is a fundamental right, a common EU value and a

necessary condition for the pursuit of community growth, employment and social

cohesion objectives (article 2 of the Treaty which institutes the European Community).

THE ROADMAP

The roadmap defines some existing areas and proposes other completely new areas of

action. A total of six priority areas have been selected.

1 equal economic independence for women and men

2 reconciliation of private and professional life

3 equal representation in decision-making

4 eradication of all forms of gender-based violence

5 elimination of gender stereotypes

6 promotion of gender equality in external and development policies.

Considering the roadmap the European Council of 23 and 24 March has adopted a

European pact for gender equality, with the objective of encouraging action at the level

of member states and European Union members in the fiels identified.

WOMEN AND SCIENCE

The themes of gender equality have taken on a central role in the debate between

institutions, social groups and the world of production, and in all the environments of social

and professional life. Scientific research is no exception, and its problems are similar to

those observed in the other professional sectors.

In the past few years the major international organizations, starting from the United Nations

and the European Commission, have recognized the extreme importance of reaching

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gender equality in the scientific-technological sector.

In the European context numerous initiatives and specific programmes have been

promoted, which have supplied the first evident results. Based on data supplied by the

European Commission, in fact, the number of scientifically-qualified women is increasing

and women represent today almost 50% of the human resources of the whole scientific

sector, showing ability and competences often superior to those of male colleagues.

Notwithstanding this, the objective of real gender equality is still far off, in so much as

researchers find themselves affronting the same problems which afflict most of the other

professional sectors.

The recent RESOLUTION (in 30 points) of the EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT of 21 May specifically

on WOMEN AND SCIENCE is important.

In it is revealed how there is an excessively high percentage of women who abandon the

scientific career over the years. Such a phenomenon, which has often been described

with the model “leaking pipe”, must be analyzed, according to the Resolution, on the

basis of different models, amongst which that of “factors of attraction and expulsion”.

Moreover the competent authorities are invited to take into account, in proposing

solutions, different factors, such as the work environment, professional stereotypes,

competition, mobility requirements and family responsibilities.

CULTURE & SOCIETY

3 chapter, Workshop N° 3 on Culture and Society, led by Hildegund Scheipermeier

(Germany). This is a complex chapter, perhaps the most vast for contents and

implications.

“Forget asking what is the contribution of women to the European cultural identity.

Women are European cultural identity!” affirmed the Danish journalist Janne Teller.

Statement reported by journalist Paolo Casella in the article “The EU speaks in the feminine

voice, and it is a river in flood”, summary of the Convention “Europe Feminine Plural”.

(Rome, 6 march 2008).

A strong affirmation, extremely demanding. In this Workshop, starting from the current

debate about the complexity of cultural processes and on the impact which culture has

on daily life, one would like to carry out an analysis on the contribution of women in the

formation of culture and in the diffusion of human values, to better promote what it brings

in various dimensions: social, political literary and artistic. One would like, therefore to try to

deepen the feminine specific character in the formation of culture and in current

challenges which society presents.

The current Cultural programme of the EU, which covers the period 2007 - 2008, has

important specific objectives which are those of:

1.Improving knowledge about diffusion of culture.

2. Protect and promote cultural and linguistic diversity.

3.Conserve and protect the cultural heritage, cultural exchanges and the artistic creation.

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4.Sensitize citizens to the importance of cultural assets of European importance and

promote their conservation.

5. Incentivate the transnational mobility of workers in the cultural sector.

6. Encourage the transnational circulation of works of art and cultural and artistic items.

7. Stimulate intercultural dialogue.

Europe is becoming more culturally diverse. The enlargement of the European Union, the

deregulation of laws on employment and globalization have contributed to the growth

of multiculturalism in many countries, with the result of increasing the number of

languages, religions and ethnic and cultural traditions present in the continent. As a

consequence, also intercultural dialogue plays an ever more important role in

encouraging European citizenship and identity. This year is the European Year of

Intercultural Dialogue 2008. One recognizes the fact that the great cultural diversity of

Europe represents a unique advantage, in so much as it encourages all those who live in

Europe to explore the benefits of our rich cultural heritage, as well as the opportunities to

learn different cultural traditions.

Inside Culture then enters also part the European Union policy in the field of education:

the policy of audiovision and cultural and educational aspects of the information

society; the policy of youth and the development of a sports and recreational activity

policy; the information and media policy; cooperation between third world countries in

cultural and educational sectors and relations with relevant organizations and

international institutions.

Certainly, to go back to the theme of the Workshop, it will be interesting to examine the

specific feminine characteristics in the formation of culture and in the realization of the

programme's objectives, through routes leading to:

1. Knowing how and why woman becomes creator of culture and how her influence on

culture has become more decisive today, also in Europe.

2. Analyzing how the feminine is present in diverse cultural expressions.

3. Evaluating the importance of the contribution to society of the “feminine genius” as an

essential premise for a growing presence of women in social, economic and political life

at the European level.

In this sector we locate the NEW SOCIAL AGENDA FOR EUROPE, because a winning

Europe is one in which citizens enjoy not only liberty of movement, advantages of the

inside market and a favourable competition for consumers. It is also a Europe made of

social equality, solidarity and an adequate level of health. Its Parliament is aware that

for some time we have been fighting for the affirmation of these principles.

The renewed social agenda is based on three linked objectives, of equal importance:

1Creating opportunity: creating opportunity means producing more and better

work and facilitating mobility.

2 Giving access: because the starting points in life are very different, ensuring

equal opportunity means better access for disadvantaged people. All citizens

must have access to a good quality education, to social protection, to health

care and services which can contribute to compensate the starting point

inequalities and which permit everyone to enjoy a longer and healthier life.

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3 Demonstrating solidarity: Europeans share the commitment to social

solidarity, between generations, regions, between those who are the most and

least active, between the more prosperous and less prosperous State

members. True equal opportunity depends on access and on solidarity.

Solidarity means acting to help those who are disadvantaged and who cannot

enjoy the benefits of an open society which is changing rapidly. It means

stimulating inclusion and support to those exposed to temporary problems,

transitory caused by technological changes.

OPPORTUNITY, ACCESS AND SOLIDARITY

Creating opportunity presupposes a permanent commitment to the creation of work of

better quality and to increasing well being. It means eliminating barriers, facilitating

mobility, fighting discrimination, promoting equality between women and men,

sustaining families and tackling new forms of social exclusion. To exploit opportunities

people must have access to education, health care, to special social services. They

must be able to participate actively in the society in which they live and to integrate

into it. People and regions which are unable to follow the rapid rhythm of changes must

be helped. For this renewed social agenda the idea of solidarity is inspiring and leads to

more incisive action for fighting poverty and social exclusion and new ways for helping

people to adapt themselves to globalization and to technological changes. To do this

the EU must innovate: in the way in which the lines of its action are defined, in its

legislation, in the instruments which permit the diffusion of the best practices and

promote the development of new approaches.

This agenda cannot be limited to traditional questions of social policy; it must be

transversal and multidimensional, extending to a broad range of sectors, from work

market policies to education, to health, to immigration and to intercultural dialogue.

The reality is that economic and social policies at European and national level

reinforce each other reciprocally and are complementary. This renewed social agenda

is therefore fully coherent with the strategy of Lisbon for growth and employment and

consolidates it.

CONCLUSIONS

Moving towards the conclusion of my intervention, I can affirm with satisfaction that the

enrolments to the Workshops have reached the maximum number foreseen and

advised for the performance of effective work.

As well as the precious and exhaustive Report-Guides drawn up by the Organizers, 26

papers have been submitted equally distributed in macro-themes and sub-themes, a

testimony to the interest generated in the participants.

Tomorrow morning I will prepare with great joy a brief report on the total progress of the

Workshops and on instances that will emerge today in their field.

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I leave you dedicating a grateful and affectionate thought to Maria Luisa Cangiano,

absent today for health reasons, because what happens today in this prestigious room is

also thanks to her, having been coauthor of a project, as beautiful as it is important, that

President Maria Irace, shared with distinction by all the Clubs, has welcomed and shared

with sensitivity and an exceptional intelligence. Maria Luisa - as a member who is not

from this District says - is a resource of our Inner Wheel, for her authoritative presence, her

clear and unshakeable faith in the Association, the preparation based on years of

continuous and active effort, the availability for advice and disinterested help, offered

always in the name of friendship and love equally for the Club, for the District, for the

Inner Wheel.

Thank you for your attention and goodbye to those who will participate in the Workshops

and in the final session tomorrow.

Thank you once again!

Luisa Vinciguerra: Rapporteur

It is surprising that when we stop and consider how our life unfolds passing from one group

to another. Our family, colleagues, collaborators, the Club. We take part in meetings, we

meet friends. At a close look, often, the time we pass alone is spent preparing our

encounters with others.

In group life, in particular, we speak now almost always in the plural, continuously referring

to one of us. This is how much the Inner Wheel has entered into our lives.

With the introduction of the Workshop instrument in the context of the International Inner

Wheel we have wanted to start, even if in an experimental form, a new cultural season set

out to actively involve Inner Wheel associates to reflect and work on themselves both as

women and associates of an important female organization, in a rigorous structure from

the methodological perspective, and with the intent of gathering ideas, data, useful

experiences to factually participate in their territory.

All of us who have participated in the Conference WOMEN FOR EUROPE and in the three

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workshops connected with it, this project promoted by the Naples Club of Luisa Bruni and

with the presence of so many authoritative representatives, are aware today that the

result of this project is measured especially with the "hindsight measure" and the continuity

of the action.

The transition towards the new is always complex. The following evaluations refer to two

fronts that continuously recall each other: the method, the contents.

FROM THE PROJECT PHASE TO THE EXECUTIVE PHASE

The Project (Conference + Workshop), as noted, wanted to promote a balanced

comparison on Women in Europe. And it has dedicated the day of 29 November to

reflection and to study of themes strictly related to the contemporary European Woman,

not only formulating diverse elements of debate which have highlighted the importance

and the peculiarity of the role and of the ideas coming from precious Inner Wheel

intellectual female sources, but having also as a primary objective to identify, underline,

work on the role of the Inner Wheel as a service Association.

Such comparison utilises both the precious thought of the main reporters who participated

in the plenary sessions, and that of the numerous Inner Wheel members involved in the

Workshops.

Let's take a brief look backwards.

When, now a year ago since the Luisa Bruni Naples Club entrusted me with the

coordination of the Workshops (I like to remind those present that every decision has

always been shared and agreed with the component elements of the Workshop

Commission formed by Maria Luisa Cangiano and Giulia De Luca, as well as naturally the

President of the Club Maria Irace), we were worried, above all, about identifying the

themes sub-dividing them into macro-themes and sub-themes, taking account that there

were three subjects 'Woman - Europe - Inner Wheel'.

Macro themes and sub themes are now more than ever known.

Because the primary objective was to produce interactive knowledge (I wish to underline

this) involving operationally European Inner Wheel members on identified themes (Family,

Work, Culture and Society) and on the role of the Inner Wheel, we were worried about

constructing a formula which on one hand would be functional to the arguments which

we wanted to deal with, and on the other be enjoyed and shared by the Inner Wheel

which had wanted to establish itself with a written paper and intervene in the Workshop

space which had been reserved for it.

As known, amongst the Workshop typologies we distinguish those "on invitation" from those

that are "call for papers".

After a deeper analysis we thought of a mediation, deciding to invite three notable

Leaders to whom was trusted a Report-Guide; we also thought of proposing by means of

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a suitable informative note (attached to the Programme) the Workshop participation by

means of a paper, advising - and not requiring - sending it out in advance.

The choice of Group Leader was the subsequent step. A Conference of such broad

international reach brought an equally international choice of Group Leaders of the Inner

Wheel Workshops.

From here came the decision to entrust to:

1. The Workshop on THE FAMILY to Lia Giorgino (Italy), Immediate Past Chairman of

District 210 for an evident reason. Lia Giorgino was the Chairman 2007\2008 under

whose mandate the project of the Luisa Bruni Naples Club started. Lia Giorgino has

not just always been a good friend. She is a precious resource of our Inner Wheel in

Italy, a figure that encompasses moral and professional qualities which are

uncommon.

1. The Workshop on JOB to Hannele Karhunen (Finland), National Representative and

President of the National Council.

2. The Workshop on CULTURE AND SOCIETY to Hildegund Scheipermeier (Germany),

Past National Representative and Past President of the National Council.

Certainly the request to Hannele and Hildegund's friends was facilitated, thanks to my

commitment noted at the opening of the Inner Wheel in Europe, which enabled me to

meet personally first Hildegund Scheipermeier in Tours in September 2007, during the first

joint European meeting organized by Catherine Refabert, present here, at the side of the

Rallye Charlemagne; then, Hannele Karhunen last September in Cologne during the

second joint European reunion organized by Hildegund Scheipermeier.

Contacts with the leaders Hildegund and Hannele (as well as a specific moment of

meeting in Cologne) were constantly maintained alive through a series of five successive

Informative Notes and Documents, specifically taken from the official website of the

European Union and participated in by them, with the aim of supplying updated

information, and guidelines which were helpful in this task. Finally we proceeded to the

sending to the Leaders papers which gradually had arrived so that they could know the

content in advance.

We had estimated 25 as the maximum optimum number of participants in each

Workshop. How it "incredibly" happened.

The papers have been 27, a number larger than imagined, distributed as follows:

Family, papers n. 7

Job, papers n. 12

Culture & Society, papers n. 8

The efficient Commission entrusted by the Organization with the workshops (composed of

Maria Luisa Cangiano, Giulia De Luca, Anna Maria Falconio, Raffaella D'Auria, Rosalba

Cerqua, and the President of the Club Maria Irace), which I wish to thank even in this

setting for the care and attention with which it has followed each phase of this innovative

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experience, has prepared for each IW Member enlisted in a Workshop a personal

portfolio, containing the following papers:

Curriculum of Workshop/Group Leader

Curriculum of Workshop/Group Leader

List of the papers

List of Workshop participants

Guiding essay by the Workshop/Group Leader

Informative note on the Workshops cared by the Coordinator

Official Documents coming form the EU in harmony with the theme of the

Workshop

SOME EVALUATIONS

I briefly revealed the formative and organizational "trajectory" in order to make

understood the complex work required in a 'new' project, and even if it was started by the

Luisa Bruni Naples Club, it certainly honours the whole Italian Inner Wheel with its reflection.

The initiative's first success was due certainly to the presence of Suzanne Hem Nielsen,

whom I also thank, in the double role of President of the International Inner Wheel and

Reporter. Her presence in itself guaranteed this meeting!

The second success is indicated by numbers:

13 Countries

270 the total number of enrolments

200 enrolments to the Conference

75 enrolments to the Workshops

27 papers presented to the Workshops

Other indications of success however are considered. In our opinion, special attention is

given to the success of the contents, without doubt the most important, for the Project's

cultural implications and its possible subsequent developments; the interests of the Inner

Wheel Members in working in groups and comparing themselves; the desire to contribute

to a future reality which is ever more mature and aware of our Association; the enthusiasm

demonstrated in the interest in new international relationships and new friendship ties.

This is what the scope of the Workshops needed and had to be. This scope was widely

demonstrated and documented.

I wish to remind that the directing strategy was left to each Group Leader who evaluated,

on the basis of the composition of her group, the work method proposed, we would

advise to give the discussion taking into account that at least 1/3 of the time of the

workshop was dedicated, according to what was agreed beforehand, to discussions. This

was because in conducting processes based on participative methods, the technique is

not essential, that is there is no method of managing a workshop which is always valid,

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neither is it possible to hold onto any particular tool which guarantees a successful

outcome.

The work method in the workshops was justly different, because each Group Leader

received information but worked autonomously with her group. The result is that every

Workshop has matured it's specific identity. The global quality of the initiative, is thus

determined also and because of the wealth of methods and diverse contents offered in

the discussion.

It must be observed that the Papers have been more numerous than planned. By decision

of the Committee it has been decreed that all of them will be accepted, because it has

been extremely positive that the Inner Wheel associates have been pleased by the idea

of sharing in an interactive way the themes of the Convention. The time dedicated to the

Workshops has proved to be quite restricted, with a certain penalisation, in certain cases

in the practical phase.

To this must be added the effort undertaken to guarantee the constant presence of

interpreters (of the Italian and English language) in order to allow everyone to

comprehend and consciously participate in the activities. But this fact has also brought a

necessary duplication of time.

If in the future we should organize a similar initiative, we could introduce some useful

correctives to optimize this methodology, such as, for example:

More time dedicated to the Workshops;

every paper should be accompanied by a corresponding abstract;

anticipated distribution of the personalized portfolios, which should include the

Papers and the abstracts already translated;

oral exposition only of the abstract;

more time for the discussion under the guidance of the Group Leader.

The role of the Group Leaders has been fulfilled and interpreted with competence. Each

one has used responsibility to respond to the mandate, posing great attention to

enhancing the value of human resources, respect for deadlines, most of all the

achievement of objectives.

If it is true that communication is the key process that permits the functioning of a work

group, it has imposed in various way methods and characters (interactive, informative

and transformative), even if the different planes were not always easily distinguishable, as

they were strongly interwoven.

Finalized (the communicative exchanges were meant to achieve the specific objective of

each moment of work); pragmatic (very often the gathering and the analysis of data and

facts was privileged); efficient (confrontation and exchange, with persons willing to offer

reciprocally as an opportunity to broaden the experience of working together), the

communication inside each Workshop benefitted from the contribution of the Group

Leaders, that managed to spark interest and attention, modulate the exposition with the

listening, answer in order to comment, resolve doubts and uncertainties, manifest an

appropriate action of feedback.

I personally attended all three Workshops. I appreciated, other than the contents, also the

climate, that variable made up of perceptions, life experiences, feelings, opinions which

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describe well the atmosphere of a group. A good climate, warm, supportive and at the

same time, attentive to the task and the promotion of each participant's abilities.

From subsequent comments, messages, e mail extras, the recurring observations, naturally

other than appreciation for the reports presented in the plenary sessions and enjoyment of

the social surrounding manifestations, lead everyone to highlight the notable innovative

push of the Workshops, an interesting training activity, a satisfying relationship quality

within the groups, as well as the possibility of recognizing the Workshops as a new system

not used in the Inner Wheel

Workshops that distinguished themselves, then, both for different themes, and for their

origin from different countries, for the personal and professional qualities of the

participants who enroled, which made each group different form the other, unique and

unpredictable, which must be added in large measure to factors such as the balance, the

synergy and the comradeship created among these qualities.

The dynamic process which started the moment in which the associates met with their

Leader was very well received, to share the objectives, spaces, times and values.

On the contents, we will have means of reflecting afterwards, in the long term, in many

and various way, over the next few days to evaluate their range, using the possibility to

read and consult the Acts of the Convention, in order to consider with attention:

The content of the Reports presented in the plenary sessions

The content of the Reports-Guides and Synthesis of the Workshops' Group Leaders

The content of the 27 papers

The content of the debates which are interconnected

Regarding the contents of the Papers it is interesting to take a look at the categories

which surfaced. A rapid classification allows us to highlight papers whose content:

focuses on the description of the actual situation in the native country;

is prevalently characterized by being a study with a

historical/sociological/philosophical background;

reports a series of objective data coming from researches and specific studies;

offers itself as a personal experience of life;

is the result of an investigation produced through a questionnaire between Inner

Wheel associates (Belgium).

Often in the discussion it was heard that the equality between men and women is a

question referred to in the field of fundamental human rights, of social justice and also of

democratic representation, that the European Union is built on the basis of a democratic

representation of citizens, with the objective of social progress and justice, that Non

Governmental Organizations (NGOs) do and can fulfil a key role in the civil dialogue

between European institutions and citizens of the Union.

The European Lobby of Women (ELW) represents today, thirteen years from its foundation,

the largest coalition of Non Governmental Organizations, movements, feminist and female

groups of the European Union. About 3000 associations located in the States of the EU

adhere to it; and in the future such a number is destined to double, with the entry into the

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Union of countries of central and eastern Europe.

Sustained by the European Community, it represents the point of contact between

European organizations that are involved in equal opportunities. Its objectives can be

summarized as follows:

representing the women's perspective at a European level;

create equal treatment and opportunity for the women citizens of the European

Union, eliminating the forms of discrimination against women and acting as link

between political decision makers and women's organizations;

defend the interests of women who live in the member states of the European

Union, including migrants, ethnic minorities and the most vulnerable and

marginalised groups in society, in the context of a united and democratic Europe;

represent the interests of the related organizations which compose the Lobby.

In spite of the progress reported recently, the contribution of women to Europe, both that

already given and that which is possible, is still insufficiently recognized and valued. The

prosecution of our project "Women for Europe" could be one of numerous stimuli for the

recognition and promotion of a Europe of gender in a transcultural perspective".

To link up again with what is expressed in the report, "Women for Europe" has a vision,

namely sustaining women in achieving full citizenship and a sustainable balance between

working, family and personal life. A mission to accomplish, where the Inner Wheel networks

can apply themselves to promote the diffusion of a gender culture in their own country,

promote a cognitive change of social and cultural representation of gender, and the

knocking down of the stereotypes which weigh heavily on the achievement of a

substantial and not only formal balance between women and men.

“Realise your visions”, do you remember the theme of President Suzanne?

A BRIDGE TO THE FUTURE FROM THE WORKSHOPS

The Inner Wheel has shown itself to be a precious spatial-cultural area useful for

discussing peacefully and with the assistance of different cultures and diverse opinions.

A synthesis of the contemporary situation of the Family, Work, Culture, Society was

derived by direct comparison of how in our Country the affirmation of female

competences and professionality is being lived, of how women are a precious resource

and are essential for the development of a democratic society, which knows how to

speak the language of equality and of meritocracy in the European dimension.

Certainly an intense, not generic debate which has placed in focus the role of Women in

Europe. A long working day to imagine possible and viable initiatives. A long day's work

which had particular value also for the significant participation of so many members

joining from 13 different countries.

However, even with diverse roles and in the context of our specific professionality and

responsibilities, we must commit ourselves to transferring and promulgating in our

respective countries the contents and proposals which emerged in the course of the

meeting and do so in such a way that the spirit of working collaboration and cooperation

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which animated these two days does not remain an end in itself and closed in this

beautiful Naples.

We must maintain amongst ourselves, with the technical and administrative support of the

Naples Club, a constant exchange of information, proposals and projects, which can

transform themselves into a Permanent Observatory, a laboratory of ideas and concrete

proposals, which carry forward that capacity for doing and for innovating which we

women know we have but we don't always use it to the full.

Why "the ideas of our Inner Wheel Members can be a programme".

Women in Europe have increased at double and triple speed in studies, business,

professions, also in female Associationism. Also in the Inner Wheel. Women will ever more

signal our future, an essential resource for the development of Europe. The works

presented in the 3 Workshops have captured the sign of the times and proposed a

comparison which has led to the new reality of a society which is increasingly losing its

gender characteristics to found a newer and more harmonious balance. A turning in the

long road towards a society of equals, without any more distinctions of gender.

It would be interesting, now, to programme other meetings, appointments, seminars, in

order to offer each year the most original and complete photograph of the way of the

Inner Wheel Woman in Europe.

Why "the way of the Inner Wheel Woman in Europe can be a turning point".

The Luisa Bruni Naples Club Project wants to be a turning point in the season of

comparison and of the participation, with awareness that many roads must still be

followed. This project is a finishing line and an event. A finishing line for the Inner Wheel

which sees reflected in it the concrete result of years of work aimed at women and at the

contribution of the most innovative female energies to the solution of many basic

problems.

Why "the Workshops have highlighted the necessity of new forces for change".

This is the novelty and originality of this initiative which has grown together with the growth

of commitment and abilities of us all.

The quantity and quality of the support gathered tells us that we have seized the moment,

that this initiative was awaited. The Inner Wheel has united more closely female energies

on this occasion. To participate, to build, to stand alongside the precious and

indispensable activities of humanitarian service, the willingness to contribute - as an

Association of service - to the general progress. To open spaces to a renewed social

dynamism.

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They are unrenounceable appointments in the Inner Wheel debate.

The only one of its type, it has proposed in fact a comparison on the great current themes

through the unedited reading of the female universe. To speak of Women in Europe the

Women of the Inner wheel have been called to address: specific feminine characteristics,

organizational elements, concreteness, intuition, solidarity, no longer, in fact, to penetrate

onto the approach to the problems, on the priorities, on the timescales and choices,

offering new values to the changes.

The project has been, therefore, an extraordinary occasion for moving for three days to

Naples the heart of a considerable part of the Inner Wheel, carrying to the centre of the

debate, the Inner Wheel female resource as a strategically fundamental.

For the Luisa Bruni Naples Club it was a way of reconfirming itself also as a cultural

laboratory, with the aim of concretizing a vocation of great project ability.

A complex project, the success of which is due to many qualified associates who have

worked a long time with much effort and passion. I would like to take and quote the

metaphor used by one of the two Coordinators of the Inner Wheel Literary Prize Europe,

founded and headed by myself, present here in Naples. She, in the course of a

manifestation, compared the Prize to an orchestra, where everyone plays an instrument...

to obtain "harmony". Corality, harmony, are the correct words. But to these, may I be

permitted to add others: professionalism, hospitality, friendship. Inner Wheel is the

signature. The objectives are clear, poised to achieve actions of support to single women

through the Inner Wheel and to the collaboration of the Inner Wheel with other

associations and various organizations, which target Empowerment, the application of

Gender mainstreaming and the increasing of female employment, the promotion of

family, but also the quantitative and qualitative reinforcement of the participation of

women in the employment market, the reduction of the risks of social exclusion.

An Inner Wheel project capable of optimizing the relations of the web present on the

territory and implementing the existing services in a logic of exchange, creating relations

of collaboration and shared planning.

A project, which I repeat and conclude, has become a moment for discussing the role of

woman and the possibilities of growth of the female universe. Not a place of vindication,

but a place where women have studied or told their varied experiences, interpreting as

women the great current themes linked to the position of Women in Europe. It is a way of

promoting the specific characteristics of women, considering them as valueable for

change, for the approach to problems, in the organization of work, to confirm that

woman has to be considered as an unrenounceable resource.