29TH. JULY 2010 NEW YORK, DUBLIN AND INCHYDONEY
On Wednesday it was time to say farewell to New York and head for Dublin. There was a great sense of peace as we had time to get finished with some ease. In fact, I made an early journey to JFK as Baruk Obama landed in Lower Manhatten en route to New Jersey. Traffic was very backed up but not towards the airport. All went smoothly and I now spend a few hours at Kilmacud Provincial house. There is an almost international flavour as people are moving through on holiday!
I leave in the afternoon and will travel to Inchydoney on Saturday for a holiday, with a plan to return to Belfast around August 8th. The computer will go directly to Belfast so I will catch up on the blog when I return.
Au revoir as we hope for sunshine over the coming week.
Thursday, 29 July 2010
Tuesday, 27 July 2010
ALBANIAN CEDAW & GOOD SHEPHERD VISIT
27th. JULY 2010 ALBANIAN CEDAW AND GOOD SHEPHERD VISIT
Arriving early at the UN yesterday morning, I discovered that Arta had already returned to Albania. Merita called me to meet the State party. It included the Deputy Minister of Labour, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities, Mrs Fillorete Kodra, who was also the Head of Delegation. Mrs.Brunilde Peci, The Desk Officer,UN Reporting Section, Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Mrs. Dervishaj, Expert on Issues of Equal and Gender identity at the Dept. of Equal Opportunities, Ministry of Labour. Mrs.Pranvera Kamani, Chief of Basic Education Sector at the Curricula and Monitoring Dept., Ministry of Education and Science and Patricka - Representative of the Ambassador of the Republic of Albania to New York.
Those who took part all spoke in English and the dialogue picked up all the issues that had emerged in the reports and discussions during the week. My two NGO friends were delighted that the committee made it clear to the Government that many good things have happenned in Albania, but there is much more progress needed in relation to Domestic Violance, Trafficking and Roma women and girls and a number of other areas of concern. At one stage in the afternoon, Merita said to me -"Those last three questions were even in my words!" and a little later Mirela tipped me to say -"I am crying, because I have heard my questions asked as if I said them myself" Afterwards, at 5.30 we went to thank the Committee of experts. We then met the Delegates - they were pretty exhausted and went away with plenty of homework. We were well pleased with the day that also ended our involvement at United Nations for CEDAW.
Winifred and I then went with Monica, Argentina, to the Provincial house - quite a journey, having been invited for our evening meal. Sister Ellen was there and a number of other sisters whom I had not met. Also, Sister Yvette, who has replaced Ethna in Rome had arrived on holiday just an hour earlier, so there was a general air of celebration. We had a lovely evening and there was also a feeling of ending as Winifred leaves the day after me for Ireland.
This morning we had and Evaluation Meeting at the Office and gathered the fruits of our time at UN. Both Winifred and Clare really appreciated the fact that we kept up the pace, managing to attend all sessions, as well as both Training weekends. We too go home with lots of homework, for which, luckily, the agenda will not be available until the autumn! So, its a real moment of thanks for a most memorable experience - even if it does provide a somewhat daunting and challenging work role for the future.
Thank you Daniela and also Lalini, Mirjam and Amira who freed me up with the extra time to accept this challenge!
Arriving early at the UN yesterday morning, I discovered that Arta had already returned to Albania. Merita called me to meet the State party. It included the Deputy Minister of Labour, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities, Mrs Fillorete Kodra, who was also the Head of Delegation. Mrs.Brunilde Peci, The Desk Officer,UN Reporting Section, Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Mrs. Dervishaj, Expert on Issues of Equal and Gender identity at the Dept. of Equal Opportunities, Ministry of Labour. Mrs.Pranvera Kamani, Chief of Basic Education Sector at the Curricula and Monitoring Dept., Ministry of Education and Science and Patricka - Representative of the Ambassador of the Republic of Albania to New York.
Those who took part all spoke in English and the dialogue picked up all the issues that had emerged in the reports and discussions during the week. My two NGO friends were delighted that the committee made it clear to the Government that many good things have happenned in Albania, but there is much more progress needed in relation to Domestic Violance, Trafficking and Roma women and girls and a number of other areas of concern. At one stage in the afternoon, Merita said to me -"Those last three questions were even in my words!" and a little later Mirela tipped me to say -"I am crying, because I have heard my questions asked as if I said them myself" Afterwards, at 5.30 we went to thank the Committee of experts. We then met the Delegates - they were pretty exhausted and went away with plenty of homework. We were well pleased with the day that also ended our involvement at United Nations for CEDAW.
Winifred and I then went with Monica, Argentina, to the Provincial house - quite a journey, having been invited for our evening meal. Sister Ellen was there and a number of other sisters whom I had not met. Also, Sister Yvette, who has replaced Ethna in Rome had arrived on holiday just an hour earlier, so there was a general air of celebration. We had a lovely evening and there was also a feeling of ending as Winifred leaves the day after me for Ireland.
This morning we had and Evaluation Meeting at the Office and gathered the fruits of our time at UN. Both Winifred and Clare really appreciated the fact that we kept up the pace, managing to attend all sessions, as well as both Training weekends. We too go home with lots of homework, for which, luckily, the agenda will not be available until the autumn! So, its a real moment of thanks for a most memorable experience - even if it does provide a somewhat daunting and challenging work role for the future.
Thank you Daniela and also Lalini, Mirjam and Amira who freed me up with the extra time to accept this challenge!
Sunday, 25 July 2010
EXPERTS LUNCH AND GREENWICH VILLAGE
25th.JULY 2010 EXPERTS LUNCH AND GREENWICH VILLAGE
Thursday was great! Papua New Guinea Government reported and had "constructive dialogue" all day. Head of their delegation was the only woman in their 109 man Parliament. She is Minister for Women and has 14 staff. With her, she brought an impressive team from the Government and Attorney General's staff. I saw about 16 in all.
Lunch with the expert Committee was the highlight for us. Albanian NGO's hosted the event. Arta, Mirela and Merita had all in readiness early, plus three working papers for each guest. We sat together - at their request - for the introductions. Then, as they spoke, I served the Committee members. Following the input there were lots of questions and as they took a second round, I left having told the girls beforehand.
When arranging my work programme with Winifred on arrival, I mentioned that extending my time in New York had upset my retreat plans. Now it seemed even the weekends were full. We saw what was almost a four day gap so I grasped the moment! I emailed a sister in Greenwich Village, which I understood was closeby this house in 17th Street. A reply indicated I would be welcome and asked how I got to know of them. I replied that a minister had come four years ago to the Divine Healing Team in Belfast and told us his ministry was ecumenical as there were Sisters nearby. I was in for two SURPRISES! Greenwich was in New York, but not where I had been last time. It was "upstate" so I had to take a train. Sister Mary Elizabeth met me and she is Anglican. We drove to the convent and as we entered the 100 acre site, a deer lifted its head from taking a drink from a little lake to welcome us! The Community of six moved into this newly built convent in 2004 and their number includes one Novice who was busily engaged with a Summer Camp in the nearby 500 acre complex that includes a Healing Centre. The scenery was just glorious - rolling hills and lots of trees plus three lakes, goats and sheep and I even saw a rabbit - altogether an idyllic retreat setting. I really enjoyed the few days and feel ready for Albania reporting tomorrow. As I left, the community was enjoying a little moment of relaxation , sitting on a floating gazebo on one of the lakes - I spent just a few minutes on this very pleasant rythmic structure and enjoyed it.
Watch this space for news of Albania. I may not write tomorrow, however, as Winifred and I are invited out in the evening.
Thursday was great! Papua New Guinea Government reported and had "constructive dialogue" all day. Head of their delegation was the only woman in their 109 man Parliament. She is Minister for Women and has 14 staff. With her, she brought an impressive team from the Government and Attorney General's staff. I saw about 16 in all.
Lunch with the expert Committee was the highlight for us. Albanian NGO's hosted the event. Arta, Mirela and Merita had all in readiness early, plus three working papers for each guest. We sat together - at their request - for the introductions. Then, as they spoke, I served the Committee members. Following the input there were lots of questions and as they took a second round, I left having told the girls beforehand.
When arranging my work programme with Winifred on arrival, I mentioned that extending my time in New York had upset my retreat plans. Now it seemed even the weekends were full. We saw what was almost a four day gap so I grasped the moment! I emailed a sister in Greenwich Village, which I understood was closeby this house in 17th Street. A reply indicated I would be welcome and asked how I got to know of them. I replied that a minister had come four years ago to the Divine Healing Team in Belfast and told us his ministry was ecumenical as there were Sisters nearby. I was in for two SURPRISES! Greenwich was in New York, but not where I had been last time. It was "upstate" so I had to take a train. Sister Mary Elizabeth met me and she is Anglican. We drove to the convent and as we entered the 100 acre site, a deer lifted its head from taking a drink from a little lake to welcome us! The Community of six moved into this newly built convent in 2004 and their number includes one Novice who was busily engaged with a Summer Camp in the nearby 500 acre complex that includes a Healing Centre. The scenery was just glorious - rolling hills and lots of trees plus three lakes, goats and sheep and I even saw a rabbit - altogether an idyllic retreat setting. I really enjoyed the few days and feel ready for Albania reporting tomorrow. As I left, the community was enjoying a little moment of relaxation , sitting on a floating gazebo on one of the lakes - I spent just a few minutes on this very pleasant rythmic structure and enjoyed it.
Watch this space for news of Albania. I may not write tomorrow, however, as Winifred and I are invited out in the evening.
Wednesday, 21 July 2010
UN, "HANDCRAFTING JUSTICE" AND ALBANIA.
21ST. JULY 2010 UN, "HANDCRAFTING JUSTICE" AND ALBANIA.
We have just completed three busy days at UN. All the countries are finished now and most people will return home at the weekend. Albania has a lunchtime meeting tomorrow after Papua New Guinea completes their work. On Friday the Committee of experts has a closed Meeting all day so we are free.
Today, I took time out in the morning to visit Sister Maureen McGowan's great project - "Handcrafting Justice". I only wished all the group could have seen the work of the women from 22 countries. Maureen very kindly met me at the Metro and as we reached the project asked me - "Would you mind doing an 'Up close and personal' with the volunteers for about 20 minutes"? I had never heard the expression, so Maureen explained and thank God it went well. The volunteers were most interested in hearing about Albania and what is happening at the UN too. Maureen sent greetings to those she had met, mentioning Daniela especially.
Now that there is a gap this weekend I hope to finalize plans for a retreat. I'll be back on Sunday as Albania is "on" all day on Monday!
Have a good weekend!
We have just completed three busy days at UN. All the countries are finished now and most people will return home at the weekend. Albania has a lunchtime meeting tomorrow after Papua New Guinea completes their work. On Friday the Committee of experts has a closed Meeting all day so we are free.
Today, I took time out in the morning to visit Sister Maureen McGowan's great project - "Handcrafting Justice". I only wished all the group could have seen the work of the women from 22 countries. Maureen very kindly met me at the Metro and as we reached the project asked me - "Would you mind doing an 'Up close and personal' with the volunteers for about 20 minutes"? I had never heard the expression, so Maureen explained and thank God it went well. The volunteers were most interested in hearing about Albania and what is happening at the UN too. Maureen sent greetings to those she had met, mentioning Daniela especially.
Now that there is a gap this weekend I hope to finalize plans for a retreat. I'll be back on Sunday as Albania is "on" all day on Monday!
Have a good weekend!
Sunday, 18 July 2010
TRAINING, ALBANIANS ARRIVE AND CIRCLE LINE
18 JULY 2010 TRAINING, ALBANIANS ARRIVE AND CIRCLE LINE
As I opened the blog I noted a wee error in my last entry as I did not edit same!
The highlight for me in the Training Course this weekend was the arrival of three Albanians. One is from an NGO but the other two are academics. A Professor in the School of Magistrates, one told me she more or less completed the Albanian report. That same report lacks substance but hopefully it will suffice as its the first time anyone has come from Albania. Both Winifred and I greeted them together and I think they were surprised that we have had a presence at UN for so many years. I have met and worked with each of them at the Training and I think they will be willing to continue cooperation with us in Albania. We will meet each day at the United Nations and so can get to know one another. Due to the fact Australia and Albania had their statements ready for tomorrow, our training ended in the early afternoon today.
I then decided to go along to the Circle Line, which welcomes Sisters to enjoy a cruise on the river free gratis. The reason for this generosity is due to Sisters doing wonderful work among the poor many years ago - when the owner of the Shipping Line was young. Fortunately, I arrived just as a tour was leaving so I had a marvellous three hours on the Hudson in glorious sunshine. In fact many of the days since I arrived have been 90 degrees and even 94 so today was no exception.
This evening Winifred suggested we go to a nearby cafe in Union Square for a meal which we both enjoyed. I had never been to that part of our neighbourhood and I was surprised it was so fully alive on a Sunday evening!
Have a great week!
As I opened the blog I noted a wee error in my last entry as I did not edit same!
The highlight for me in the Training Course this weekend was the arrival of three Albanians. One is from an NGO but the other two are academics. A Professor in the School of Magistrates, one told me she more or less completed the Albanian report. That same report lacks substance but hopefully it will suffice as its the first time anyone has come from Albania. Both Winifred and I greeted them together and I think they were surprised that we have had a presence at UN for so many years. I have met and worked with each of them at the Training and I think they will be willing to continue cooperation with us in Albania. We will meet each day at the United Nations and so can get to know one another. Due to the fact Australia and Albania had their statements ready for tomorrow, our training ended in the early afternoon today.
I then decided to go along to the Circle Line, which welcomes Sisters to enjoy a cruise on the river free gratis. The reason for this generosity is due to Sisters doing wonderful work among the poor many years ago - when the owner of the Shipping Line was young. Fortunately, I arrived just as a tour was leaving so I had a marvellous three hours on the Hudson in glorious sunshine. In fact many of the days since I arrived have been 90 degrees and even 94 so today was no exception.
This evening Winifred suggested we go to a nearby cafe in Union Square for a meal which we both enjoyed. I had never been to that part of our neighbourhood and I was surprised it was so fully alive on a Sunday evening!
Have a great week!
Saturday, 17 July 2010
FROM UN., TO RUSSIA, TO "THE PERFECT PINT"
17th.JULY 2010 FROM UN.,TO RUSSIA, TO "THE PERFECT PINT"
On Thursday, I went to the UN quite early as the Russian Government delegation was presenting their position and I had heard the "on the ground" reality from the very
clear picture painted by the NGO's. For some reason, their most recent population statistic came from 1994 and was 148,400,000. In their huge delegation there was a Government minister or member available for every clarification needed.
I returned to the Office for a meeting with Winifred, Clare Nolan and Argentinian Monica. We managed to link in the work of the Office with CEDAW and thought out ways of using this new process in Albania and Argentina. As previously planned, we then went out for lunch to celebrate our being together. Winifred led the way to "The Perfect Pint" in the next street - a new experience even to USA Clare! There was a real Irish touch to the meal and I cannot not resist sharing the following item from the menu as an Irish farewell -
"May you have warm words on a cold evening
A full moon on a dark night
And a smooth road all the way to your door"
Monica and I returned to the afternoon session on Russia which completed the work at UN for the week and freed us for the Training Course beginning Friday morning!
On Thursday, I went to the UN quite early as the Russian Government delegation was presenting their position and I had heard the "on the ground" reality from the very
clear picture painted by the NGO's. For some reason, their most recent population statistic came from 1994 and was 148,400,000. In their huge delegation there was a Government minister or member available for every clarification needed.
I returned to the Office for a meeting with Winifred, Clare Nolan and Argentinian Monica. We managed to link in the work of the Office with CEDAW and thought out ways of using this new process in Albania and Argentina. As previously planned, we then went out for lunch to celebrate our being together. Winifred led the way to "The Perfect Pint" in the next street - a new experience even to USA Clare! There was a real Irish touch to the meal and I cannot not resist sharing the following item from the menu as an Irish farewell -
"May you have warm words on a cold evening
A full moon on a dark night
And a smooth road all the way to your door"
Monica and I returned to the afternoon session on Russia which completed the work at UN for the week and freed us for the Training Course beginning Friday morning!
Wednesday, 14 July 2010
UNITED NATIONS, CENTRAL PARK AND MORE!
14TH.JULY 2010 UNITED NATIONS, CENTRAL PARK AND MORE!
An update of the past two very full and busy days. Argentina was heard by the CEDAW Committee all day yesterday and it was most challenging. The voluntary groups had prepared very well and had given their side earlier. Its really great to see how the process works so well. Each country is monitored for two years to see if the Government implements what they promise here! Today we had the Figi Islands We had learnt the voluntary side of their situation during a special lunch yesterday so we knew it would be difficult today. Figi is a police state - there was a coup so they have no freedom. Three persons cannot associate in case they are plotting so plenty of tension in their working situation.
For us its not all work and no play! Sr.Monica, Argentina, and I decided to go along to Central Park last evening for an open-air concert. We were delighted we did so. The New York Philharmonic was joined by the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra. This was a new departure for New York and we really enjoyed their marvellous music and soloists.
Monica came back here with me and then we went into the UN together this morning.
So, thank God, all is well so far. I enjoyed a meal this evening near the UN with 89 year old Sr. Rita's two nieces, Maura and Gerri, plus Gerri's 12 year old James , an only child. They came in from Connecticut and drove me back here afterwards which was very nice indeed!
An update of the past two very full and busy days. Argentina was heard by the CEDAW Committee all day yesterday and it was most challenging. The voluntary groups had prepared very well and had given their side earlier. Its really great to see how the process works so well. Each country is monitored for two years to see if the Government implements what they promise here! Today we had the Figi Islands We had learnt the voluntary side of their situation during a special lunch yesterday so we knew it would be difficult today. Figi is a police state - there was a coup so they have no freedom. Three persons cannot associate in case they are plotting so plenty of tension in their working situation.
For us its not all work and no play! Sr.Monica, Argentina, and I decided to go along to Central Park last evening for an open-air concert. We were delighted we did so. The New York Philharmonic was joined by the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra. This was a new departure for New York and we really enjoyed their marvellous music and soloists.
Monica came back here with me and then we went into the UN together this morning.
So, thank God, all is well so far. I enjoyed a meal this evening near the UN with 89 year old Sr. Rita's two nieces, Maura and Gerri, plus Gerri's 12 year old James , an only child. They came in from Connecticut and drove me back here afterwards which was very nice indeed!
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