Message from the UNWA President,  Tazeen Rehman

Dear Members,

April was our first month as the new UNWA Committee, and we got off to a flying start. We got board members together, despite many people being away for the spring break. The newsletter was compiled in the record time of one week. But it came together after a whirlwind of e-mails, and I am sure you are delighted with the result. Naoko and Nancy have some brilliant ideas, and aim to produce interesting reading for you.

The April General Meeting discussed, "Crimes against Women and Society’s Responsibility", presented by Mr. Mahfuz Anam, which generated a lively discussion. There was a contributory lunch afterwards but it seems that not many people are interested in food!

Now for the serious business. Volunteers are needed for a number of Committees. We would like to complete this by May, so that UNWA can then go ahead at full strength. Volunteers are needed for the following Committees:

MEMBERSHIP: Two volunteers are needed for coordinating and updating the membership directory.

ACTIVITIES: This time in order to lessen the burden on the membership chairperson, we will have at least four activity members, and each will be responsible for two to three activities. The Committee will be responsible to the Vice President. They will submit a programme of activities for the coming year and the board will approve that programme. We hope to have diversity in our programmes.

REVISION OF SETTLING IN BANGLADESH: This UNWA publication needs revision. Each area would be designated to three or four members. They will update the information in their designated field.

UN BALL: This is our major annual fund-raising event, held in October. We need to start planning for it, so please volunteer to help.

Please contact me, the Vice President or the Secretary to give your names. I hope to get a very positive response from the members.

I would like to welcome newcomers to UNWA and to urge those who have not become members to do so.10.30 am at the Sonargaon Hotel, May 22 is the International Day for Biological Diversity; our guest speaker will be Mr. Enam ul Haq, a well known environmentalist. Mr. ul Haq will talk about eco-tourism in Bangladesh, including ideas for interesting trips to the countryside.

Best wishes,

Tazeen Rehman