World Federation Methodist and Uniting Church Women

11th World Assembly, Jeju Island, South Korea 

The Methodist Women held its own World Assembly from 11 - 17 July prior to the World Methodist Conference held in South Korea. 837 women from 71 countries met together - women from developed and under developed countries, from places of unrest, from different cultures, costumes and languages. Malaysia was represented by the GC-MW President, Presidents from the six AC-MW and an observer.

With the theme "Women Making a Difference" the conference discussed the role of women in society, church and the home. Through Bible studies, talks, creative workshops, cultural presentations and even a bazaar of handicraft, clothes, etc., participants were able to share their own situations and stories with each other.

A special emphasis was given to the Millennium Development Goals of the United Nations, which 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 Environment Sustainability
• Developing a Global Partnership for Development

Participants discussed strategies for action in meeting each of these goals in separate groups. Then an Action Plan Committee compiled and fine-tuned these into workable strategies that were presented to the Assembly and adopted. The women going back to their own countries are to work at meeting the goals of the action plan for the next five years.

The new President of the World Federation comes from the Philippines - Ms Chita Millan. Each of the Regional Areas also met for reporting and election of officers. Ms Eun Young Choi from South Korea was elected the President of the East Asia Area. It was also decided to hold the next EAA Seminar in Indonesia in 2008.

The Korean WSCS had put much effort to run a well organized Assembly, including the tea ceremony, making kimchi, and tasting Korean food. They made everyone welcome indeed!

The festival of Methodist women from around the globe gave colour as well as oneness to our gathering. It enabled us to see other people's problems and the need to pray and to show compassion for those in situations of injustice, inequality and conflict.

Can we as women make a difference in our church and society? As we see through God's eyes and know His heart beat I believe we can do much to touch lives and be involved with Him, by His grace and mercy. 

Based on reports written by
Mrs. Kamala Devadason
President, TAC-MW
Mrs. Irene Khoo
President TRAC-MW