*The 35th anniversary of NUEW was held on March 14, 2015 in Oakland, CA
(Western USA Zone). It started with Eritrean cuisine luncheon, “Taste of
Eritrea". During lunch, a documentary video was shown, produced by YPFDJ
entitled “Untold Stories”.*
*After lunch, friends of Eritrea and invited guests toured a photo
exhibition showcasing the achievements of Eritrean women during the past 35
years. Pictures that depict the past (armed struggle) the present
post-independence nation building (education, health, development) as well
as paintings of Eritrea by renowned American artist Betty LaDuke, based in
Oregon, were presented. *
*After a moment of silence and the singing of the national anthem, Merkeb
Yohannes and Sofia Russom introduced the program. Welcoming messages were
read by Ms. Samrawit Michael, Chairperson of NUEW, NA and Mr. Berhane G.
Solomon, Charge d’Affaires of the Eritrean Embassy in DC.*
*The keynote speaker was Ms Tekea Tesfamichael, the newly-elected president
of the NUEW. Solidarity messages were read by Ms. Hadnet Keleta
representing the National Council of Eritrean Americans (NCEA); Ms Tasion
Kwamilele, representative of Congresswoman Barbara Lee, the 13th district
of Oakland, Ms Caroline Mixoli, representing former mayor of Oakland,
Ms Jean Quan, and president of Oakland City Council, Ms Lynette McElhaney.*
*The Symposium panelists included:*
* “**Eritrean women fighters’ real life experience” Ms. Saliha Adem, member
of the executive council of NUEW*
* Ms. Betty LaDuke, “From Eritrea with Love”*
*Ms. Sophia Tesfamariam – Eritrean women’s exempleary role in national
building & Eritrean women in North America: their contribution to the
liberation & peace in Eritrea.*
*Ms. Tsige Nemariam- The origins of Eritrean women’s union in North America*
*Ms. Saba Sebhatu- Eritrean youth building bridges in generational conflict
& identities.*
*The sympeosium presentations were followed by a lively discussion among
the partcipants. *
*The evening celebrating the heroic role of the Eritean woman during the
past decades culminated with a musical concert with artists Elsa Kidane and
Wedi Zager at the Eritrean Community Cultural Civic Center in Oakland.*
Ibrahim Suliman
Cyber Adal press & publishing
720-422-4944
Received on Sun Mar 15 2015 - 11:04:09 EDT