by Erlina Rusty-Edwards, Vice President, Programs, TIAW
One of the tremendous benefits of membership with TIAW is traveling to foreign lands to meet with other women who aspire to make a difference in the world. When TIAW members travel together, we meet with our sister networks, form new alliances and gain an understanding of local economic, educational, and professional development challenges. The format is typically a one or two-day conference with high profile women committed to advancing women within their respective regions or country. Additionally, we are always briefed on how to do business within the country. This is of great importance since many of our members have benefited from contact with other members and individuals at this knowledgeable level, resulting in savings of time and money while learning about the real issues.
People and Culture
The women presenting in <?xml:namespace prefix = st1 /><st1:place>Hong Kong</st1:place> were accomplished in Politics, Business and Economics. Many were entrepreneurs. They could easily be compared to successful women in the West, though I must add that the total percentage of women at this privileged status is small. The residuals of male dynasties are still the focal point in <st1:place>Hong Kong</st1:place>, an apparently highly developed culture whose purpose is to keep the East alive. I found <st1:place>Hong Kong</st1:place> formal, fast and intense. Even though they are experiencing high unemployment, the city is about competition, finance and performance.
<st1:city><st1:place>Beijing</st1:place></st1:city>
The women who presented in <st1:city><st1:place>Beijing</st1:place></st1:city> appeared to be catalysts by nature. They were on a mission. They wanted women to embrace the idea that drastic changes are in the wind and that they - probably more than any other generation - can now rise in status to secure a greater station in their coming history.
I was particularly impressed with the All China Wome
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