Records of the Federation of Asia-Pacific Women’s Association

Abstract

The Federation of Asia-Pacific Women’s Association was founded in 1959, by distinguished international women with the highest academic and political backgrounds. They were products of the best universities in the world, a number of them were members of the Parliament of their respective countries if not the officers of prestigious world women organizations. The Federation was created with the objective to involve Asia and Pacific women in world affairs and to promote positive development for women in Asia. To foster cooperation for action towards equality of education, livelihood and political participation, FAWA was then surely far ahead of its time. In many ways the hopes and aspirations of 1959 are unchanged, still relevant to Asia-Pacific women today and still being strived for by FAWA’s member organizations in their respective countries for the progress of Asia and the protection of the ideals of freedom and justice, contributing to world effort for building a lasting peace. Charter Members included: •Burma -Union of Burma Council of Women’s Associations •Guam -Guam Women’s Club •Laos -Lao Women’s Association •Singapore -Federation of Girls Clubs (now Singapore Women’s Association) •Republic of China -Taipei International Women’s Club, Chinese Women Anti-Aggression League & YWCA •Thailand -Thai Culture Women’s Club •Vietnam -International Women’s Association •Philippines -National Federation of Women’s Clubs

Guam was a charter member nation of FAWA and Congresswoman Madeleine Z. Bordallo’s signature is on the official charter. She also served as President of FAWA in 1998 and the FAWA convention was held in Guam. The FAWA convention is held every two years and rotates between member nations. It has been held on Guam 4 times: 1964, 1978, 1990, 1998, and 2012.To date, 19 international conventions have been hosted by different FAWA member countries all over the Asia-Pacific Region. The themes of the conventions reflect the objectives for which FAWA was organized. In October 2012, Guam was the venue of the 20th Convention of the Federation of Asia-Pacific Women’s Association. FAWA President was Kristal Koga of Guam. She is a Past President of the Guam Council of Women’s Clubs, Past President of Soroptimist International of the Marianas, a member of the International Women’s Club, and we are very proud of her accomplishments. She is a fashion designer by trade and frequently hosts fashion shows for community benefits. The FAWA Planning Committee worked closely with FAWA Honorary President, Congresswoman Madeleine Z. Bordallo in planning the 20th Convention. Much hard work was invested to ensure its success. This once in a decade event was a very special opportunity for us on Guam to showcase our unique island and its warm hospitality.