Global Roundtable Focuses
on Single-Gender Experiences

	Teruko Wada, of Japan, Debra Nakatomi, GSUSA's International Commissioner and Natisha Thomas, GSUSA Global Girl Scouting staff, pass on the light of Girl Scouting at the Global Roundtable.
	Hanaa Oueini, of Lebanon and Esme Richards, of South Africa enjoy a light moment in the conference.
	Vandana Kapoor, of India and Susan Locsin, of the Philippines listen intently as the best practices of the single gender leadership programs are discussed.
	Mary Lynn Myers, Deputy Chair of the World Board, Elspeth Henderson, Chairperson, WAGGGS and Mary McPhail, Chief Executive, WAGGGS.

By Michelle L. Tompkins

Not even a dreary nor'easter could dampen the spirits of delegates from 16 countries who gathered for a global roundtable conference on the "Benefits of a Single-Gender Experience for Girls" at Edith Macy Conference Center, in Briarcliff Manor, N.Y. The conference, which convened from April 15-18, was hosted by Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) in conjunction with the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS).

"With girls around the world facing problems associated with inequality, under-education and various forms of abuse, it is imperative to give them a safe, single-gender environment to discover, connect and take action," said Kathy Cloninger, CEO of GSUSA. "It is so inspiring to have such a diverse group of people band together to discuss the importance of fostering female leadership in programs such as Girl Scouting for today's girls."

The conference included WAGGGS representatives from Canada, Chile, India, Italy, Japan, Kenya, Lebanon, Mexico, New Zealand, Nigeria, the Philippines, South Africa, Sweden, Tunisia, the United Kingdom and the United States. The event started with a reception and dinner on Sunday night, following which there was a flag ceremony led by Girl Scouts from Westchester*Putnam.

The second day began with breakfast and a group photo of GSUSA participants and WAGGGS members in their uniforms. Everyone then assembled in the Oak Room to explore issues facing girls globally, ways to deliver programs specifically to girls, global female leadership opportunities, and membership and fund-raising strategies.

Keynote speaker Marcia Ann Gillespie, former editor-in-chief of Essence and Ms. magazines, spoke of the impact Girl Scouting had on her when she was a child in the South. She spoke movingly about creating a "special oasis for girls." Gillespie noted that strong girls grow up to be strong mothers and leaders who are imperative for a strong society. Elspeth Henderson, WAGGGS Chairperson and Kathy Cloninger thanked the participants and spoke of the power a global Girl Scout Movement has in the world.

Judy Schoenberg, a senior researcher in Girl Scouts' Public Policy, Advocacy, and The Research Institute, presented statistical data on the "The Single Gender Experience for Girls in the United States." Following her presentation, WAGGGS representatives from the Philippines, the United Kingdom, Kenya, Chile and Lebanon explained the issues girl face in their countries. While each country had a few unique problems, it was clear that gender inequality exists all over the world.

"The face of poverty is a girl," Gillespie told the Conference at its opening, and Mary McPhail, Chief Executive of WAGGGS, reminded the participants in summing up the global situation girls face, challenged the departing participants as Gillespie had said to "put on your bold" for girls.

Norma Barquet, Executive Vice President, Mission to Market, GSUSA; Mary Lynn Myers, Deputy Chair of the World Board; Kathy Cloninger, CEO, GSUSA; Elspeth Henderson, Chairperson, WAGGGS; Mary McPhail, Chief Executive, WAGGGS; and Debra Nakatomi, International Commissioner, GSUSA.

Day three featured guest speaker Elizabeth Seja Min. A celebrated fundraiser and global advocate with an impressive past as a classical jazz musician, Min provided tips on how to increase financial resources on a global scale.

Continuing on with financial themes, the small groups explored how WAGGGS and GSUSA can best serve the needs of girls and identified challenges and best practices that will help the Movement make strides in the realm of leadership for girls.

At the conclusion of the conference on Wednesday afternoon, the delegates could be confident that they now had the information necessary to create a resource guide on the single-gender experience for the 2008 World Conference in South Africa. As they left Macy, they took it as a sign of a brighter future for girls in need around the world that the storm had subsided and beautiful spring weather lay ahead.