The Road to Ending Violence Against Women

The World Federation of Ukrainian Women's Organizations represents the interests of Ukrainian Women at the United Nations, through its Economic and Social Council and through its subsidiary bodies.  Each year the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women has is a two week session in the United Nations Headquarters in New York City.  International attendees to this session  number in the thousands.  And representatives of all the Ukrainian Women's Organizations worldwide participate too.

I recall sitting as a representative of the Calgary's Ukrainian Women's Association of Canada on the Calgary Local Council of Women.  That was a while ago, just about the time the Natasha's, written by Victor Malarek was gaining attention by the women's community.  Bringing his book to the meeting started a lively discussion, and the book disappeared into the hands of some powerful women who later brought this issue to the attention of  provincial and national bodies of the Council of Women.  It received attention! 

All women can have a similar impact!  It just takes a few very well placed words to bring important issues forward.  It is a small drop in the bucket, however every drop adds up, and eventually becomes a deluge!  That is what women can do together.

Eliminating and Preventing All Forms of Violence Against Women and Girls is the topic of a panel co-hosted by the United Nations Committee on the Family (New York) and The World Federation of Ukrainian Women's Organizations.    I know that Calgary's women stand in solidarity with those suffering from gender-based violence.

This International Women's Day at 2:30 til 4 PM at the Church Center of the United Nations Plaza in the Boss Room ( 8th floor)  - Friday, March 8, 2013 the World Federation of Ukrainian Women’s Organizations and the UN NGO Committee on the Family( NY) will host

When Will the Violence Against Women and Girls Stop?
Global Solutions

"Mobilizing Outrage: Women Reacting to Public and Private Violence in Ukraine and elsewhere: Comparative Strategies"
Martha Kichorowska Kebalo, PhD
"Strategies to Convince Men in Developing Countries to Stop Sexual Violence"
Mr. Rehman Azhar, LL.M.

Moderator: Dr. Janet Sigal, Co-chair, UN NGO Committee on the Family, NY
American Psychological Association Main Representative to the United Nations,
Co-editor with Florence L. Denmark, Violence against Girls and Women: International Perspectives (In Press)

This non governmental organization parallel event is organized by the World Federation of Ukrainian Women's Organizations (WFUWO) with the United Nations non governmental organization Committee on the Family, NY and co-sponsored by the American Psychological Association; World Organization for Early Childhood Education; Make Mothers Matter International; International Federation for Home Economics; Universal Peace Federation; New Future Foundation, Inc.; Harlem Women International; International Council of Psychologists.

While in Edmonton I heard that a similar meeting would be held there - would one of the readers place the information in the comments box for everyone to share?

Chester Kuc has Passed

When the Edmonton Ukrainian community thinks of Ukrainian dancing, a giant of a man rises in the memory. With a passion for everything Ukrainian, and a talent for community involvement nurtured by thoughtful and future's oriented parents, it is so hard to say Vichna Pamyat' (Eternal Memory) for Chester Kuc, who fell asleep in the Lord in the early morning hours of February 16, 2013.

A huge love of everything Ukrainian, with musical talent, drama skills, artistic hands and eyes, the Ukrainian community will probably mention the power of his impact on Ukrainian dancing on the prairies first. The formation of one of the largest dance schools in Edmonton, and the founding and artistic direction of both the Shumka Dancers and Cheremosh are just the most visible reminders of his work. Recognized over the years for his dedication to community, artistic work, and numerous high level ethno-cultural activities over his lifetime, Chester also received prestigious awards and accolades internationally. A gift of time, talent and treasure, Chester himself was a treasure. Highly knowledgeable in the arts, he was particular and conducted extensive research to assure authenticity in both stage representation of culture and materials, amassing a huge collection of artifacts in a variety of genres. His talent for always finding time for the important things in life allowed him to develop close ties, and influence the level of expertise across the arts spectrum, but especially so in the Ukrainian community. A father, a husband, a person of great vision and faith in the Ukrainian Canadian community has passed.
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Prayers for Chester Kuc will be served on Thursday, February 21 at 7:00 p.m. at St. John's Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral, 10951 - 107 Street. The Funeral Rite will be served on Friday, February 22 at 10:00 a.m. at St. John's Ukrainian Orthodox Cathedral with Right Reverend Stephan Semotiuk officiating with interment in St. Michael's Cemetery.
In typical fashion, the family has requested that any donations made in Chester's memory be made to Kule Chair for Ukrainian Ethnography or to the Ukrainian Canadian Foundation of Taras Shevchenko, 202, 952 Main Street, Winnipeg, MB R2W 3P4.
To send condolences, visit
www.parkmemorial.com

Eternal Memory!  Vichna Pamyat'!

Sweets, Ukrainian Culture and Poetry

So many exciting projects taking shape in Alberta's Ukrainian world! Time for you to meet Myroslava Uniat - whom I have it on good account is a poet, and a very interesting, enthusiastic person! She is inviting students, teachers and those interested in Ukrainian culture and poetry to the Carrot Art Cafe at 9351-118 Avenue (http://artsontheave.org/thecarrot/) in Edmonton to see her video poetry, hear her poetry read, and be part of an exciting, sweet and inspiring arts experience!

Come for coffee and sweets (special things with Ukrainian flavour) on Sunday, February 24 from 3-5 PM for an event that is part of the Spoken Word Centre "Siajvo" community. You may also take part in some of her fun exercises for writing too!

"Siajvo" is also planning a similar event for March 17 at 6 PM about Ukrainian songs, inviting musicians and songwriter to attend. More information to come!

Myroslava has already had an impact on a young generation of Ukrainian Canadians, including Edmonton videographer Cassian Soltykevych and Calgary musician Daria Storoschuk. Stimulating creative juices - check this out at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IP5WZfKN8dg.

Calgary Bandura Lessons

How very exciting that Calgary has become and economic magnet, attracting talented people from around the globe! With new immigration from Ukraine there are now very interesting opportunities - for Calgary and for the new arrivals.

One such new opportunity has arrived in the person of Iryna (Melnyk)  Kalinovich, a person of musical talent and professional bandura training. If you were at Calgary's Ukrainian Christmas Carol Festival in December 2012, you may have enjoyed her lovely performance of "Sleep Little Baby Jesus" a favorite lullaby in the Ukrainian Christmas music tradition. If not, enjoy it here at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3jonIBJFbds.

A contemporary of Iryna has already set up her heritage school of bandura in California - can you imagine if Calgary could have something similar?  Take a look at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1tDMS0wSDk0

Currently living in Cochrane, Alberta with her husband Robert, the newly transplanted banduristka will be happy to work with both adult and children bandura amateurs, beginners and experienced. Weekend and evening lessons are available, just call Iryna at 403-926-4425.

Приватні уроки бандури з професійним викладачем. Рада працювати як з дорослими і дітьми, початківцями, так і досвідченими. Вечорами та у вихідні дні уроки доступні в Cochrane.

Call or text Iryna at: 403-926-4425

For more about the National Instrument of Ukraine you can watch another  master of bandura from Kyiv at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJeBgeMcuyc.

HART Helping Children in Ukraine

Calgary is blessed with social services, care networks, and support for people who are on hard times. Whether unemployed, or caught in the spiral of addictions, fighting physical or mental disabilities, or victims of crimes - we are so fortunate.  Medical coverage, emergency services, drop in centers and shelter for the homeless - these are all products of forethought and humanitarian thinking. But it is very different in other places in the world.

With the collapse of "empire", Ukraine's early moments of independence in the modern era were filled with challenges, among them poverty, and spiritual need.  Personally confronted with the stark realities of Ukraine in the 1990's HART President and Founder Lloyd Z. Cenaiko (originally of Saskatchewan) felt the call to help his ancestral homeland. With the Humanitarian Aid Response Teams - International Relief, he has gathered similar minded change leaders to energize and provide resources to needy people in Eastern Europe- specifically Ukraine.

HART is again hosting their Annual Summer Camp Auction and Ukrainian Dinner here in Calgary on Friday, March 15, 2013.  The goal of this fundraiser is to help send 4,000 to 5,000 underprivileged children from Ukraine, Moldova and Belarus to summer camp.  Children with special needs, orphans, the homeless, kids from juvenile detention homes, and those in poverty could benefit from this mission of hope - with Calgary's support.

The event takes place at Centre Street Church - 3900-2nd Street NE, Calgary.

For tickets or for more information contact HART at 403-230-8263  or tickets@hart.ca