My Reaction To The Conference

The conference was a unique experience for me. I have never before been in the presence of such talented and intelligent women, who at the same time managed to be so humble and kind. I felt that I was part of a larger family encompassing the globe, because everyone embraced me with open arms. It was especially fitting to have IDEA’s First International Women’s Conference in the same town as the First Women’s Rights Convention of 1848. A visit to the convention sight made me feel nostalgic, because I knew that as women with leprosy we are still struggling for certain rights denied us, just like Elizabeth Cady Stanton and her supporters.

Overall, the conference was wonderful, but there were three events that especially impacted me. First, I enjoyed learning about the lives of all the women through the speeches they gave. It was very emotional at times, because of the heartbreak and struggles that these women went through. Although their cultures were distinct and their stories took place in different parts of the world the isolation, discrimination, and pain they endured were similar. Many of the women were forced to make unjust sacrifices largely due to society’s ignorance. It was reassuring to hear that many took it upon themselves to change society’s view despite the consequences, since they felt obligated to make a difference for generations to come.

Second, the opening ceremony of the conference was remarkable. The participants from the various countries each wore their homeland’s costume and we formed a procession leading into the ceremony. The person representing each country was announced before being seated. The featured speakers spoke so eloquently and some choose to share with us the women who had touched their lives in some way. A purple, gold and white candle, the colors of Women’s Suffrage, was lit in remembrance of the First Women’s Rights Convention; as were the flowers that we placed at the wall of the Declaration of Sentiments. At the wall, being together as a group inspired us to sing and to keep singing, which was a lot of fun.

At the ceremony to officially open IDEA Center for the Voices of Humanity, I enjoyed reading the different banners with stories and pictures of the lives of various people with leprosy. I truly felt that we had a voice and that the center was a safe haven where our voices could be heard. Viewing the huge quilt consisting of fabric sent by IDEA members from around the world further gave me the assurance that I was part of a larger collection of people. One of the highlights of the ceremony was Anwei Law, IDEA USA Coordinator, having certain participant’s light candles in honor of those that had passed away and had touched our lives in some way. At the end of the ceremony I read my poem Journey, which was fitting since I believe that as women with Hansen’s Disease we have all gone down the same path but that path had different outcomes. I was touched that we had the support of the small community of Seneca Falls. They came out to participate in the conference’s various events. I know I felt welcomed by them and I’m sure everyone else did as well. Some of the churches in the area hosted our meetings and provided most of our lunches and dinners. The parishioners themselves made the meals and served them. The variety in dishes was delicious.

In conclusion, the conference was a huge success. It brought together a group of women that would not ordinarily be able to come together. We were able to share our lives, our struggles and our hopes for the future with IDEA at the forefront. I was really impressed by all the work that the various IDEA chapters around the globe had done. It made me proud to be an IDEA member and gave me the push to want to do more.