I am a blog virgin and this is my first!   For many years, as a consultant I’ve been encouraging all my clients to learn about and utilize the many tools and platforms the Internet provides to allow them to increase their impact and many have done so to great success.   As I also teach courses at graduate schools, I’ve taught my students the same, bringing in experts from the field as guest lecturers to share the latest cutting edge information.  I simply familiarized myself on all this well enough to be able to describe where to look for guidance and how to begin.  I always have known that I have to walk the walk, not just talk the talk, if I truly am going to help people employ best practices.  So, I am taking the initiative and doing what I have guided countless others to do: becoming more alive and interactive on-line.

I leave tomorrow for Monrovia, Liberia to participate in an international Colloquium on Women’s Empowerment, Leadership and Development, International Peace and Security with women heads of state, government ministers, business and NGO leaders. We are being hosted by President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia and President Tarja Halonen of Finland.  We will consider concrete actions to achieve the Millennium Development Goal on Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment. Our discussions will be inspired by UN Security Council Resolution 1325, calling for women’s participation in conflict prevention, peacekeeping, conflict resolution and peace building. We also will consider climate change and strengthening women’s participation in sustainable development, protecting the environment and natural resources.

On my maiden blog voyage, I will post insights that I gain from this august gathering and possibly also my photographs that may capture a glimpse of what I know will be remarkable moments.  I will ask friends who also are participating in this Colloquium to post their comments and photos on my blog.  And, I welcome all of you connecting to us via cyberspace to post your feedback and questions on it as well.  I have a sense, since many will be blogging – no doubt, already are – about what they are doing and thinking about as we approach International Women’s Day on May 8, we might create a wonderful web of interconnected blogs updating each other from all points of the globe.  Since many are gathered at the United Nations for the annual Commission on the Status of Women and countless commemorations and deliberations have begun in myriad sites globally, including those who already are in Liberia, I believe the dialogue that others are engaged in and I now will contribute to will be rich and deep.

I always knew that sisterhood was global: I’m finally using a tool that will open the doors to real-time connection with my sisters and feminist brothers wherever they are who are doing and mulling over whatever they think is most meaningful at this moment in our history.  Brave voyage for all!

{ 10 comments… add one }
  • Nina Streich March 6, 2009, 3:43 pm

    How exciting! Both the trip and the new blog! I was a blog virgin very recently, too. I still find it a little weird that anyone might be interested in my musings on anything… Yes, it’s a brave new world, isn’t it? Looking forward to reading about your trip and seeing your photos.

    Reply
    • nhack March 7, 2009, 3:37 am

      Reply to Jerry Dunfey at Global Citizens Circle: We just arrived at our lodging about 3&1/2 hours ago so I’m trying to wake myself with a cup of coffee & get to Stadium for start of Colloquium after answering my first replies to my maiden blog! Lynn Sherr just came to my room very upbeat.

      Reply
  • Paula - Giving Back March 6, 2009, 3:58 pm

    Nadine, How wonderful to be on your way to Liberia for International Women’s Day! Please do share your spectacular photos with us when you can. Would love to be there with you but the photos and blog will have to suffice.

    As you may be aware, we are making a difference in the world with our social enterprise at http://www.1000womencanchangetheworld.org that uses technology to enable, educate and empower women to be all that they can be.

    We would like very much to intitiate a pilot program in Liberia. Perhaps, while you are there, you could keep be on the alert for a women’s organization that works with women, especially with training porgrams and/or microloans.

    Looking forward to your blog updates – Have a marvelous trip! Best always… Paula

    Reply
    • nhack March 7, 2009, 3:37 am

      Reply to Paula at Women Can Change the World: I definitely will keep my eyes open for any opportunities for Women Can Change The World!

      Reply
  • Jeanne Browne March 6, 2009, 4:18 pm

    Welcome to the blogosphere, Nadine! I’m so pleased that I’ll be able to follow this event through you, and so pleased for you that you’re there. Have a great visit — and keep on posting! Much love, Jeanne

    Reply
    • nhack March 7, 2009, 3:36 am

      Reply to Nina Streich at Peace Film Festival: The woman from Benin who I arrived at my lodging just came by my room to ask me to join her for breakfast. So many peace activists here: you’d be thrilled!

      Reply
  • Libby Bassett March 6, 2009, 5:48 pm

    Nadine, be sure to look up Thelma Awori, Dorothy Davis and other Sirleaf Market Women’s Fund board members who also are there. I know they’d be glad to see you.

    Regards,
    Libby

    Reply
    • nhack March 7, 2009, 3:34 am

      Reply to Libby Bassett at UNIFEM & Sirleaf Market Fund: I know Thelma, Dorothy & Market Women’s Fund well: will keep my eyes out for all of them.

      Reply
  • JERRY DUNFEY---PRES---GLOBAL CITIZENS CIRCLE March 6, 2009, 9:02 pm

    I JUST READ YOUR BLOG—HOME—SERVICES—REFERENCES—COLLABORATION—PRES/CEO—& CONTACT PAGES—

    —WOW—ALL VERY IMPRESSIVE

    —LOVE TO HIRE YOU FULLTIME—

    —ENJOY THE COLLOQ—HUGS TO THE PRES

    Reply
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