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OUR LIFE M O N T H L Y , published by Ukrainian National W om en’s League of America Vol. XXXIV JUNE No. 6 HOW WE WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE UKRAINIAN WOMEN'S ORGANIZATION TODAY Editor Marta Baczynsky OLGA STAWNYCHY Vice President of UNWLA. Speech given at the Third World Congress of the World Fe deration of Ukrainian Women’s Organizations in Toronto on May 30, 1977. Today there definitely exists a need for independent women’s organizations in the world. Organizations where women can lead themselves and implement their own programs designed to their needs and desires. In general the programs of our women’s organiza tions include: social — welfare, preservation of Ukrainian culture, traditions an religion, collection of the history of Ukrainian wo”men’s movement, struggle for human rights in Ukraine, contacting and working with other national and international organizations, publishing magazines and newsletters, educating children and other social and political matters. Some organizations limit their work to one or two of these, while others try to incorporate all into their pro grams. In the last ten years, we have witnessed a world re birth of feminism. This rebirth is also appearing among Ukrainian women. Traditionally the Ukrainian woman was well respected. It is true that the woman was the head of the household but her place was in the home and with the children. The careers that were open to her were teaching, nursing and in rare cases medicine. The business world was often closed to women. Women’s organizatons conducted social-welfare programs, demonstrated and prepared buffets. And un fortunately in the eyes of the community the later seemed to dominate. Even today many individuals and organizations still have that concept of a women’s organization and what is worse is that the wo”men’s organizations allow themselves to be regarded in that manner. As long as we, women, picture ourselves only as cooks, housewives or secretaries, society on the whole and other organizations, run by men, will continue to treat us that way. Why can’t women take responsible positions, other than just secretaries or ex-officio from their organization and run our international and national organizations* Today women have gained many of their civil rights. They hold responsible positions in government and in professional, academic and business communities. It is still not at the level that we would like to see it but it is slowly improving. The modern woman is well educated, has a wide range of interests and is an active partici pant in the social and political life of her country. Our women’s organizations have to aim for these same achievements. Their programs must appeal to the young woman. They must incorporate the current trends such as: preserving our Ukrainian heritage and trying it in with contemporary Ukrainian life; supporting actions for human rights in Ukraine on the national and interna tional level and maintaining contact with other women’s organizations. The goals of the organization must be for the good of the whole society and not just for the organization or its members. Following are other internal organizational problems which will influence the success and growth of an organization. Members of organizations, and especially its leaders must accept young women without reservation or suspicion. Young women should hold responsible positions and have a place within the leadership of our organizations. These are mature women and they don’t need to always be taught. The older women should give these women a chance in leadership and not be afraid tht they will take over. They should cooperate and willingly offer their expertise. In this way the organization will continue to grow and expand. The organization should have self-esteem, should respect its elected officials and all its individual members. It should accept new ideas and criticism for the good of the organization. The criticism should be constructive and positive, When criticising, it must be honest and with the intention to help. You should always look for positive things to say. In this way you help build up the character and self-worth of your member. The wrong approach can be detrimental. It may affect the member in such a way that she will not want to work within the organization and may also severe the ties with all Ukrainian organizations. The organizations should openly solicit and tolerate new ideas and become forums for controversial thoughts, otherwise they will become stagnant and inactive. The usage of our Ukrainian language must be realistically approached by our organizations. Ukrainian should be encouraged and used wherever possible. But, we have to be tolerant of those Ukrainians that cannot express themselves in Ukrainian. These individuals НАШЕ ЖИТТЯ, ЧЕРВЕНЬ 1977 23
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