A leadership workshop for women in social service organizations
Syria, Culture, 5/18/2001

Under the Sponsorship of Baria Qoudsi Minister of Labor and Social Affairs, the US embassy in Damascus on May 17 inaugurated a " leadership Workshop for Women in Social Service Organizations" held at Burj al-Fardous Hotel in Damascus.

In a statement to Arabic News the Director general of the American Cultural Center in Damascus Steve Seche said that the workshop " inaugurated today is part of a program of co-operation between the American embassy in Damascus and the Syrian ministry of Social Affairs."

He added that the goal of the program is to strengthen the leadership skills, especially the women who manage social service organization throughout Syria. He said that for this reason my embassy brought two professional trainers- very experienced in women's development to Syria and they have conducted a series of workshops each one lasting 3 days in Lattakia, Aleppo, Homs and finally here in Damascus. He continued saying:" as our ambassador said in his remarks this morning: our involvement in this area is the result of our experience in the USA. We have learnt that government alone can not meet all the needs of all its citizens. Therefore, a partnership is required between government and between the citizens who wish to contribute to improving the lives of those who are unable for reasons of age, or health, or financial conditions to do so themselves."

Mr. Seche added " we find in Syria a wonderful enthusiasm on the part of the individual citizens to play a constructive role in their society and our intention is to contribute along with the Syrian government to their efforts, for the betterment of this nation.."

In a speech he made the American ambassador in Damascus Rayan Crocker indicated the good coordination and cooperation relations with the Syrian ministry of labor, noting:" your presence with us is an evidence on the care and interests shown by the Syrian government and people to ensure services for the success of this event."

Ambassador Crocker also indicated the key role played by non- governmental organizations side by side with governmental organizations to this end.

He highlighted the role played by the Syrian citizens in this realm of activity, noting what was said by the former US President John Kennedy 40 years ago addressing the American people: Do not ask what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.

In her inaugural speech at the workshop, the Syrian minister said that in its social and economic development plans Syria has concentrated on human resources as means for development.

She continued that the country's interest to getting women involved in the developmental operations has emerged after keen realization that any change in a society should be built on the concept of changing the position of the woman, the half of the society.

The minister continued that the Syrian woman proceeds forward to improving her conditions through realizing key achievements in all practical areas and that she succeeded in ascending to key posts.

She indicated that on this ground, the ministry of social affairs and labor offers necessary social services to improve women conditions through social care establishments of both the state and private sectors, through rural development centers and rural industries units spread all over the country.

Previous Stories:
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  Syrian artists are very aware of their history, mythologies and traditions   (5/12/2001)
  Woman and war: the Syrian part of an International campaign   (4/25/2001)

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