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International Women’s Day Observed in Argentina
Written by UPF-Argentina
Thursday, March 12, 2015
Buenos Aires, Argentina—Five distinguished Argentinian women were acknowledged for their accomplishments during the celebration of International Women’s Day 2015.
Lila Fabiana Ferrari, María Teresa Herrera, Graciela Licciardi, Silvia Olguín and Andrea Vega were the guests of honor at a special tribute held on March 12 and organized jointly by UPF-Argentina and the Women’s Federation for World Peace (WFWP) of Argentina.
UPF-Argentina Secretary General Miguel Werner and WFWP-Argentina President Rosetta Conti de Castellón opened the ceremony with words of welcome. They also read aloud greetings and messages that had been sent by Martha Susana Pérez Chávez, president of the foundation Mundo Integrado; Amalia Isabel Daibes and Esteban Fauret from Pehuajó, founders of the ecological literary program Y volverán a ser árboles; María Marta Paternó and María Inés Alegnani from Buenos Aires, secretary and president of the Association of Latin American and Caribbean Teachers; and Irene Ortiz Teixeira, president of the Africa House in Argentina. A poem written by Donato Perrone (*) was also recited.
An official message from U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon was read aloud by Orfa Pérez, WFWP-Argentina’s secretary. In his message, the United Nations leader acknowledged the suffering of women not only under extremism and conflict but also in societies at peace, where “too many girls and women are still targets of domestic abuse, female genital mutilation, and other forms of violence that traumatize individuals and damage whole societies.”
The words of Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, co-founder of both UPF and WFWP, were read by Laura Correa de Varga, wife of the president of the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification of Argentina: “In the 21st century, women should play a greater role in world history, serving, along with men, as one of the wheels which carry forward the engine that builds a peaceful world. Going through a century of power and technology, women will be the central axis in building a new century represented by its culture of love and peace.”
Next, the recognition of five outstanding Argentinian women took place, with each of them expressing her emotion, gratitude, and memorable experiences.
Lila Fabiana Ferrari was acknowledged “for her profound vocation to teaching and for her efforts in educating wholeheartedly the young people who will change the future of our nation. For her passion for literature and her fundamental contribution in the accomplishment of a culture of peace through poetry.”
María Teresa Herrera was recognized “for her natural will for service in different entities where she shares her positive spirit and wisdom. For her pastoral work along with her husband, assisting, advising and supporting people who suffer from various problems due to emotional and spiritual needs.”
Graciela Licciardi, “for her valuable contribution to literature and arts as a narrator, poet, essayist and writer. For helping authors fulfill their dream of producing a book as the director of Enigma Publishing House. For her commitment and vocation to old people and children, providing help, affection and values.”
Silvia Olguín, “for her vocation of service and her firm commitment to the community, carrying out more than 20 years of volunteer work. For the protection, teaching skills and integration she offers teenagers and young people through folk dances.”
Andrea Vega, “for her commitment toward environmental protection and sustainable human development, carrying activities aimed at preserving natural resources through the Chacras Foundation of Buenos Aires, whose mission is to improve the quality of life.”
Entertainment was an important part of the tribute. Matías and Gonzalo, members of the folkloric group El Triunfo, coordinated by Silvia Olguín, offered a malambo and a gato (folk dances). Mabel Marcel sang “El día que me quieras” and “Algo contigo,” and, by popular demand, she also performed “Contigo en la distancia.” Laura Guardamino finished the musical section with two songs for all women, one of them in the indigenous Quechua language and the other in Portuguese, with Jinsu Giuliano at the guitar.
At the end the five honored women joined in a toast and cutting of a celebratory cake. All the guests received a souvenir printed with the words of Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, which summarize the heart of the honorees: “With their natural passion for love, patience and forgiveness, women can embrace the world as the oceans embrace the continents.”
Translation: Yamila Gómez
(*) Donato Perrone’s poem:
Una sola palabra,
MUJER,
en el horizonte con luz de igualdad
asoma la aurora que nos abraza
con caricia de madre,
y con ella un ser llamada
MUJER,
Eres el aire para la vida,
como la lluvia para la germinación
de la semilla,
eres bendita a los ojos de Dios.
Es una luz que se expande
sin distinción de razas, color o religión,
de su unión con el hombre nacerán nuevas auroras
buscando la armonía de las familias
bajo la divina protección de Dios
fuente de amor y paz.
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