Dear
members of INWES,
As we approach the
end of the year, I would like to thank all of you for making 2012 another fruitful
year for INWES. I am very thankful that the 2012 INWES Regional Conference,
which took place on 12th and 13th of October in New Delhi, India was a great
success. I would like to especially congratulate Sangeeta Wij, President of
WISE-India and her organizing team for hosting their first international event.
For those who were
in India, I am sure you enjoyed the two day meeting and its themes of
“Women in Science, Engineering, Architecture, Technology and Consultancy”
and “Green Infrastructure and Projects”, as well as the exotic cuisine, warm
hospitality and rich culture of India. For those who could not make it to the
meeting this time, you will find information in our newsletter as well as on
the website of WISE-India (www.wiseindia.org).
In
addition to the regional conference, our first INWES regional network, the 2012
APNN (Asia and Pacific Nation Network) was held in Kuala Lumpur on June 13th,
hosted by IEM (Institution of Engineers, Malaysia). I am happy to say that our
regional network in Asia and the Pacific is developing well, thanks to the
Chair organization, KWSE and our members in Asia and the Pacific. We look forward
to the 2013 APNN which is to be held in Taiwan next year, hosted by the newborn
organization TWiST (The Society of Taiwan Women in Science and Technology).
The
board members of INWES have had a busy year too. At the INWES board meeting
held on the 14th and 15th of October in New
Delhi, India, important decisions about for the 2013 regional conference were
made and we look forward to meeting many of our African members in Nairobi, Kenya
next year, hosted by the AAWSE.(Association of African Women in Science and
Engineering). In the meantime, an African regional network is actively being pursued.
The board is also putting their best efforts into the preparation of ICWES16,
which is planned for 2014 in Los Angeles, USA.
This
year, there has been a change in the executive body of INWES. We are fortunate
to welcome Liette Vasseur and Sangeeta Wij as our new Vice Presidents and Jung
Sun Kim as our new Secretary General. They are taking over from Marlene Kanga,
who has resigned due to her duties as the National President of Engineers Australia,
and Pam Wain’s current health problems. However, both Marlene and Pam will
remain as board members. We offer our congratulations to Marlene and best
wishes for a fast recovery to Pam.
Other changes
include the appointment of a new membership committee chair, Kayako Sugahara,
and co-chair of programs and projects, Margaret Ajibode. Sue Bird (past
president), Monique Moutaud (president-elect) and Joan Graf (treasurer) remain
as executive members. As board members, Roseni Dearden (chair of
communication), Rufina Dabo Sarr (chair of advocacy), Uduakobond Okon, Ewa
Okon-Horodynska and Nageen Ainuddin continue working for INWES.
I
look forward to having more of you involved in INWES activities, and welcome
any suggestions and ideas any time of the year. INWES will try to support as
much as we can. I hope to have another good year to work together to make
changes for a better world.
Wishing everyone
Happy Holidays and a Peaceful New Year!!
Warm regards,
Kong-Joo Lee, Ph.D.
INWES President
