"The Noise of Women"

This past Saturday, March 11th, I flew out to Abu Dhabi, U.A.E. to participate in a three day Global Women’s Leadership Conference – Communities in Transition. 1200 women (and men) from 87 countries participated. The speakers included: His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Her Majesty Queen Rania Al-Abdullah, Queen of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Mary Robinson, Former President of Ireland, Her Excellency Sheikha Lubna Al Qassmi, UAE Minister of Economy, Cherie Booth, QC, Noted British Attorney and Human Rights Advocate, Wife of UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, and Linda Ellerbee, Award-Winning journalist and Television Producer to name a few.
Not only did this conference include wonderful speakers, we also participated in panels, workshops, and student presentations. One of the panels was actually organized by a friend of mine from home, Emily Collins. Emily is now student teaching outside of Ashville, North Carolina. Her work was on Global Citizen Education: The Effects of Teaching from a Global Perspective.
Now I have to admit that in addition to all of the speakers, workshops and panels, there were lavish entertainments planned for us as guests of the UAE. The first night, there was an opening reception and the second night a Gala on the beach. The finale was an Arabian Desert Extravaganza, complete with fireworks, laser show, henna tattoos, and camel rides.
The best part of all was meeting these extraordinary women from all over the globe. Imagine so many people, regardless of gender, race, religion, age, and nationality, coming together to learn more about women not only as leaders, but as global leaders. I am looking forward to keeping in touch with these women!