The conference program starts: YoWoCo!
Today I was fortunate to attend an incredible event hosted especially for the young women of the 35th World Conference. This event bought together young delegates from all over the world to share and learn- and do a little adventuring along the way! In true Aussie style (a la Jen Barron, Susan Campbell and Linden Edgell) we learnt, shared, explored, challenged and left truly inspired about the very important role which young delegates play in the World Conference. As delegates arrived I was able to gather many MyWorld votes- exciting as we have the Secretary General's signed podium at World Conference with us! First up We had the chance to talk to Nadine and Nicola (WAGGGS Chair and Deputy) to better understand how we can ensure our voices are heard by WAGGGS. We discussed our feelings about the conference and our understanding of the days which are to come. As a collective we made a simply stunning human map of the world as well (Aussies in the room represent!). Then our biggest challenge, using the information and tickets provided, head out into Hong Kong in Patrols and along the way stop for cultural activities- such as tai chi (for my group) and even scheduled meetings with inspiring local organisations (such as Her a Fund) and amazing women business leaders! Lastly we reconvened to hear Linden moderate a panel of 5 fantastic women - one representing each Region- talking about their roles in WAGGGS and how Girl Guiding/Girl Scouting has shaped their personal and professional lives. In our final session we brushed up on our confidence and networking skills- a must have for the conference! A celebration (in this case of the power of young women) wouldn't be complete without singing, so to close we all joined in the singing of an empowering song written by participants at the recent Sangam Arts Exchange. The young women's event, or #35YoWoCo as typed on social media all day, was a wonderful opportunity for the young women of the conference. We hope that WAGGGS continues to build on this event in the future as it should be an integral part of the a World Conference experience and urge any future young delegates to take up opportunities such as this!