Date: March 14, 2006
Contact: Lindsay Gladstone
Governors State University
Phone: (708) 534-7090
Fax: (708) 534-8399
Email: l-gladstone@govst.edu
For Immediate Release
March 13, 2006, University Park - While the languages may be different, the cultures unfamiliar, and the countries far away, the exchange of ideas, the explanation of differences, and the understanding that develops is a priceless benefit of communication.
In celebration of Women’s History Month, the League of Women Voters of the Park Forest Area and College of Arts and Sciences at Governors State University, will bring together representatives from six countries to share and discuss the roles of women in their respective cultures.
“Perspective on Global Traditions” includes presentations by GSU Fulbright Language Teaching Assistants who have been attending the university and teaching classes during the past year. Each teacher will offer perspective on the woman’s role in their countries. The countries represented by the teachers are Nigeria, Oman, Russia, Turkey, Tanzania, and Germany.
“I will discuss women in politics in terms of holding government positions and the right to vote,” explains January Johns of Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania.“Many good things have developed in the past few years. Formerly, it was thought women could not lead. Women even thought they could not. Now we know women lead. Women have priority positions in ministries. We are optimistic. In the coming days, we will have a woman president.”
According to Penny Shnay, Vice President of Communications for the Park Forest LWV, “This is an important opportunity for the community to explore other parts of the world. The Fulbright teachers offer a unique perspective of how woman are viewed in other countries.”
“Perspectives on Global Traditions” is on March 23 from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. in the Hall of Honors at Governors State University, 1 University Parkway, University Park. The presentation is free and open to the public. For more information, call (708) 235-3956.
