NOW 2009-Zusammenfassung

6th International Conference for Women from Central, Eastern & Western Europe
June 11 – 14, 2009

International Meeting Centre, Marienthal
Convent Chapter, Ostritz/Germany

about the conference venue

WOMEN, EMPOWERMENT & YOGA

THE AWAKENING OF THE DORMANT POWER OF WOMEN IS ONE OF THE MOST URGENT
NEEDS OF THE AGE
(Amma)

	WOMEN´S EMPOWERMENT and participation on the basis of equality in all spheres of society is fundamental to improving the health of women and their families, the advancement of human rights, social justice and sustainable development.
	EMPOWERMENT refers to increasing the spiritual, political, social and economic strength of people. It involves developing self confidence, increased self awareness, the belief in their capability to influence events and a sense of dignity.
	YOGA is one of the most ancient and powerful systems empowering not only body and mind but also of allowing to think and act freely and to exercise choices for the benefit of all.
	INTERCULTURAL NETWORKING was at the core of the meeting - to deepen frienships across borders, to explore different cultures, to learn from one another and empower each other.
	Like in 2007 the 6^TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE organized by Netzwerk Ost-West provided a platform for women from East and West to give lectures and workshops, to participate in interactive programs and group work and to express their creativity.
	LECTURES AND WORKSHOPS covered a wide spectrum of subjects ranging from health to psychology (e.g. self confidence, personal empowerment), sociology (e.g. gender equality, intercultural communication, self defence), arts (painting workshops), music and spirituality.
	YOGA. The program was embedded in early morning Yoga classes, daily yoga nidra and meditation, musical and cultural events in the evenings. The integral system of traditional Satyananda Yoga was the heart of the practices.