CANDLE CEREMONY

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31614, 27 February 1968, Page 2

CANDLE CEREMONY

A candle - lighting ceremony, symbolising the economic, social and academic aspirations and endeavours of more than 300,000 women in 38 different countries, was held in the Lady Wigram Hall by the Christchurch branch of the International Federation of Business and Professional Women.

The international night ceremony, which was planned more than 35 years ago by the founder, Dr L. M. Phillips, of the United States, is held annually to remind members of the history of the federation. The candles used in the ceremony were divided into two groups. Each white candle represented the federations in 26 different countries and each blue candle stood for one of the 12 countries in which there is an associate club. These clubs, which are the centre of an organisation, have not yet achieved the stature of a federation.

When lit, each candle represented the path ahead for those working for progress and peace, the president of the Christchurch federation (Miss M. Grant) told the audience.

The candle in the centre of the group, represented the oldest and largest of the international federation’s affiliates, the National Federation of Business and Professional Women’s Clubs of the United States, which was formed in 1919.

Through the influence of its members, who visited and shared common interests with women in the United Kingdom and Europe, groups were organised in Italy, Canada, France, Austria and the United Kingdom. Eleven years after its formation, the United States federation invited women from 16 countries to meet in Geneva and the international federation was formed. The tallest candle represented the international federation. Although members

speak in many languages and live in countries with differing traditions, they share fellowship and understanding through being devoted to the same objectives. These common objectives are: to organise business and professional women for the use of their combined abilities and strength in all parts of the world; to work for high standards of service; to present the views of business and professional women to world organisations; and to promote friendly relations and understanding among business and professional women of all countries. The federation also encouraged women and girls to acquire occupational training and advanced education, and the participation of trained women in the community and in the business of government, said Miss Grant. Today the international

federation was a powerful organisation of world importance and public opinion and legislation in many countries had been influenced by its work, she said.

Through it women had broadened their horizons, rights, skills, opportunities, and their service to one another and to the community.

Opinions obtained from national federations and associate clubs are presented to the United Nations Organisation through the international federation. It also has consultative status with United Nations bodies.

In a practical way, it had helped the United Nations relief and rehabilitation programme for refugees in the Middle East by the education and training of many young women, Miss Grant said.