THE NINTH INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS

Evening Post, Volume CVI, Issue 14, 17 July 1923, Page 9

THE NINTH INTERNATIONAL CONGRESS

A brief report of the ninth International Congress of Women held at Rom« contains much of interest to women in general. Mrs. Corbett Ashby, of Great Britain, has been elected as president for the year, Mrs. Chapman Catt having definitely refused to take office agsm at present, but accepting the hon. presidency, which does not carry so many onerous duties. The congress has admitted 13 new countries to membership since the sessions' started, including India, Japan, Egypt, Palestine, New* foundland, Spain, and Rumania. Ons of the most significant signs of the times is the joining of the Eastern women as enfranchised countrywomen. The pledge of Signer Mussolini to begin the enfranchisement •of Italian women by giving them the municipal vote is regarded .with great eatisfaction, as it will be the start for the women of the Latin races, who form the only block of countries in the world in which women remain voteless. The effect of the congress in Rome and Italy has been.good. Press reports have been full and admirable, and public meetings well attended. Unenfranchised women, and members from all parts of the world. hay« spoken at the last-named meetings The programme of the Alliance covered a wide field. The congress carried resolutions on equality of pay and work, declaring for equal education and training for women; for openings in all'professions; for admission to Civil Services,- including th« right of adrancement to higher posts. A declaration wa« made against restrictions- on the right of married women to work.

The most unanimously adopted: resolutions were those concerning the nationality of married wonien, which pledge the alliance to international action ' to secure the right of the married woman to retain or choose her own nationality. Resolutions were also passed on the necessity of securing the adhesion of all countries to the League of Nations. A special resolution deploring the fact that the Egyptian Government has taken away the rights of girls to enter for examinations has been carried, among many others of general interest. . The delegations came from 43 countries, and the personality of the women was of great interest. Among them wer« women leaders. of every type, and they included members of Parliament from Denmark, Sweden, Germany; Poland, and Czecho-Slovakia. ■ ■ ••