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PREAMBLE
In the late Sixties, WSCF Asia/Pacific initiated the
Leadership Formation Programme for the region.
Since then
it has been held and
developed as a rich and valuable tradition.
Gradually the concept of leadership formation shifted its emphasis. Eventually in 1982 this programme was altered
as the Human Resources Development [HRD] Programme.
“SCMs in solidarity with Women's
Struggle for Change in Asia/Pacific” was the theme or the USCF Asia/Pacific
Region HRD programme for 1965.
The decision of the Regional Committee to dedicate and
organise a whole HRD programme on Women's Struggle for change is in itself a
concrete act and solid expression of the deep concern and solidarity with
women's struggle in Asia/Pacific (and indeed the whole world). The point was
never more forcefully carried through and in such a concentrated manner than at
HRD'85 held from 17th May to 7th June at Fifth College of University Malaya in
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The whole programme was structured according to a conscious
and intentional bias for fuller women's participation and greater opportunity
for them to self-determine the course of their own development. Thus there were
more women participants at this programme as never before.
Never has male domination (and "the patriarchal system
with its attendant male chauvinistic ideology) bore such close scrutiny &
analysis, if only at an ideological level. The 21 days of struggle... probing,
groping, coping etc. were exhilating for some,
refreshing for others, stimulating for yet others. But it was never dull or worthlessly spent.
Participants were touched in one way or another to the core of their own
beings.
For three weeks the participants went through a series of lectures,
worship, bible studies, exposures, workshops, national & movement reports,
case study and fellowship.
At the end of it, it was a new beginning for many, yet
another inspiring, encouraging hope for those already in the struggle for a
while now. But all were clearly more
resolute in expressing solidarity. And more than that wanting to participate in ongoing struggles but
also initiate building up consciousness of the struggle.
A group photograph of the
participants of HRD '85