President's Message Fall 2021

Dear Members and Friends,

karen kortsch
Karen Kortsch, IWC President


After almost two years of dealing with the realities of a worldwide pandemic, we find ourselves trying to adjust to a “new normal.” When I wrote to you last, we in North America were seemingly emerging from the worst and were hopeful that victory over the virus was in sight. But the global health crisis is far from over. We must stay vigilant and ever mindful of our role in protecting the health of the most vulnerable among us. IWC members, along with our partners around the world, have been working to strengthen women’s voices and leadership despite continuing challenges.


I hope that those of you who were not able to attend our special Tuesday gathering on October 12th have taken some time to watch the recording. It was a truly uplifting service designed to spark interest in the celebration of March 8, International Women's Day, and inspire those who are planning an International Women’s Day service for their congregation or women’s group in March or for Mother’s Day in May.  Our next special gathering, on Nov 23rd, will celebrate and highlight an annual UN campaign to fight gender-based violence. Please plan to join us!


As many of you are aware, the 26th UN Climate Change conference (COP26) is taking place as I write this, concluding on November 12th.  November 9th was dedicated to “Gender Day,” focusing on gender inequality surrounding climate change. A UN report concluded that 80% of the people displaced by the climate emergency were women. There were many more discouraging statistics shared, including a finding that 4 million girls from low income countries will be prevented from completing their education in 2021 alone. Lots of promises have been made by affluent countries to take action to reverse these sexist trends. It is our responsibility as world citizens to hold them accountable to their word.