United Nations' UNIFEM discusses women's issues at Fairfield University | Press Releases

UNIFEM, the United Nations Development Fund for Women, will host a lecture on international women's issues on Wednesday, April 26, at 7:30 p.m. in Fairfield University's Regina A. Quick Center for the Arts. Guest speaker is Barbara Crossette, United Nations correspondent for The New York Times, who will discuss "The United Nations and Women: A Global Perspective."

Crossette served as a correspondent in Southeast Asia, Central America and the Caribbean and was the former diplomatic reporter in the Times' Washington Bureau. She has also worked as deputy foreign editor and senior editor for the paper's weekend news operations and is the winner of such journalism honors as: the George Polk Award, the Silurians' Lifetime Achievement Award and the Excellence in International Reporting Award from InterAction. The author of three books, she is on the faculty of the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.

UNIFEM will also present a Lifetime Service Award to Ruth Steinkraus-Cohen of Westport, a longtime United Nations supporter. In 1958, Ms. Steinkraus-Cohen established the International Hospitality Committee which has provided more than 52,000 students, teachers, government representatives and UN delegates from around the world with an opportunity to spend time in American homes.

In addition, she founded jUNe Day, which honors 500 international guests each year in Westport and is made possible by the efforts of more than 100 local volunteers. She also created the United Nations Calendar for Peace which raises monies to inform the public about the United Nations and its achievements.

A question and answer session, moderated by Dr. Katherine Kidd, director of International Studies at Fairfield University, and reception will follow the lecture. Tickets are $10 and may be purchased by calling (203) 254-4010 or toll-free at 1-877-ARTS-396.

The International Studies, Women's Studies and Asian Studies programs, and the Journalism program of the English Department at Fairfield University are sponsors of this event. Co-sponsors are 50/50 by 20/20, UNA/USA/CT, the Center for Women and Families, Bahai, the Women's Center and Black Studies Union at Housatonic Community College, UNIFEM/USA/CT and Igbo Women's Association of Connecticut.