Similar projects are now being launched in the state of Hidalgo and in Mexico City. Volunteer specialists, FEMU members and professionals from other collaborating non-governmental organizations provide legal, social work and psychological counselling. Over two hundred girls participated in the one-day event designed to prepare the students for the job market and to provide information on job opportunities for the 21st Century. Funding for the project was provided by the Global Fund for Women. The project, which promotes computer literacy, targets women from low income areas of Karachi and students with limited resources.
Girls leave the summits with an action plan for addressing their concerns.
The brief serves as the basis for CFUW's lobbying efforts. Concerned about decreasing membership worldwide, the 26th IFUW Conference mandated the Board of Officers to explore and test new forms of individual membership that could attract the growing numbers of women graduates whose lives and occupations allow little time for local activities. After consultation with the Membership and Finance Committees, the Board decided on a pilot programme offering individual international membership through the Internet. During the test period, from now until the 83rd Council meets in Ottawa in 2001, individual international membership will be open to graduate women applying through the Internet, irrespective of place of residence. Like the current independent members, they will be entitled to attend IFUW regional and international meetings, participate in IFUW networks, apply for fellowships and visit IFUW national affiliates when travelling abroad.