Evenings of Culture, Fantastic Food and 'Game of Thrones' - 16th European Guide and Scout Conference

 

Visiting Klis Fortress

Michaela (a Rainbow Leader and Ranger) shares her experience of the Croatian culture as part of the UK delegation during the 16th European Guide and Scout Conference in Split...

Reflecting on a busy day of discussing motions and learning in forum sessions, it was about time to experience some Croatian culture. After a short bus ride to Klis fortress, we made our way up the rocky path towards the fortress.  For the Game of Thrones fans, you may be aware that the fortress is featured in Season 4, Episode 4 as the Pyramid of Meereen. We enjoyed traditional Croatian food that was served part way up the fortress path with a stunning view overlooking the city of Split whilst Croatian singers sang.   I think we can say that the Soparnik, a flat, savoury pie with spinach and garlic, was a hit among our delegation!

Croatian Flag

It was lovely to be able to explore such a beautiful country that is rich with culture and that is also the birth place of some everyday items.  I didn't realise that the Cravat (which goes by the English name of a Tie) originated in Croatia!  We learnt that Croatian ladies used to wear a head scarf that they would cry into when their husbands were going to leave.  The husbands would take this scarf with them and kept them round their necks, from this, the Cravat was born!  We also learnt that Dalmatian dogs originate from Croatia, specifically from the Dalmatia region.

As we continued up the fortress path the Game of Thrones theme became apparent as the theme music, played by a live band, grew louder as we got closer to the fortress.  We were greeted at the fortress entrance by Daenerys Targaryen, a princess from Game of Thrones, and had some time to explore.  Looking down over the city of Split was stunning; beautiful colours illuminating the sky as the sun set and the glow of the city lights in the darkness.  There was the opportunity to have a go at archery and to pose for a picture with swords before heading back to the accommodation after a tiring day.

The Closing Ceremony

Closing Ceremony

After five days of conference with  discussions, voting and elections, the only thing left was the closing ceremony.  It was quite an amazing feeling being part of the UK delegation and this is something that I will always be proud of.

Once again we enjoyed traditional singing which was performed by a well known Croatian soprano before tucking in to an alfresco buffet with lots of Gnocchi.  The closing ceremony took place in a local park which involved games using environmentally friendly balloons and music.  The atmosphere was super lively with people from all countries and delegations chatting and celebrating coming to the end of a fantastic conference.  We even managed to get some photos with the #GlobalGuiding frame! 

We are now looking forward to see what the next triennium has to offer!

Motion 32 - Young Women in Governance Study (16th European Guide and Scout Conference)

Beth (left) and Leah (right) at the 16th European Guide and Scout Conference

During the 16th European Guide and Scout Conference in Split, Croatia, we attended a session about understanding why there are fewer young women in decision-making roles. We caught up with Leah and Beth, two members of the group that are working on this project, to find out more.

Who are you?

Beth is from South West England. She first joined Girlguiding as a Rainbow and now volunteers with Rainbows and Guides. She is also an Action for Change Network Coach (https://www.girlguiding.org.uk/girls-making-change/ways-to-take-action/action-for-change-campaign/), as part of Girlguiding's advocacy network.

Leah is a research officer at Girlguiding HQ and has worked on the Girls Attitudes Survey (https://www.girlguiding.org.uk/girls-making-change/girls-attitudes-survey/). Her job involves trying to understand the lives of girls and young women across the UK, and using that evidence to make change in society.

Leah and Beth are both members of the Motion 32 project team.


What is Motion 32?

During WAGGGS conferences conference documents are released containing 'motions', which are proposals that are put out for member organisations (e.g. Girlguiding UK) to vote on.

Motion 32 was put forward at the last WAGGGS World Conference in India in 2017 (https://www.wagggs.org/en/about-us/governance/world-conference/36th-world-conference/). It centered around the lack of young women in decision making roles in WAGGGS, and the fact that there were no candidates under the age of 30 running for election for the World Committee in that year. The motion aimed to promote more age diversity within the highest levels of governance.

When the time came to vote, Motion 32 was passed.

Since this decision, the world board has been working to investigate why more young women aren't taking up decision making roles at a global, national and regional level within the Guiding movement.


 What is the Young Women Research Team?

The Young Women Research Team is a group formed of 2 young women aged 18-30 from each WAGGGS region - that is the Europe, Western Hemisphere, Asia Pacific, Africa and Arab regions. Leah and Beth are both part of the Young Women Research Team representing the Europe Region.

What are your goals?

The aim of the project is to develop a better understanding of any barriers stopping young women from taking up decision making roles. We want to hear from Girl Guides and Girl Scouts across Europe (and globally) so that we can suggest possible solutions. We hope these suggestions will see more young women take up decision making roles that are equal and meaningful.


How can Member Organisations get involved?

MOs (e.g. Girlguiding UK) can support young women to have their voices heard by encouraging them to complete our online survey on this issue: www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/JYH9KZB

We also have a range of other surveys available for those who are not young women (18-30) but would still like to share their thoughts and experiences.

'Wall of Women' at the WAGGGS Europe Conference 2019, celebrating young women in decision making roles.

What are your next steps?

Leah and Beth presenting Motion 32

Our next steps include reviewing the opinions gathered during the regional conference from interviews, polls and workshops.

In December we will meet with the rest of the Young Women Research Team to share, compare and analyse our findings. We will then write a report which will highlight key findings and provide reccomendations on how to improve the situation. This report will be shared in July at the next World Conference, where Member Organisations across the five WAGGGS regions will meet to discuss Girl Guiding and Girl Scouting issues.


Getting In Touch

If you have any questions you can contact Beth and Leah at leah.widdicombe@girlguiding.org.uk