Margaret bids farewell as President for the overall European Union of Women, and Headquarters in Brussels and continues her legacy of relentless advocacy for equality, empowerment and progress here, with the European Union, Marina Alta.
Inspirational, leadership, guidance and commitment were some of the wonderful words used at an event to honour the many years that Margaret Hales had led the European Union of Women. First elected in 2012 as Vice President she became President in 2017 and finally retired in September of this year. The local group of EUW, based in Benitachell (EUWMA), surprised Margaret and her husband Gerald with a celebration which ended with a song – sung by the whole committee – ‘dressed in green’ (the colour of EUW).
‘I am amazed and humbled by your kind words and presents and flowers’, she said ‘It has been an incredible journey for me, especially as a Brit leading a European organisation, and this celebration means a lot to me and my husband who has supported me every step in my journey’.
Margaret will continue as President of the Marina Alta group and said she looked forward to a full programme of events in November working with women’s groups in the Marina Alta.
The next meeting of EUWMA will be during that week when the world campaigns for the Elimination of Violence against Women. The meeting event entitled ‘We reclaim the night’ is on 27 November at the Javea Golf Club Javea at 10am. A presentation and active demonstration by Mikelo Signes, two-time Spanish tai chi champion will be followed by a discussion on international initiatives to make women’s lives safer.
For information about EUWMA, see the website www.euwmarinaalta.org, email euwmarinaalta@gmail.com or visit Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/euwma.