In the evening of 21st January, the fourth and final traveling seminar, jointly organized by WHJ (Japan's Network for Women and Health) and JOICFP designed to raise awareness of the goals of ICPD among the public, was held in Tokyo. Over 90 members of the public attended to hear representatives of IPPF and UNFPA, and experts in the field of gender and gerontology discuss "World, Women Health - Women's Health and RH/R."

DeFillipo reiterated her points from the earlier meeting, and panelist Keiko Higuchi, Representaive, WHJ revisited the Fourth World Conference on Women, held in Beijing, with the following quote from the then director of UNFPA Nafis Sadik.

Ms. DeFillipo listens as other panellist speaks

Ms. Higuchi making keynote speech

" We must be courageous in speaking out on the issues that concern us: we must not bend under the weight of spurious arguments invoking culture or traditional values. No value worth the name supports the oppression and enslavement of women. The function of culture and tradition is to provide a framework for human wellbeing. If they are used against us, we will reject them, and move on. We will no allow our selves to be silences."

Outcome of seminars

As well as reaching the public, the four seminars were designed to revitalize local NGOs and women's groups, especially outside Tokyo, to reconfirm the importance of the ICPD Program of Action (PoA) and work to advance it.

Ms. Sodei talks about how one should lead healthy life

JOICFP found that supporting local NGOs and women's groups was the most effective way of reaching the public, as these groups have the local knowledge and networks needed.

Furthermore, JOICFP was able to build bridges "from Cairo to Beijing," linking and showing the importance of the ICPD PoA to the Beijing Platform of Action.

JOICFP would like to have further opportunities to accelerate advocacy in Japan for securing universal access to RH/R and services worldwide, thereby strengthening solidarity among women everywhere.