The name Huairou (why-row) honors the place

where grassroots women claimed their voice in

setting global policy. The non-governmental forum held in Huairou, China during the Fourth World Conference on Women in 1995 broke all records for the size of its representation from non-governmental organizations (NGO). With 35,000 in attendance - a vast majority of them women, it was a signifying event in the establishment of an active and visible global citizenry.

For grassroots women the event was a watershed. For the first time in a major modern international meeting, they spoke for themselves. In the Grassroots Tent, sponsored by a coalition of organizations from around the world, groups of women sat center front and described their local organizations, problems, solutions, campaigns, and demands to their peers and visiting professionals. Implicit in all their comments was an intent to have a say in governing their local, regional and international communities.

The Huairou Commission -- established at the end of ten days of testimony and strategizing in the tent -- may be unique in carrying forward, not just the spirit of the place but its fundamentally democratic practices.