ICARE had the privledge and honour of presenting at New Zealand's Parliament during a celebration of the 120th  Anniversary of Women's Suffrage. Thank you to the Honourable Minister Jo Goodhew for the invitation to Dr. Assil Russell to be guest speaker and share the stage with New Zealand's first woman prime minister Right Honourable Dame Jenny Shipley.  Thank you to Member of Parliament David Bennet for a wonderful day in parliament and a visit to the 9th floor of the Beehive, the office of Rt. Hon Prime Minister John Key. It was a huge honour to be able to speak about ICARE, children in Iraq and Dr. Russell's Waikato based dental project. Dr. Russell wore Purple which is the color commonly associated with the Suffrage movement because it represents dignity. A white camelia flower is also a significant symbol as in 1893, the suffragists presented white camellias to the members of the House ofRepresentatives who supported votes for women! 

 

To quote from Dr. Russell's speech:  "Manaki Tangata, Manaki Wahine, Manaki Tamariki, Haere Whakamua". Translation: Care for people, care for women, care for children (only then will we) go forward.