In Memory of Elizabeth Palmer

This morning I received the sad news of the passing away of Elizabeth Palmer a past World YWCA General Secretary and a visionary leader.  I was privileged to have known this remarkable woman as early as the seventies of the last century and to be exposed to the World YWCA through her.  She impressed me as a role model for leadership at the first YWCA international meeting that I attended on the Status of Women in Geneva.  Her charisma, and her commitment were so obvious.  During her term, she always  showed special attention and care and encouragement to the associations that were less privileged and were in conflict areas.  It was due to that encouragement and perseverance that many associations in Africa and the Middle East were able to stand on their feet and move forward.   

 

During world Y meetings that were conducted in English, she was even sensitive to those whose English was not their mother tongue.  She made it a point to remind the participants of the fact  that English is not the language of most of the YWCA associations, so she asked members to speak clearly and simply.  It was during that  meeting in Geneva  that I heard the acronym NGO for the first time.  And once again it was Elizabeth Palmer who drew our attention to the fact that many of the participants were not aware of what NGO  stood for as well as other acronyms used by the international community.  She insisted that when we speak,  make a presentation or write a statement we should be careful to mention the acronym  in full, at least the first time, and not take for granted the fact that it is  well known to everybody.

 

 The last time I saw Elizabeth was in London when we met at  the special celebration of the YWCA of Great Britain.   It was lovely to see her maintain her interest in the YWCA  despite her retirement and age.  I won’t be surprised that she never stopped being active or following up on YWCA issues until the last days of her life.  Bless her soul; she will be greatly missed as she left her mark on many associations.  May she rest in peace.