This issue of Women in Action was particularly enjoyable to prepare. We read through numerous materials at the Resource Center and found it inspiring to know that many individual women and women's groups from all over the world are using diverse forms of cultural expressions towards organizing and empowerment.

We feature various cultural forms from dance, painting, prose, poetry, theater, as well as other forms of cultural expressions of women such as the arpilleras in Latin America and the use of khanga in Africa.

We include women artists from Asia Pacific, Africa, the Caribbean, USA, and Europe. Cultural differences are no longer barriers when women express themselves through art. What comes through is our one goal of unity and strength among all of us. Art is one way of speaking a common language. We call on other women and groups who also use artistic forms of expression for empowerment. Please write us and share your experiences with our readers.

One of the women who have inspired us in our struggle for meaningful self-expression is black lesbian feminist poet Audre Lorde who died last Nov. 17. We remember Audre and the legacy of works she left behind. She will always be with us.

A special report coming from the first Asian Indigenous Women's Conference held in the Philippines focuses on women's voices representing 13 countries. Again there is a common thread among women and this became apparent in the declaration of unity expressed in a song.

Two conferences - the 7th International Women's Health Meeting in Uganda and the Women Empowering Communication in Bangkok, Thailand are scheduled for this year and next. Isis is involved in both and we have regular updates on these activities. We encourage the participation of women from our network for these significant events.

As always, we await feedback from you and welcome any contributions that you may want us to publish in Women in Action. Our readers are our primary concern and we would like to know what you want. Do write us.

In sisterhood,

Isis International Manila Collective