Ambassador Bita Rasoulian hosted a fundraising dinner on 29 November 2018 for the Initiative for Marawi Women (IM Women) at the Austrian Residence, with guest of honor Mayor Majul Gandamra of the City Government of Marawi.

The fundraising dinner served as one of the most significant activities of IM Women to promote awareness and introduce the initiative to the public.  By launching its brand and platforms to an audience composed of distinguished members of the government and business sectors, the fundraising dinner helped secure IM Women’s implementation.

Guests were welcomed to the Austrian residence by colorful Maranaoan woven textiles created by IM Women weavers. The evening was made notable by the moving speeches delivered by Ambassdor Bita Rasoulian of Austria, Ms. Vicky Garchitorena of SPARK!, Jamela Alindogan of Sinagtala PH and Mayor Majul Gandamra of Marawi; all expressing their hopes as equal partners for the success of IM Women as the project moves forward to provide healing, empowerment and progress for the women of Marawi.

‘’IM Women is about recognizing the strength of the women of Marawi, harnessing their potential to contribute to progress and to development, and ultimately, to lasting peace and security in Marawi, especially in the face of radicalism and terrorism in the region,’’ says Ambassador Rasoulian in her welcome speech, highlighting the importance of making the rehabilitation of Marawi a common cause.

The event garnered pledges and financial support from leading enterprises in the country, raising adequate funds to start the first phase of the project.