October 2025 Issue

President’s Message 

As October paints the world in hues of amber and gold, we’re reminded that change can be beautiful. The crisp air, the rustle of leaves, and the glow of harvest moons whisper that even as seasons shift, there is renewal ahead.

This month brings moments of reflection and celebration—World Mental Health Day encourages us to care for ourselves and others, and Halloween invites us to embrace imagination and joy. Each event, in its own way, speaks to the power of transformation, resilience, and community.

Let October be a symbol of hope: that even in uncertain times, we can find warmth, connection, and purpose. The future looks hopeful—it’s something we shape, together, with kindness, creativity, and courage. So, as the leaves fall, let your hopes rise. The best chapters are still ahead!

Speaking of the future, please mark your calendars for March 6-8, 2026, for the IFHE In-Person Council in South Africa, and the 17th SAAFECS Conference, “Science as Collaboration,” on March 9-12. Registration is open - click here!

Nina Roofe

President, IFHE-US

Review of the International Home Economics

Teacher Education Position Statement

Since 2023, International Home Economics (FCS) Teacher Educators have met for discussion, reflection, and review of literature to write an international Home Economics Teacher Education Position Statement. Janine Duncan and Kerry Renwick presented this work at the IFHE Congress (2024) and received important feedback from colleagues at that time (some of you attended this symposium). They are currently holding feedback meetings across the 5 IFHE Regions to secure additional feedback.

Attend the virtual Region of Americas Feedback Session on Friday, October 17, 2025, 3-5 pm ET.

Use the link below to register in advance for this meeting.

The digital Teacher Seminar 'STEM+ on a Plate: Exploring Home Economics through 3D Food Printing' presented by Dr Johannah Soo, Ms Candice Yong & Ms Elisa Chng will be held on Monday, 20 October 2025 at 4pm Singapore time.  

Don't miss the opportunity to learn and connect with the international home economics teachers community. Please send an e-mail to executivedirector@ifhe.org and make sure to receive learning material and the link to the Zoom meeting well ahead of the meeting. You can check your personal meeting time by adding your location to the Time Zone Converter.

Information about the IFHE Teacher Seminar Series is available at: https://www.ifhe.org/events/teacher-webinar-series.

The IFHE Nominating Committee invites members to submit nominations for the

upcoming election. We need your help in identifying strong candidates for the ballot to

fill the following leadership positions:

• President-Elect (2-year commitment)
• Director of Finance (4-year commitment)
• Director of Communication (4-year commitment)
• Director of Professional Development & Program (4-year commitment)

Click HERE to review the responsibilities of each leadership position; please keep in mind that responsibilities may change as needed.

The committee is chaired by Natalie Hancock with members Bev Card and Mari Borr. If you have questions about the process or would like to suggest potential nominees,

please feel free to reach out to Natalie Hancock at natalie_hancock@byu.edu.

Please use the links below to submit your nominations by November 15th, 2026. Your input is vital to ensuring a strong and engaged leadership team for IFHE.

Nomination form for President-Elect

Nomination form for Director of Finance

Nomination form for Director of Communications

Nomination form for Professional Development & Program

Fifteen Years, Fifteen Facts:

Challenges and Solutions for Gender Equality

Submitted by:

Susan Shockey, PhD, CFCS, CPFFE, IFHE-US United Nations Chair

This article comes from the UN Women, the United Nations entity dedicated to

gender equality and the empowerment of women. A global champion for women and girls, UN Women was established to accelerate progress on meeting their needs worldwide. As UN Women marks its 15th anniversary this year, the world has seen important progress in gender equality across the globe.

A survey from March 2025 shows a 60 per cent increase in concern about the lack of progress on gender equality. UN Women data from more than 150 government reports confirm why: nearly one in four countries is seeing a backlash against women’s rights. Gender-based violence is rising. The gender digital divide is widening. And over 600 million women and girls now live near conflict zones.

UN Women marks its 15th anniversary with a renewed commitment to continue delivering for the 4 billion women and girls across the globe. To push forward on gender equality, UN Women is calling for 15 Actions.

The Website below will provide the “15 Actions and Solutions”.

Source: UN Press Release

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