Cannock Soroptimists join hundreds at international conference

Members of a Cannock women's organisation joined hundreds of delegates from the UK, India and the Caribbean for an international conference in Cardiff.

President Trish Smith and members of Soroptimist International Cannock and District attended the three-day Soroptimist Federation (SIGBI) conference, which focused on the theme Inspire Women; Create Impact.

The event featured speakers campaigning for women's rights and an end to violence against women and girls, including Olympic athlete Michelle Griffith Robinson, filmmaker Leslee Udwin and Soroptimist Jennifer McLelland.

A key message from the conference was the need to move beyond raising awareness of issues affecting women and girls and take practical action.

Ms Griffith Robinson spoke about the importance of challenging misogynistic behaviour and teaching children about healthy relationships from an early age.

Ms Udwin, founder and president of Think Equal, highlighted the importance of teaching young children to show love rather than hate.

The Think Equal programme promotes social and emotional learning among children aged three to six and is used in nurseries and schools in several countries, including parts of the UK.

Ms McLelland, immediate past president of SI Midland Chase Region, spoke about the support Soroptimists can offer mothers and children living in refuges after domestic abuse.

She highlighted how helping families with basic literacy skills can provide practical support as they begin to rebuild their lives.

The Cannock members returned from the conference with a renewed focus on taking action within their own community.

To find out more about Soroptimist International Cannock and District, visit their Facebook page or website, sigbi.org/cannock-and-district