Members of Soroptimist International of Beverley and district were pleased to invite Lee Karen Stow to their meeting which was held at The Beverley Arms Hotel. Lee is a photographic journalist and her illustrated talk highlighted the plight of women living in Sierra Leone, where the female life expectancy is only 42 years. Many women die in child birth of infection and bleeding as female genital mutilation is common. Malaria is also prevalent
Lee became involved in a photographic project where women in Hull which is twinned with Freetown took pictures of their every day lives. A small group of women in Sierra Leone were given digital cameras and training so that they too could record their daily lives. The project named ’42’ has now been active for a number of years and some of the women have been able to take photographic jobs. Lee has also raised money so that the women could visit East Yorkshire.
A vote of thanks was given by the President, Andrea Hunt and Lee was given a donation towards her work. The talk was enjoyed by all who attended.
Members also had a social event when they attended a coffee morning at the lovely home of Mr and Mrs D. Brumfield in Beverley. This was a most pleasurable occasion.
Soroptimists are women who use their special life skills to advance the status of women and to try and make the world a better place. There are over 90,000 members in more than 3,000 clubs in 126 clubs and territories around the world. If you would like to come and join us please contact Andrea on 01482 562141 01482 562141 for more details.