Barbara Dixon introduced three Clubs who presented on their projects:
SI Ipswich – ‘Women Write’ Course
The objective of this course for Lighthouse, Ipswich Women’s Aid, was to further enhance the women’s writing skills as well as their confidence and self esteem. This was a 6 week course, each session lasting 2 hours. Whilst most writing had a basis of personal experiences the aim was to draw the women away from writing about their abusive relationships and to write stories across a range of subjects. The women who participated were much more confident. This empowered them to think and act differently about their situation.
SI Derby – Empowering Women
SI Derby held discussions with their local Womens Centre to establish how they might support the work of the Centre. As a result of this consultation they planned and delivered a series of 5 workshops on building confidence. They started to run these in 2010 and now repeat these twice a year. The workshops cover, the beginnings of confidence, moving forward, identification of skills, and they link into job search activities, including interview skills.
Feedback has been very positive. Many of the women report increased levels of confidence and have reported that they have faced up to their fears and changed their behaviour in relation to situations.
SI Nigeria – Banning of Cultural and Traditional Practices against Widows
In certain parts of Nigeria, the maltreatment of widows is common. SINA has held a series of workshops, seminars and road-shows and encouraged the Nigerian lawmakers at all levels to legislate against all oppressive and injurious laws standing against widows in the country.