Members from Soroptimist Clubs in the London Chilterns Region and guests celebrated Human Rights Day at the Region’s meeting/conference on Saturday 30 November.
The United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights www.un.org/en/events/humanrightsday/ was signed on 10 Dec 1948. A moving Soroptimist tradition to celebrate Human Rights Day is to light candles in recognition of the work of Soroptimists and women around the world in striving to ensure that the human rights of women and children are protected everywhere. Pictured here with the framed preamble to the declaration and the candles they had lit are (l to r) Denise Powell, President SI London Chilterns, Johanna Raffan SI Great Britain and Ireland President-Elect, Kate Bellinis Member of SI Hertford and Ameeta Sabharwal Member of SI St Albans and District.
Our main speaker was Rosie Wyllie from Herts Welcomes Refugees – the talented animator of the film “Suspended” that was shown on the day clearly showing why there are refugees and why they must be helped. A sad reminder of how Human Rights are violently flouted in many parts of the world. To view the film click below but please be warned the film contains DISTRESSING CONTENT including the account of an attack on a minor and description of torture. Rosie is pictured here with Soroptimists and other representatives of Herts Welcomes Refugees.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
After lunch Pauline Panter (pictured here) presented the new Federation Project “Empowering Girls in Nepal” which included a video. Pauline is the Region’s Ambassador for the project and is happy to come to Clubs to deliver her presentation and provide an update as the project progresses. Attendees got the Region’s support for the project off to a great start with £110 donated in a collection on the day. Pauline sends her sincere thanks to everyone for their donations and support.
There were also round table discussions about moving forward on a Regional fact-finding project about Domestic Violence: Specialist Court Provision.
All in all a great day and a great way for Soroptimists to mark Human Rights Day!
