Two of South Lancashire’s Soroptimists report their experiences at the Global Summit ‘End Sexual Violence in Conflict’, which was held recently in London.
Margaret Molyneux (Regional Programme Action Officer) helped on the SIGBI (Soroptimist International Great Britain and Ireland) information stand. Many visitors from war-torn countries – including Syria and Afghanistan – spoke graphically about being a woman in such distressing circumstances.
Margaret attended a breakout session to listen to the launch of the UK National Action Plan ‘Women Peace & Security’, which has been signed by senior Government ministers. The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office has published the summarising document.
Security was very tight at the Summit as so many ministers and foreign dignitaries were present. However, this intensified as the Hollywood stars Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt visited the stalls!
Meanwhile, Molly Byrne Robinson (SI Manchester) attended SIGBI’s panel session ‘Building a Future after Conflict’, chaired by Margaret Oldroyd, Federation President.
Anne MacDonald and Lois Kamara, spoke about ‘Project Sierra’ (2007-11) and how it had helped young Sierra Leoneans – victims of rape during the civil war – re-build their lives. Molly said, “It was very inspiring to hear that, after being outcasted for being raped, the women had been able to learn a skill or go back to school while supporting their children. Soroptimists throughout the world helped to fund these opportunities.”
Ulla Madsen (President, SI Europe) described various projects in which the clubs of Europe are involved. Focusing on education, empowerment and healthcare, they have supported widows in Bosnia, taught leadership in Tunisia and helped displaced women in Mali. Her Federation is lobbying governments about human trafficking, both to change laws and increase punishments.
Judge Salvina Arbia spoke about her role in trials of war criminals accused of sexual violence, especially related to the conflict in Rwanda. She emphasised the need to protect victims, and spoke out about child soldiers.
Finally Soroptimist International President, Ann Garvie, spoke about the work she did with the worldwide project ‘Limbs for Life’. This remains a challenge – there is still so much to do. “My home country is the USA”, said Molly. “I was embarrassed to learn that the States have still not signed the ban on land mines.”
The Global Summit was the largest gathering ever brought together to tackle the issue of sexual violence in conflict. A detailed account of Soroptimist involvement was reported on the SIGBI website news.