(Editor's note- Next week 40 Soroptimists from around the world will be attending the Commission on the Status of Women in New York City. Stay Tuned to BLOG reports posted frequently starting March 1! Dawn Marie Lemonds, SI Programme Director)
53rd Session of the Commission on the Status of Women
The fifty-third session of the Commission on the Status of Women will be held at UN headquarters in New York from 2-13 March 2009. CSW’s priority theme will be The equal sharing of responsibilities between women and men, including caregiving in the context of HIV/AIDS.
The Division for the Advancement of Women organized an online discussion on the priority theme, which provided an opportunity for practitioners and experts to contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the issue.
The review theme, Equal participation of women and men in decision-making processes at all levels will be discussed in an interactive dialogue on 6 March. The issues paper can be accessed here.
The emerging issue, The gender perspectives of the financial crisis will be considered through an interactive expert panel on 5 March. Access the issues paper here.
An interactive expert panel on Gender perspectives on global public health: Implementing the internationally agreed development goals, including the MDGs will be held on 12 March. Access the issues paper here.
NGLS is organizing a Financial Crisis Workshop - Policy Issues and Priorities (Part I and II) during the 53rd Session. The workshop will discuss various proposals from women's rights organizations and networks on policies and governance mechanisms to reform the international financial architecture and to advance women's empowerment and gender equality. Part I will take place on 4 March from 5-6pm; Part II will take place on 5 March from 12-1.30pm, both at UN Headquarters in New York. Keynote speakers will be Lanyan Chen, Zo Randriamaro, Magda Lanunza and on 5 March Marina Durano will join the discussions.
Also UNRISD is organizing two events: a parallel event on 4 March entitled Who Cares? The Role of Families, States, Markets and Communities in Care Provision: New Evidence from UNRISD Research and a full-day conference (open to the public) at Barnard College, Columbia University, New York, on 6 March 2009, where key findings of the Research Project on the Political and Social Economy of Care will be presented. The conference will begin with keynote addresses delivered by two leading feminist thinkers - Joan Tronto and Elizabeth Jelin.
For a list of other parallel events, click here.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Friday, February 20, 2009
Highlights from Sierra Leone- Project SIerra
( We just got this report from Alison Sutherland- Quadrennial Project Liaison)
Soroptimist International Quadrennial Project 2007-11- a partnership with Hope and Homes for Children1
Study Tour to Sierra Leone – 4 to 8 February 2009
Our SI Study Tour group shared their 3 “best” or “most memorable” moments from their visit to Sierra Leone and Project SIerra: a Family and a Future. In a week of so many powerful experiences, images, emotions – these are our most powerful!
The overwhelming welcome from the Programme beneficiaries at Bo and Makeni. In each of these places a Young Mother was chosen to come forward and thank the Soroptimists for all they have done to change their lives - I found this very moving.
The wonderful welcome we received in Bo brought home that the Project is about real people. Meeting the girls, to walk in and know that they are “our girls”, brought reality to “our Project”.
Seeing the results of the young mothers’ program, because it is clearly not just giving money, but is giving skills and the ability to learn a living for life. The resourcefulness of the women we met, and how very young some of the young mothers looked.
The work of HANCI-SL was really impressive. Especially that they don’t come with pre-conceived solutions. The professionalism of the staff; their pride in their work and role. I wish we had more time to hear their stories.
Sitting in a Barray Hut at 09.45 on Saturday morning in Kamakwie and hearing the Paramount Chief's words to us: 'You are part of this community now' and 'Your presence here gives us confidence' - what powerful words!
Meeting one of the program graduates in Makeni, who had started her small business selling vegetables; she then moved into telecomms and now is employing a young man to work for her.
The young mother in her store in Bo, and her pride that she had built the business up herself. Her ambition to make a garden and build a bar onto her store and apartment; how confident her child looked. That her current partner is her choice, and he respects her.
The two young mothers working together making batik - seeing them working in the yard and everyone around watching them. That they are also selling firewood and food items bought in the villages.
Our meal in Bo [prepared by the young mothers’ catering class] – this was the best food; cleanest and most hygienic - bowls of water and soap ready so we could wash our hands; a tablecloth covering the food to protect it.
Seeing schoolgirls coming straight from school, walking into the centre in Makeni as schoolgirls and the immediate transformation to women and mothers as they picked up and breastfed their babies.
The Project is worked out at eye level of the beneficiaries and according to their individual needs, which is very important for a successful project. The work is sustainable, efficient and warm-hearted. The staff has a good understanding how to improve the life-conditions of the poor and vulnerable people in their areas. We appreciate their hard work and the good cooperation with the chiefs and local authorities.
The two families that I visited at Makeni - both living in abject poverty, in one case 15 people sharing two rooms. It is hard to imagine that we are able to help to change the lives of these families and I look forward to hearing of their progress in a year's time.
That HANCI-SL is a household name and the Chief’s statement that “When you leave, we will sustain the program.”
Having an audience with the Chiefs and knowing how grateful they are for the support we are giving – by helping them to help themselves.
The Chief’s recognition of the importance of women’s role in development was very forward thinking. I was impressed by his commitment to the locality and the people. Men acknowledged that women have a valuable role in society, and are working towards supporting them. The Chief who said “I want to be involved in empowering women.”
Our visit to the village of Masankari (near Kamakwie), where the whole village came out to welcome us and the women had prepared a delicious meal which we shared with them. The gratitude of the people was genuine and amazing. Seeing how supportive the Chief and the community are. Witnessing the community’s very genuine appreciation for what is being done and the help it is giving them.
The women in Makeni who dressed in blue and danced with such enthusiasm for Soroptimism. As an extra result of the SI Quadrennial Project in Sierra Leone we hope to see two new Soroptimist clubs inaugurated in Bo and Makeni. We encourage the GBI extension to make the necessary procedures as fast as possible. The “Soroptimist Sisters” in Bo and Makeni now have a lot of energy and enthusiasm, which should not be lost.
The Health Clinic at Makeni - the equipment (or lack of) that the nurse and pharmacist work with and yet they remain cheerful and are making a difference to the lives of people in their community.
People are working so hard to survive and feed their families. The lack of infrastructure and industry. The hardest thing was to say no when we have so much, and to realize how selfish our own society is.
Experiencing the dust, colours and sounds of village life; seeing the water pumps, thatched houses and the way people live. The dawn drive to Kamakwie through villages and bushland; women watching over a cooking pot on small wood fires; walking to the stream for water, laundry and bathing, or to the farm with pans, utensils or bundles of wood carried on the head; babies secured to their mother’s back with a cloth; meagre verandah market stalls, with a few cassava roots, pineapple or bottles of kerosene for sale; no vehicles for miles on the dust roads.
The grace with which we were received everywhere. Nothing seemed too much trouble. Arrangements were adjusted, dates changed, yet wherever we went, people gave us their time, welcomed us with open arms into their homes and communities.
1 Hope and Homes for Children is a charity registered in England no. 1089490
Soroptimist International Quadrennial Project 2007-11- a partnership with Hope and Homes for Children1
Study Tour to Sierra Leone – 4 to 8 February 2009
Our SI Study Tour group shared their 3 “best” or “most memorable” moments from their visit to Sierra Leone and Project SIerra: a Family and a Future. In a week of so many powerful experiences, images, emotions – these are our most powerful!
The overwhelming welcome from the Programme beneficiaries at Bo and Makeni. In each of these places a Young Mother was chosen to come forward and thank the Soroptimists for all they have done to change their lives - I found this very moving.
The wonderful welcome we received in Bo brought home that the Project is about real people. Meeting the girls, to walk in and know that they are “our girls”, brought reality to “our Project”.
Seeing the results of the young mothers’ program, because it is clearly not just giving money, but is giving skills and the ability to learn a living for life. The resourcefulness of the women we met, and how very young some of the young mothers looked.
The work of HANCI-SL was really impressive. Especially that they don’t come with pre-conceived solutions. The professionalism of the staff; their pride in their work and role. I wish we had more time to hear their stories.
Sitting in a Barray Hut at 09.45 on Saturday morning in Kamakwie and hearing the Paramount Chief's words to us: 'You are part of this community now' and 'Your presence here gives us confidence' - what powerful words!
Meeting one of the program graduates in Makeni, who had started her small business selling vegetables; she then moved into telecomms and now is employing a young man to work for her.
The young mother in her store in Bo, and her pride that she had built the business up herself. Her ambition to make a garden and build a bar onto her store and apartment; how confident her child looked. That her current partner is her choice, and he respects her.
The two young mothers working together making batik - seeing them working in the yard and everyone around watching them. That they are also selling firewood and food items bought in the villages.
Our meal in Bo [prepared by the young mothers’ catering class] – this was the best food; cleanest and most hygienic - bowls of water and soap ready so we could wash our hands; a tablecloth covering the food to protect it.
Seeing schoolgirls coming straight from school, walking into the centre in Makeni as schoolgirls and the immediate transformation to women and mothers as they picked up and breastfed their babies.
The Project is worked out at eye level of the beneficiaries and according to their individual needs, which is very important for a successful project. The work is sustainable, efficient and warm-hearted. The staff has a good understanding how to improve the life-conditions of the poor and vulnerable people in their areas. We appreciate their hard work and the good cooperation with the chiefs and local authorities.
The two families that I visited at Makeni - both living in abject poverty, in one case 15 people sharing two rooms. It is hard to imagine that we are able to help to change the lives of these families and I look forward to hearing of their progress in a year's time.
That HANCI-SL is a household name and the Chief’s statement that “When you leave, we will sustain the program.”
Having an audience with the Chiefs and knowing how grateful they are for the support we are giving – by helping them to help themselves.
The Chief’s recognition of the importance of women’s role in development was very forward thinking. I was impressed by his commitment to the locality and the people. Men acknowledged that women have a valuable role in society, and are working towards supporting them. The Chief who said “I want to be involved in empowering women.”
Our visit to the village of Masankari (near Kamakwie), where the whole village came out to welcome us and the women had prepared a delicious meal which we shared with them. The gratitude of the people was genuine and amazing. Seeing how supportive the Chief and the community are. Witnessing the community’s very genuine appreciation for what is being done and the help it is giving them.
The women in Makeni who dressed in blue and danced with such enthusiasm for Soroptimism. As an extra result of the SI Quadrennial Project in Sierra Leone we hope to see two new Soroptimist clubs inaugurated in Bo and Makeni. We encourage the GBI extension to make the necessary procedures as fast as possible. The “Soroptimist Sisters” in Bo and Makeni now have a lot of energy and enthusiasm, which should not be lost.
The Health Clinic at Makeni - the equipment (or lack of) that the nurse and pharmacist work with and yet they remain cheerful and are making a difference to the lives of people in their community.
People are working so hard to survive and feed their families. The lack of infrastructure and industry. The hardest thing was to say no when we have so much, and to realize how selfish our own society is.
Experiencing the dust, colours and sounds of village life; seeing the water pumps, thatched houses and the way people live. The dawn drive to Kamakwie through villages and bushland; women watching over a cooking pot on small wood fires; walking to the stream for water, laundry and bathing, or to the farm with pans, utensils or bundles of wood carried on the head; babies secured to their mother’s back with a cloth; meagre verandah market stalls, with a few cassava roots, pineapple or bottles of kerosene for sale; no vehicles for miles on the dust roads.
The grace with which we were received everywhere. Nothing seemed too much trouble. Arrangements were adjusted, dates changed, yet wherever we went, people gave us their time, welcomed us with open arms into their homes and communities.
1 Hope and Homes for Children is a charity registered in England no. 1089490
Friday, February 13, 2009
HUMAN TRAFFICKING- NEWS From the UN
(Editor's note- here is a fresh report that I just got from one of our SI Representatives to the United Nations- Lois Beilin)
GLOBAL REPORT ON TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS AT THE UN
A discussion on Trafficking in Persons was held on February 12 at the UN to
put the spotlight on exposing denial and benign neglect. Antonio Maria Costa, Undersecretary General and UNODC (Office on Drugs and Crime) et al reported on countries that are working to expose, eradicate and prosecute the increasing rate of sexual exploitation, slavery, abduction and recruitment for war, trade in body parts and other crimes.
-One third of the UN countries have NO legislation to stop trafficking.
-Women are greater perpetrators of sexual exploitation than
men having been victimized themselves.
-Large increases in the exploitation of children for sex, labor and war.
-Globalization has in fact increased trafficking – another serious
And negative impact of global trade.
Note the WEB for this topic at<
GLOBAL REPORT ON TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS AT THE UN
A discussion on Trafficking in Persons was held on February 12 at the UN to
put the spotlight on exposing denial and benign neglect. Antonio Maria Costa, Undersecretary General and UNODC (Office on Drugs and Crime) et al reported on countries that are working to expose, eradicate and prosecute the increasing rate of sexual exploitation, slavery, abduction and recruitment for war, trade in body parts and other crimes.
-One third of the UN countries have NO legislation to stop trafficking.
-Women are greater perpetrators of sexual exploitation than
men having been victimized themselves.
-Large increases in the exploitation of children for sex, labor and war.
-Globalization has in fact increased trafficking – another serious
And negative impact of global trade.
Note the WEB for this topic at
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Project SIerra- 1st Study Tour Report!
Alison Sutherland- Quadrennial Project Liaison- quick summary report sent February 9, 2009
( Editor's note- this was sent to me a few days ago as a first report from Alison. It is longer than our usual posts- but- I know you wanted a good review! Happy Reading!)
The plans to do ‘on tour’ reporting went astray … you’ll realise why below … but this is a note to let all know that the Project SIerra Study Tour in Sierra Leone was a fabulous, action and experience packed experience for us all. The visiting group left safely last night (8 Feb), except Gerd who is staying on for a few days R&R, and I leave Freetown tonight for London.
Study Tour Team -- I hope you had good journey and are now safe at your destination when reading this! A huge thank you for being such wonderful friends and travel companions! A huge thank you (from all of us) to Hilary and David Ratcliffe for hosting the 1st 2 days of the trip ...others, see below!!!
After a tense start – 2 Feb flight from London cancelled and 4 of our group of 8 only knew on arrival at Heathrow Wednesday 4 Feb that there were seats on the plane for them! A tense 2 days for them.
Joe Glackin (HHC) and I were in Freetown anxiously awaiting arrival. HHC with local partner HANCI, and SI Freetown rapidly adjusted a 6 day programme down to 4 days and it was “go,go,go” from arrival to departure with everyone eager to take in just as much as humanly possible. What a super, spirited and adaptable team we all were – Soroptimists and Quadrennial Project partners!
This note cannot describe all the experiences – (I’m ‘borrowing’ an electrical socket at a friendly neighbourhood clinic for an hour to check mail before leaving for the airport. We have no daytime electricity where I have been staying – I checked form the hotel yesterday with the group!). Rest assured a note for the blog and website will follow with our individual and collective major impressions in the next couple of days. Here is a brief update of our itinerary and some experiences.
Weds – arrive evening; bus and ferry transfer to Freetown and our hotel (arrive 2330pm)
Thurs – 0800 departure for Bo, with SI Freetown President Elect Haja Fatmata Cole accompanying us, + Joe (HHC) and John (HANCI) to see Project SIerra funded programmes in Bo. Very moving welcome singing and dancing by the young mothers at the centre – ‘our girls’ – accompanied by drumming from 2 young boys from HANCI street children programme. Wonderful lunch prepared by young mothers – some of the group said it was the best meal of the week! – met young mothers and babies, saw tie-dye, hair styling and tailoring demonstrations; visited programme graduates in town – saw how they had really made a go of the opportunity and were budding young entrepreneurs, successful and respected in their communities.
Thursday evening – hosted to a splendid dinner and welcome meeting by the prospective Soroptimist members of Bo – a dynamic group of women who are so eager to establish a club in their city. SI Freetown P-E Fatmata said ‘you are my babies’ and offered mentoring support …. watch this space!
Friday 0900 departure from Bo to Makeni. Another incredible welcome at the Project site – community members, welcome songs and speech from young mothers and children supported on the programme. A moving welcome speech from one teenage mum on the programme who is the Head Girl at the local secondary school – what an achievement, made possible by your support for the programme and HER determination to succeed and make the most of the opportunity! A big surprise was the presence of a group of a dozen or so women who are very keen to establish a Soroptimist club in Makeni! In both Makeni and Bo, senior staff members of HANCI-SL are in these groups; we invited them to join us for an evening meeting in our hotel where P-E Hanne addressed them and we shared experiences.
Back to the day-visit to Project SIerra – another delicious meal (local cuisine of groundnut stew, cassava leaf stew and fresh frutits). Tour of project clinic, with pharmacy, 4 bed day ward, 2 nurses and pharmacist; baby day nursery. We saw young mothers arriving as teenage school girls in their school uniforms, collecting their babies and immediately breatfeeding them – transformed to the responsibility of motherhood. We then split to groups and visited programme beneficiaries in town – upsetting scenes of extreme poverty and dire need of families recently joined to the programme and uplifting examples of some who had graduated and were successfully independent – my own group visited a young mother who had been supported to become a vehicle engineer, has joined the army as an engineer and driver – we met her brigade 2-I-C and superior officers who were clearly delighted with her progress and encouraging her. Her story was tragic – raped by
rebels during the war, lost all her immediate family; now well on the way to independence and a good career to help her support herself and her child.
On Friday we had an hour ‘time out’ to relax by the pool-side at our hotel, a cool beer and a swim for some! A much needed and welcome break from the emotion and information rush of our visit!
Saturday – a 0630 start for a 2.5 hour drive through villages to Kamakwie. Beautiful journey, seeing village life awakening, experiencing the sounds and colours of rural life as we drove further into the remote part of the country. An excellent briefing by HANCI staff in Kamakwie --- our local briefings were 1st class, and we were all impressed by the professionalism and dedication of the staff. It was clear they love their work, and go the extra mile for their clients, as they did for us on the trip.
Then a gracious formal welcome by the local Paramount Chief (head of the Chiefdom), chiefdom elders and local HANCI committee members (male and female in both groups) – at the chief’s meeting house. He spoke of the excellent relationship with HANCI – a household name in the area and the only NGO that has been constant during and since the war. The sense of our partners and local community working hand in hand was very evident. The chief welcomed us saying that Soroptimists had brought the expression “the world is a global village” to Kamakwie that day, and how happy he was to welcome us.
A 20 minute drive to remote villages to meet families and children on the programme – a grandmother who cares for grandchildren, weaving rafia mats to make money; a father with amputated arm who cares for his children, his wife having died – the children have schooling, and there is economic support to help them grow vegetables and farm; 4 children cared for by their aunt as their parents have died. The project does not give food, but the basic elements to help the family become sustainable and also to be accepted and able to participate within their communities. A second village – and a surprise wonderful welcome of women signing and dancing, the town chief insisting we sit in the thatched meeting hut for a short formal welcome – where he explained clearly how the programmes were helping women to support themselves and their children, and how the programmes were helping men and women to work together for progress. As he spoke, great trays of
food – local rice with a delicious chicken and fish stew – appeared at our table. This was indeed an honour for us. As we left, visiting a home rebuilt byt the community for one of their most vulnerable families through HANCI support - a woman rushed towards us, holding up her t-shirt in which she carried12 eggs as a gift of thanks. Such generosity, and huge smile of joy and appreciation from her. We were all touched by the thanks and genuine appreciation shown for the support they have received – now made possible by Project SIerra.
A 5 hour drive to Freetown – including a vehicle breakdown that didn’t dampen spirits and showed the adaptabilty of Soroptimists and our hosts ! – a quick change and 15 minute breather before leaving for a fabulous evening dinner and entertainment at the beautiful home of Yomi, a member of SI Freetown. Most of the SI Freetown club were there to greet and share a super relaxed evening of friendship and fun. Bev’s dance moves got everyone onto the dance floor! Bed by 0030 Sunday!!
Sunday – last day and there were three choices for the group – we split up
Hanne and Hilary went with SI Freetown President Marjorie to visit a well / spring box project just completed by the club in a community area. They spent a super morning seeing local community life and the use made of the area – laundry, bathing and collecting drinking water.
Anne, Sandra, Paula and Gerd went with SI Freetown member Helen to the Fistula Hospital and had a fascinating tour and meeting with Helen and her husband who is surgeon at the clinic. They put in a shopping trip afterwards at the beachside market.Bev, Sharon and I went to the city market for a round of ‘power shopping’ – items for onward sale at club etc events! Then a drive through town, seeing shanty towns and business areas.
Lunch at the hotel with SI Freetown President Marjorie and PAC Thelma, a short meeting with Dr Roland, Director of HANCI, a fond farewell and hearty thanks to our drivers and to John who travelled with us and facilitated all the in-country logistics with Joe – then all bundled into the minibus for the drive to the ferry, ferry crossing and to the airport.
Well --- that in essence is where we went and some of our experiences! A FABULOUS time – the most made of every moment, and the Tour group was a delight and delighted byt the experiences. Thank you to the super team of 8 for making it such a wonderful visit, + of course Joe + HANCI + SI Freetown + the women and girls and their communities who welcomed and inspired us throughout.
On arrival in London [I now must take the journey to the airport for tonight’s flight] I’ll edit this to a note for web ‘publication’ (blog and website) – including our individual ‘special moments and memories.” I have the highlights from each member ….. and will add photos …. so watch the space in the next couple of days. In the meantime, hope this has given an introductory flavour for you to read and share.
much love Alison
Quadrennial Project Liaison 2007-11
( Editor's note- this was sent to me a few days ago as a first report from Alison. It is longer than our usual posts- but- I know you wanted a good review! Happy Reading!)
The plans to do ‘on tour’ reporting went astray … you’ll realise why below … but this is a note to let all know that the Project SIerra Study Tour in Sierra Leone was a fabulous, action and experience packed experience for us all. The visiting group left safely last night (8 Feb), except Gerd who is staying on for a few days R&R, and I leave Freetown tonight for London.
Study Tour Team -- I hope you had good journey and are now safe at your destination when reading this! A huge thank you for being such wonderful friends and travel companions! A huge thank you (from all of us) to Hilary and David Ratcliffe for hosting the 1st 2 days of the trip ...others, see below!!!
After a tense start – 2 Feb flight from London cancelled and 4 of our group of 8 only knew on arrival at Heathrow Wednesday 4 Feb that there were seats on the plane for them! A tense 2 days for them.
Joe Glackin (HHC) and I were in Freetown anxiously awaiting arrival. HHC with local partner HANCI, and SI Freetown rapidly adjusted a 6 day programme down to 4 days and it was “go,go,go” from arrival to departure with everyone eager to take in just as much as humanly possible. What a super, spirited and adaptable team we all were – Soroptimists and Quadrennial Project partners!
This note cannot describe all the experiences – (I’m ‘borrowing’ an electrical socket at a friendly neighbourhood clinic for an hour to check mail before leaving for the airport. We have no daytime electricity where I have been staying – I checked form the hotel yesterday with the group!). Rest assured a note for the blog and website will follow with our individual and collective major impressions in the next couple of days. Here is a brief update of our itinerary and some experiences.
Weds – arrive evening; bus and ferry transfer to Freetown and our hotel (arrive 2330pm)
Thurs – 0800 departure for Bo, with SI Freetown President Elect Haja Fatmata Cole accompanying us, + Joe (HHC) and John (HANCI) to see Project SIerra funded programmes in Bo. Very moving welcome singing and dancing by the young mothers at the centre – ‘our girls’ – accompanied by drumming from 2 young boys from HANCI street children programme. Wonderful lunch prepared by young mothers – some of the group said it was the best meal of the week! – met young mothers and babies, saw tie-dye, hair styling and tailoring demonstrations; visited programme graduates in town – saw how they had really made a go of the opportunity and were budding young entrepreneurs, successful and respected in their communities.
Thursday evening – hosted to a splendid dinner and welcome meeting by the prospective Soroptimist members of Bo – a dynamic group of women who are so eager to establish a club in their city. SI Freetown P-E Fatmata said ‘you are my babies’ and offered mentoring support …. watch this space!
Friday 0900 departure from Bo to Makeni. Another incredible welcome at the Project site – community members, welcome songs and speech from young mothers and children supported on the programme. A moving welcome speech from one teenage mum on the programme who is the Head Girl at the local secondary school – what an achievement, made possible by your support for the programme and HER determination to succeed and make the most of the opportunity! A big surprise was the presence of a group of a dozen or so women who are very keen to establish a Soroptimist club in Makeni! In both Makeni and Bo, senior staff members of HANCI-SL are in these groups; we invited them to join us for an evening meeting in our hotel where P-E Hanne addressed them and we shared experiences.
Back to the day-visit to Project SIerra – another delicious meal (local cuisine of groundnut stew, cassava leaf stew and fresh frutits). Tour of project clinic, with pharmacy, 4 bed day ward, 2 nurses and pharmacist; baby day nursery. We saw young mothers arriving as teenage school girls in their school uniforms, collecting their babies and immediately breatfeeding them – transformed to the responsibility of motherhood. We then split to groups and visited programme beneficiaries in town – upsetting scenes of extreme poverty and dire need of families recently joined to the programme and uplifting examples of some who had graduated and were successfully independent – my own group visited a young mother who had been supported to become a vehicle engineer, has joined the army as an engineer and driver – we met her brigade 2-I-C and superior officers who were clearly delighted with her progress and encouraging her. Her story was tragic – raped by
rebels during the war, lost all her immediate family; now well on the way to independence and a good career to help her support herself and her child.
On Friday we had an hour ‘time out’ to relax by the pool-side at our hotel, a cool beer and a swim for some! A much needed and welcome break from the emotion and information rush of our visit!
Saturday – a 0630 start for a 2.5 hour drive through villages to Kamakwie. Beautiful journey, seeing village life awakening, experiencing the sounds and colours of rural life as we drove further into the remote part of the country. An excellent briefing by HANCI staff in Kamakwie --- our local briefings were 1st class, and we were all impressed by the professionalism and dedication of the staff. It was clear they love their work, and go the extra mile for their clients, as they did for us on the trip.
Then a gracious formal welcome by the local Paramount Chief (head of the Chiefdom), chiefdom elders and local HANCI committee members (male and female in both groups) – at the chief’s meeting house. He spoke of the excellent relationship with HANCI – a household name in the area and the only NGO that has been constant during and since the war. The sense of our partners and local community working hand in hand was very evident. The chief welcomed us saying that Soroptimists had brought the expression “the world is a global village” to Kamakwie that day, and how happy he was to welcome us.
A 20 minute drive to remote villages to meet families and children on the programme – a grandmother who cares for grandchildren, weaving rafia mats to make money; a father with amputated arm who cares for his children, his wife having died – the children have schooling, and there is economic support to help them grow vegetables and farm; 4 children cared for by their aunt as their parents have died. The project does not give food, but the basic elements to help the family become sustainable and also to be accepted and able to participate within their communities. A second village – and a surprise wonderful welcome of women signing and dancing, the town chief insisting we sit in the thatched meeting hut for a short formal welcome – where he explained clearly how the programmes were helping women to support themselves and their children, and how the programmes were helping men and women to work together for progress. As he spoke, great trays of
food – local rice with a delicious chicken and fish stew – appeared at our table. This was indeed an honour for us. As we left, visiting a home rebuilt byt the community for one of their most vulnerable families through HANCI support - a woman rushed towards us, holding up her t-shirt in which she carried12 eggs as a gift of thanks. Such generosity, and huge smile of joy and appreciation from her. We were all touched by the thanks and genuine appreciation shown for the support they have received – now made possible by Project SIerra.
A 5 hour drive to Freetown – including a vehicle breakdown that didn’t dampen spirits and showed the adaptabilty of Soroptimists and our hosts ! – a quick change and 15 minute breather before leaving for a fabulous evening dinner and entertainment at the beautiful home of Yomi, a member of SI Freetown. Most of the SI Freetown club were there to greet and share a super relaxed evening of friendship and fun. Bev’s dance moves got everyone onto the dance floor! Bed by 0030 Sunday!!
Sunday – last day and there were three choices for the group – we split up
Hanne and Hilary went with SI Freetown President Marjorie to visit a well / spring box project just completed by the club in a community area. They spent a super morning seeing local community life and the use made of the area – laundry, bathing and collecting drinking water.
Anne, Sandra, Paula and Gerd went with SI Freetown member Helen to the Fistula Hospital and had a fascinating tour and meeting with Helen and her husband who is surgeon at the clinic. They put in a shopping trip afterwards at the beachside market.Bev, Sharon and I went to the city market for a round of ‘power shopping’ – items for onward sale at club etc events! Then a drive through town, seeing shanty towns and business areas.
Lunch at the hotel with SI Freetown President Marjorie and PAC Thelma, a short meeting with Dr Roland, Director of HANCI, a fond farewell and hearty thanks to our drivers and to John who travelled with us and facilitated all the in-country logistics with Joe – then all bundled into the minibus for the drive to the ferry, ferry crossing and to the airport.
Well --- that in essence is where we went and some of our experiences! A FABULOUS time – the most made of every moment, and the Tour group was a delight and delighted byt the experiences. Thank you to the super team of 8 for making it such a wonderful visit, + of course Joe + HANCI + SI Freetown + the women and girls and their communities who welcomed and inspired us throughout.
On arrival in London [I now must take the journey to the airport for tonight’s flight] I’ll edit this to a note for web ‘publication’ (blog and website) – including our individual ‘special moments and memories.” I have the highlights from each member ….. and will add photos …. so watch the space in the next couple of days. In the meantime, hope this has given an introductory flavour for you to read and share.
much love Alison
Quadrennial Project Liaison 2007-11
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Project SIerra- Study Tour- A Pre-Tour Note
( Editor's note- on 2 February 2009- 8 Soroptimists from the entire SI world were scheduled to leave Heathrow for the SI Project SIerra Study Tour in Sierra Leone....but...sadly they were stranded in the snow for a few days. We are patiently waiting for stories which will be posted the moment they arrive- here is a "pre tour" story to whet your appetite- stay tuned! DML)
Thanks Sandra for this note send via Chris!
Subject: Study Tour to Sierra LeoneDate: Mon, 2 Feb 2009 00:36:39 +0000
Dear Everyone
On the eve of my departure from London to Freetown, Sierra Leone, I thought I would give you a progress report of the journey so far.
The first thing to tell you is that I left Sydney sweltering under high 30 degree temperatures and found myself in shivering London. It has been quite warm(!) I am told at 7 degrees during the day but things have changed and we are now getting weather from Siberia and I am looking out of the window at the most beautiful scene of soft falling snow. It is sticking and forecast to fall all night. Already we have about an inch and all the cars look as if they have been covered in the same white car cover. The trees are magic with snow along the branches. Tomorrow might be a different story with traffic chaos but we hope not. Temperatures in SL expected to be around 30-35 deg. What a difference.
I have just come back from dinner at 63 Bayswater Rd - SI Residential House in London, where I met four of the group, Sharon Fisher from Canada, Bev Bucur from USA, Anne MacDonald from GB and Paula Siddle from NZ. Joining us in the morning are Hilary Ratcliffe (GB), Gerd Stenberg, Norway and Hanne Jensbo, Denmark, SI President Elect. I am amongst some very distinguished Sorops!
It's an early start in the morning, up and out by 6.30am to get to Paddington Station to meet up for the Heathrow Express bus for the 11am flight. We arrive in Lungi airport in the late afternoon but as this airport is across the river from Freetown we have to wait until daylight to cross it by ferry. There are several other options none of which are recommended, ie (i) helicopter, which has previously had its licence suspended but is now back in business - insurance will not cover this form of travel. ii) hovercraft - has suffered numerous problems including losing power and failing to get up on the beach, crashing into the terminal, damaging a wall of a building, etc. iii) private boat service- often unlicenced, no safety equipment and no back up engine - no insurance cover for this little trip either. So it's ferry as the best option.
Some information about Sierra Leone: Population - 6,005,250. Land area - 71,620 sq.km (not sure how much that is in corresponding area in Australia)SL emerged from a decade of civil war in 2002 with the help of Britain and a large UN peacekeeping mission.More than 17,000 foregn troops disarmed tens of thousands of rebels and militia fighters.
A lasting feature of the war, which left some 50,000 dead, was the atrocities committed by the rebels, whose trademark was to hack off the hands of their victims. A UN-backed war crimes court has been set up to try those, from both sides, who were involved in the brutalities. The problems of poverty, tribal rivaly and official corruption that caused the war remain. There are 70,000 former combatants who have been disarmed and rehabilitated have swollen the ranks of the young people seeking employment.
SL has the lowest average income in the world and is the worst nation for childbirth in the world having the highest maternal mortality ratio, or risks of maternal death of any country. This is due to obstetric situations such as haemorrhage, obstructed labour, etc, caused by disruption to the health services by the rebellion. Official corruption is rife.
This is a very basic outline of the situation in Sierra Leone. Next time I will be able to tell you more about our partners Hope and Homes for Children and Helo a Needy Child International -HANCI and what we are trying to achieve with SI Project SIerra.
The snow is still falling steadily. I think I'll need a hot water bottle tonight.
I'll be thinking of you on Monday with the Annual General Meeting and new premises and hope that it all works out well for everyone. Sorry I'm not around to help with the search for a "home" and thank you to everyone who sent emails wishing me a safe trip. I really appreciate your support.
Best wishes to you all
Sandra
Thanks Sandra for this note send via Chris!
Subject: Study Tour to Sierra LeoneDate: Mon, 2 Feb 2009 00:36:39 +0000
Dear Everyone
On the eve of my departure from London to Freetown, Sierra Leone, I thought I would give you a progress report of the journey so far.
The first thing to tell you is that I left Sydney sweltering under high 30 degree temperatures and found myself in shivering London. It has been quite warm(!) I am told at 7 degrees during the day but things have changed and we are now getting weather from Siberia and I am looking out of the window at the most beautiful scene of soft falling snow. It is sticking and forecast to fall all night. Already we have about an inch and all the cars look as if they have been covered in the same white car cover. The trees are magic with snow along the branches. Tomorrow might be a different story with traffic chaos but we hope not. Temperatures in SL expected to be around 30-35 deg. What a difference.
I have just come back from dinner at 63 Bayswater Rd - SI Residential House in London, where I met four of the group, Sharon Fisher from Canada, Bev Bucur from USA, Anne MacDonald from GB and Paula Siddle from NZ. Joining us in the morning are Hilary Ratcliffe (GB), Gerd Stenberg, Norway and Hanne Jensbo, Denmark, SI President Elect. I am amongst some very distinguished Sorops!
It's an early start in the morning, up and out by 6.30am to get to Paddington Station to meet up for the Heathrow Express bus for the 11am flight. We arrive in Lungi airport in the late afternoon but as this airport is across the river from Freetown we have to wait until daylight to cross it by ferry. There are several other options none of which are recommended, ie (i) helicopter, which has previously had its licence suspended but is now back in business - insurance will not cover this form of travel. ii) hovercraft - has suffered numerous problems including losing power and failing to get up on the beach, crashing into the terminal, damaging a wall of a building, etc. iii) private boat service- often unlicenced, no safety equipment and no back up engine - no insurance cover for this little trip either. So it's ferry as the best option.
Some information about Sierra Leone: Population - 6,005,250. Land area - 71,620 sq.km (not sure how much that is in corresponding area in Australia)SL emerged from a decade of civil war in 2002 with the help of Britain and a large UN peacekeeping mission.More than 17,000 foregn troops disarmed tens of thousands of rebels and militia fighters.
A lasting feature of the war, which left some 50,000 dead, was the atrocities committed by the rebels, whose trademark was to hack off the hands of their victims. A UN-backed war crimes court has been set up to try those, from both sides, who were involved in the brutalities. The problems of poverty, tribal rivaly and official corruption that caused the war remain. There are 70,000 former combatants who have been disarmed and rehabilitated have swollen the ranks of the young people seeking employment.
SL has the lowest average income in the world and is the worst nation for childbirth in the world having the highest maternal mortality ratio, or risks of maternal death of any country. This is due to obstetric situations such as haemorrhage, obstructed labour, etc, caused by disruption to the health services by the rebellion. Official corruption is rife.
This is a very basic outline of the situation in Sierra Leone. Next time I will be able to tell you more about our partners Hope and Homes for Children and Helo a Needy Child International -HANCI and what we are trying to achieve with SI Project SIerra.
The snow is still falling steadily. I think I'll need a hot water bottle tonight.
I'll be thinking of you on Monday with the Annual General Meeting and new premises and hope that it all works out well for everyone. Sorry I'm not around to help with the search for a "home" and thank you to everyone who sent emails wishing me a safe trip. I really appreciate your support.
Best wishes to you all
Sandra
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