International Women's Day 2022 - Women of Power conference honouring women affected by domestic violence, low self-esteem and financial difficulties. The conference will look at violence prevention education, confidence building and financial advice. Organised by Marie Hanson OBE's organisation STORM, Universal Peace Federation UK was a partner for the programme. Other partners included Aanchal Women’s Aid and LOANI for STORM's 10th Annual Conference.
The Women's Conference named "Woman of Power", was to honor all women, addressing issues such as low self-esteem, those who have suffered domestic violence, financial difficulties and those who suffer in silence as well as experiencing many other difficult issues. The conference was to empower women to become stronger parents and to encourage them to believe that anything is possible, even if they are bringing up their children on their own. Empowering the parents will in effect empower the young people. Through the guest speakers there was the purpose to express and show factual evidence that "Nothing is impossible, you can do it!" (https://stormempowerment.com/)
The programme included Chris Green OBE (photo right) the founder of the White Ribbon UK which is the leading charity engaging with men and boys to end violence against women. Our mission is for all men to fulfil the White Ribbon Promise to never commit, excuse or remain silent about male violence against women. We act as a catalyst, encouraging people, and especially men and boys, to individually and collectively take action and change behaviour. (https://www.whiteribbon.org.uk/)
Ladies of All Nations International (LOANI) were represented by several people including Founder Dr Caroline Mukaka and Ms Adaobi (photo). LOANI promotes diversity and supports widows and orphans. It is an organisation that supports survivors and brings women from all walks of life together. They have started an event called Beautiful Survivors, an initiative created to celebrate and honour people who have survived different and extremely difficult circumstances brought about by life. They aim to celebrate phenomenal resilience, inspiration, courage, determination, strength and power of hardworking individuals who have managed to overcome difficulties or challenges in life and expressed their ability to survive. These are individual who may have faced terminal illnesses such as cancer, they could be survivors of domestic abuse, they may have survived extraordinary tragedies or armed conflicts and much more. This initiative is designed to recognise as many people as possible and appreciate them. (https://www.instagram.com/loaniglobal/?hl=en)
The programme featured the progress of the women that have participated in STORM’s activities, who have all moved onwards and upwards from their past experiences. All these women are mostly single mothers and have achieved great things and will be very inspirational role models for the women and young people attending.
There were various workshops on the day to build the women's confidence, which will be run by qualified tutors seeking to give additional empowerment and tasters to future courses they can attend - some of which will include Art Therapy. The day will see music with a live band - SJ’s Jazz Trio (www.sjsingsjazz.co.uk), candle making with our partners Lux Luz Candles (who have kindly sponsored our work over the years), Makeovers, Manicures and Raffles; with one of the prizes being a night’s stay at the Hotel Rafayel plus complimentary Breakfast.
S.T.O.R.M. Storm Trust Opportunity Rebuilding Motivation
Woman of Power Conference 2022
Programme:
10:15 Welcome and Opening remarks - Esther Carnegie
10:20 Speech - Marie Hanson - CEO of STORM
10:25 Campaign video and Tribute to Jamal Edwards - Marie Hanson
10:28 Speech - Cllr Melanie Hampton - Councillor, St Mary’s Park
10:35 Speech - Shaun Bailey MP - MP for West Bromwich West
10:42 Video message from our patron - Sabrina Elba
10:47 Words of thanks & why Men should support women - Robin Marsh, Secretary General, Universal Peace Federation - UPF
10:52 Poem - Claire Jackson
11:04 Inspirational Speaker - Sarbjit Kaur Athwal - CEO of True Honour
11:11 Inspirational Speaker - Caroline Mukaka, working for women of All Nations – LAONI: to help eliminate Domestic Violence
11:18 Inspirational Speaker - Chris Steven Green OBE - Founder of White Ribbon Campaign
11:25 Inspirational Speaker - Margaret Keverian Ali - Director UPF, UK - talk on collaboration between STORM and UPF
11:35 Break
11:55 Marie and Margaret to speak about current partners and STORM’s work
12:10 Testimonials by women who have attended STORM
12:30 Awards and tokens for Women of Power
12:40 Question and Answer session
1:15 Lunch + Performance by SJ’s Jazz Trio
2:25 Thanks, acknowledgements and closing remarks