Women Reaching Women Presentation

LONDON June 21st 2010

Over the past 2 years, I have been privileged to represent Cheshire Federation in the National Federation of Women's Institutes' three-year project 'Women reaching Women'. This initiative receives welcome funding from the Department for International Development and 26 WI Federations are working closely with Oxfam and The Everyone Foundation to raise awareness of the important global issues of world poverty, inequality and climate change. The main focus is on how women, in particular, are affected worldwide.

Having joined WI 5 years ago -on retirement- I became involved in the Public Affairs section of my local Federation and, following the launch of the 'Women and Climate Change' campaign, took up the challenge of running an Eco-Team in my area. As a teacher of modern languages in a senior school, I had spent many years explaining to young people the successful recycling schemes in Europe. I was, therefore, confident to promote a whole variety of 'green issues and values' to WI members. My challenge was to invite and to motivate them to adopt lower carbon lifestyles and to tackle climate change - as responsible consumers and 'agents of change' in their own homes and communities.

It was at this stage that NFWI introduced the 'Women Reaching Women Project' exploring the global challenges we all face today and providing information about a whole range of development issues. The first year of the project highlighted the devastating impact of climate change on women worldwide. This led me to join other interested members across the country to work towards influencing the direction of change and decision making in the future!

During the second year of the project, in an effort to promote the WI's international agenda, WRW representatives have been introducing to the members the Millennium Goals - the 'eight ways to change the world'. These are promises, which really must be kept! I had already been introducing the theme of development and the MDGs in main school assemblies at the turn of the new Millennium. Over the past decade, young people in schools have been informed about gender inequality, maternal health issues, the lack of education for girls, violence against women, foreign aid and debt relief in other parts of the world and the pressing need to address these problems. Many of the youngsters of today are far more aware of the Eight Millennium Goals than their own parents or grandparents! The time has now come for all to be made aware of the need for immediate action by the governments of every nation. 2015 is fast approaching! Time is running out, but change can happen!

The WI, as a very large organisation - with some 200,000 members across the country, can play a unique role in helping to 'spread the word' and to educate the wider public about the dire situation in so many of the world's poorer countries. We, as individuals, can inspire other WI members to attend thought-provoking events with expert speakers and to spread the message amongst family, friends and neighbours. We can all have a real impact on our shared future. We are all connected by our common humanity and we all bear the responsibility of looking after each other's interests!

In Cheshire, I have been able to reach out to our 7, 500 members and 200 institutes in a variety of ways. Details of the project and all events have been widely advertised. Hundreds of leaflets and MDG materials provided by DFID and Oxfam have flown off the stands. Events have been well attended and genuine interest has been shown. The question time and discussion sessions at the end of each meeting have been both positive and stimulating. However, I have also been challenged strongly and drawn into long and serious debate about the pointlessness of any efforts to influence opinion! Sadly, too many of our fellow citizens 'switch off' at the very mention of climate change and think that it is the duty of government alone to tackle the major issues associated with the MDGs!

There have been the wonderful surprises too! At the end of one session, an inspiring 80 year old Cheshire WI member, Pat, told us all about her own recent experiences in a village in Uganda and her decision to provide solar panels for the clinic there. I decided to organise an event called 'Solar Solutions', at which Pat described how these panels are now providing enough solar energy - to run the fridge - to store the medicines - to fight malaria in the area. One person, with energy, passion and determination can really make a difference! This was an amazing story, which has proved that it is possible to connect with disadvantaged women in other countries!

I have also been able to reach out to the wider community as the result of invitations to attend school conferences, local sustainable community and church group meetings, to talk about the project. This has enabled me to raise awareness of the Millennium Goals and the lack of opportunity for so many women in the world. My Millennium Goals stand will be prominent once again this week at the annual Cheshire Agricultural Show. This major event is always well attended and I know that I shall be kept busy for two full days explaining the project to the general public.

As the result of the reorganisation of Cheshire into two separate unitary authorities, I was invited to speak to new councillors and to local government officers about the WI's current involvement in both national and international issues.

Last summer, I received an unexpected invitation from the former Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, to attend a garden party for environmental volunteers at No.10 Downing Street. This provided an ideal opportunity to speak to Hilary Benn and Ed Miliband about the importance of taking into account the unique role of women in all future climate change strategies. For far too long, gender equality and the empowerment of women has ranked very low in political and government focus! WI members realise the importance and success of lobbying at the highest level! People Power can and does get results!

Finally, I have valued my link with Oxfam North. At two 'Oxfam Live' events in Manchester, I was able to promote the idea that ordinary women here in the UK can and do play an important role in helping women worldwide to realise their rights.

The interest shown in the project has been both positive and encouraging - rewarding too! Our WI climate change motto - 'If we can do it, so can you' - has been applauded time and time again at so many events. We shall certainly continue to campaign to make change happen and to try to make a real difference!

Sybil Graham

Should you need any further details or information concerning WI campaigns, please contact Sybil Graham 01244 679636 or email sybilgraham@talktalk.net