One of the most inspirational speakers at the Conservative Women’s Association conference for me was Zainab Salbi, founder of Women for Women International.
This is an organisation which supports women in war-struck countries. Zainab was fortunate enough to escape Iraq, and has described her terrifying years living under Saddam Hussein in her memoir, Between Two Worlds: Escape from Tyranny: Growing Up in the Shadow of Saddam.
But she hasn’t forgotten the constant struggles of women left behind, and others trying desperately to reshape their lives in countries like Afghanistan, Rwanda and Kosovo – any war-torn country in the world – without the basic necessities.
That’s why I’ve signed up to sponsor one woman, to try and help make a huge difference to her life, and maybe her family’s too. For around £17 a month for the next 12 months, my money will help provide some essential items, like food clean water and medicine, as well as school books for their children or seed money for projects to earn an income. Sponsors and their “sistersâ€? also exchange letters. For a woman who may have lost everything or who feels isolated, letters of support help renew her hope for a better future.
It is crucial to realise that in the post-war period, women are often widows, refugees and the sole source of support for their families.
I cannot think of a worthier cause to support, it’s so typical of women to be practical about how money can best be used to support families and communities. Women are the peacemakers and have to pick up the pieces after death and destruction.
It’s no surprise that last year, Women for Women International received the highly coveted Conrad N. Hilton Humanitarian Prize, the world’s largest humanitarian award.
Zainab is tiny in appearance, but so great and powerful in the way she works and I feel humbled by her great achievements, and proud to support her in this very minimal way.
You can sign up as a sponsor from this link, and please forward it on to others.
Hi Ellee, Looking forward to seeing you tomorrow at 12.30pm in the drawing room upstairs at the Carlton, 69 St.James’s.
Obviously a courageous and inspirational woman. I’d like to read her book.
I agree with you Ellee, I too am going to join this particular charity – I found her all to short speech inspiring – I enjoyed the day – the afternoon was, I feel, far more intelectually inspiring, the morning for me at least, felt as if they were talking to 10/12 year olds – I learnt nothing new and was not particularly inspired. Although 3 speakers were not nearly as bad as my synopsis…. All in all it was worth the effort to get up early and travel up to London. Let’s hope next year will be even more inspiring!
Josephine – Eastbourne.
Josephine, I wish we had met at the event, I’m glad to hear you will also be supporting this very worthy cause.
I found the environmental debate most disappointing because it was too brief and there was not enough time to discuss important issues. I was amazed at how many women had pressing questions on this topic, it clearly demonstrates the need to hold a special event on the environment.
W.W. Yes, I’ll be there, so looking forward to it.
Look forward to hearing how it goes.
Ellee, so do I wish we had met! – never mind I feel I have a reasonable knowledge of you as a person through your blog, so one day it may well be my pleasure to meet you in person! If you are ever Eastbourne way – you have my email.
I am going to try and get a few people down here interested in Zainab’s worthy cause…..
Josephine
I have heard of her!
Josephine, I shall write up about my new penpal when we are matched up, that will hopefully persuade others to do the same. You can share news with me about yours too.
Good luck in Eastbourne, and who knows, maybe one day I will be there.
Interesting woman doing great work for women. I must look into this too.
she sounds an incredible person – and looks it. Very striking persona you can see from her picture. Sounds a very worthwhile cause.
[…] I signed up after meeting its founder, the inspirational Zainab Salib, at a Conservative Women’s conference last month. I like the practical aspect behind this charity, which provides these innocent war zone women survivors with an education and skills so they are trained to work or even start their own business. […]