Discussions at the 2024 Annual Meeting involved topics such as domestic violence and abuse. Should you require support please refer to the National Domestic Abuse Helpline – 0808 2000 247 (a 24/7 confidential free phone providing help and advice about violence against women and domestic abuse).
The NFWI Annual Meeting was amazing but emotional. I couldn’t have written a report that night even if I’d had the time! It took several days to process what I’d heard and appreciate what fantastic speakers we’d had and how much their words had affected me.
I took eighteen pages of handwritten notes, not knowing what would be important to share in the report for my link WIs. Below is a short synopsis of the speakers which I included as a covering letter.
Azir Afzal OBE was the most inspirational speaker I have heard. His words are still staying with me. I googled him, after trying to find the correct title for one set of guidelines he was involved in, and it is well worth looking at his official website.
A Tickenham WI member told me that he is often on Morning TV programmes, so I intend to look out for him in a month’s time when the Nursing and Midwifery Council publish the findings from the independent experts review of their internal culture, which he was asked to lead. I have decided that Nazir Afzal was right to share some of ‘disturbing’ stories to ‘jolt’ people into acting. The stats and facts I can’t remember but I do remember the personal stories. What has struck me most since, is that he is a man fighting for women’s rights and safety!
After hearing Melanie Brown MBE, I went home and ordered her book “Brutally Honest” from Amazon. The books publication and her honesty detailing her own experiences of domestic violence, has led to her becoming a Patron of Women’s Aid. In highlighting the issue of domestic violence she has helped many women. Even her daughter is involved, giving talks on the Women’s Aid 50th birthday campaign “Come Together to End Domestic Abuse”.
The campaign’s aim is to demonstrate how we can make a difference if we come together, step up, and do what we can do in our communities and workplaces to end domestic abuse. You can find the campaign details here on the Women’s Aid website.
I also found her petition for the Judicial College to commit to compulsory ongoing training and signed it. And, unusual for me, I shared it on Facebook! Please encourage your members to find it and sign it too. As I type it has 21,377 signature it needs 25,000 for the government to implement the recommendations of the Harm Panel Report, you can find the petition details here.
Sue Williams
Tickenham WI