EIGHT members from the Barry and District Soroptimist Club were among over 1,000 delegates from 23 countries who attended the 81st Federation Conference of Soroptimist International Great Britain and Ireland which was held in Glasgow in early November.

The central theme was 'Delivering the Difference'. One of the key speakers was Dame Stella Rimington, the former director general of MI5.

Dame Stella, who was the first female director of MI5, is now a best-selling author of spy thrillers. She informed the delegates that women helped change MI5, and the image of the service for the better.

Other speakers included Joe Fairley, the co-founder of the internationally successful Green and Black Chocolate, Sarah Montague of Radio 4's Today Programme, The Hon. Justice Rowan Dowling who recently completed eight and a half years as a judge on the Extraordinary Chamber of the Courts in Cambodia dealing with war crimes, Andrew Bevan who works for International Justice Mission UK, and Olivia Giles who founded the charity 500 miles.

Delegates were also delighted to have the presence of HRH Princess Royal, who attended the Friday morning session and spoke about the work of Save the Children charity and was presented with a cheque for £4,000, a donation from Soroptimists to the work of the charity, which is currently appealing for funds to support refugee children in camps around Syria.

Two members of the club, joint programme action officers Jackie Memory and Pat Salt, were delighted to have the opportunity to address delegates on KIVA and their workshops with local primary school children “Helping to Make a Difference”.

KIVA is an American non-profit making organisation which uses the internet and a worldwide network of microfinance institutions to facilitate loans. Through the club’s involvement with KIVA, SI Barry and District have found a sustainable way to improve access to economic empowerment; provide educational opportunities both at home and abroad and enable women to find employment which will improve their lifestyle and those of their families.

At present the club is supporting women in a variety of countries including Vietnam, Uganda, Nicaragua, Kyrgyzstan, Azerbaijan and El Salvador.

By donating loans in units of $25, projects have been funded to help women develop businesses, gain academic qualifications, improve sanitation in their environments, and access clean energy. Once the loans have been repaid money can be reinvested in further projects.

Another member of the club who had a significant role was Judith Lewis, who as director of finance for Soroptiminist International Great Britain and Ireland, presented the annual accounts to the Conference.

As well as answering question on the accounts, she proposed three financial resolutions, all of which were approved, which will result in a reduction in capitation fees for all members, both in the UK and, more significantly, for members in countries outside these islands. The hope is that this will assist in the recruitment of new members to allow them to help even more women and girls.

Members agreed it was a great conference - one of the best ever.

To find out more about the Club visit sigbi.org/barry-and-district.