Women Matter – our campaigners

Brian Wind

First hand experience of the challenges facing women in the developing world motivated returned volunteer Brian Wind and his partner Susan to play an active part in VSO’s Women Matter campaign.

“When VSO launched Women Matter, Susan and I requested 100 campaign cards in the post. I liked the way they drew attention to an action that might have a result, rather than just raising an issue. We sent cards to friends and family all over the country. Susan was keen to distribute the cards among women’s groups, and her yoga class and sewing group were very receptive.

“The campaign has been successful in raising awareness among people who otherwise might not be exposed to these issues. If we can make a small difference now, it’ll grow and grow until whole generations are thinking differently.”

Liz Ward

Liz Ward, a VSO Volunteer in India from 2005–2007, felt VSO’s ‘Women Matter’ campaign and its focus on the rights of women living with HIV and AIDS, was something she wanted to get involved with.

“Before coming home to the UK as a VSO ‘returned volunteer’ I had never visited or written to my MP. I decided I wanted to lobby my MP about VSO’s Women Matter campaign because the stigmatisation of women living with HIV and AIDS was a subject close to my heart. I also felt that VSO accurately reflected women’s rights issues from my experience as a VSO volunteer in India.

“My MP was very welcoming and listened to my concerns. I was delighted to hear that other VSO volunteers had been in touch with her by email and she agreed that the issues raised by VSO’s Women Matter campaign were important. After promising to speak to speak to Douglas Alexander, the Secretary of International Development, she said she would write to me to let me know the outcome.

“The response I received from her and the copy of the letter she received from the Secretary of State for International Development showed me that VSO volunteers can make a difference and can highlight issues on the parliamentary agenda.

“As the UK plays an important role in international development any influence we can have on our local politics can ultimately have global significance. I will definitely continue to lobby my MP on behalf of myself, VSO and my friends in India.”

Other useful information

• Register for e-updates to find out how you can get involved
• Give us feedback on the campaign and tell us what you did