Scottish Soroptimists hear from inspiring women at conference

Soroptimists from across Scotland made their way to Perth for the organisation’s annual conference.

More than 100 members were welcomed to McDiarmid Park by Perth and Kinross Provost Liz Grant.

They enjoyed a series of keynote speeches from leading Scottish women, beginning with Dame Elish Angiolini.

She spoke of her progression from a childhood in Govan to the highest legal offices in Scotland, having been Solicitor General and Lord Advocate of Scotland.

Dame Elish has had a lifelong interest in human rights and also spoke movingly about the need to raise awareness of the mental health issues among the majority of women who come to court and the need for appropriate rehabilitative alternatives to custody.

Two clubs spoke of their involvement in communitybased projects that raise self-esteem and reduce reoffending – Tomorrow’s Women in Glasgow and the OWL Project in Perth.

Ann Hodgson, president of Soroptimist International of Great Britain and Ireland, and MSP Linda Fabiani both spoke of the need for women to have a voice and be prepared to step up into positions where they are able to make a positive difference to the lives of others.

Women overseas were not ignored and Maggie Ness of Smalls for All reminded the group that something as small as a pair of pants can make a difference to the lives of women and girls in Africa where underwear is costly or not available.

By the end of the conference she had received 2,150 pairs of pants and 2,618 bras from members and friends.