Breast cancer, Cristiane Cardoso, domestic abuse, Domestic violence, gender equality, physical abuse, restore family ties, run by volunteers, Self-esteem,
Friday 3rd May 2013
The V-Woman Convention at The National in Kilburn, on Saturday 27th April attracted over 800 women from all over the UK; keen to learn about the issues of self-esteem and valuing themselves.
The Convention took its lead from Cristiane Cardoso’s philosophy for modern women, as described in her book, The V-Woman, which celebrates femininity, and focused on the importance of self-belief, which is a problem for many women today.
Proceedings opened with the four presenters, Nanda Bezerra, Flavia Barcelos, Talents Rethebe and Ana Lacerda on stage, speaking about their own experiences and struggles as women, wives, mothers and friends and how they overcame these struggles.
All four have UK and international experience of supporting women and dealing with such issues as mental and physical abuse and gender equality. Currently they work through the UCKG HelpCentre’s women’s groups, Godllywood, led by Nanda Bezerra, and RAHAB for domestic abuse victims.
Flavia Barcelos, who now leads RAHAB, said: “The message was straight to the point and I think that is why many in the audience could relate to us.”
As the youngest of the presenters, Ana Lacerda added: “It was the first convention I have taken part in as a presenter and a great experience. Initially I was shy about speaking but I was able to freely express myself and women in the audience could relate to that.”
After the presentations all four presenters together with women members of RAHAB were available to chat and for one-to-one advice sessions.
For both Flavia and Talents the highlight was being able to speak to many ladies who had never set foot in a HelpCentre before and who had loved the atmosphere of the convention.
Talents spoke to women who find it hard to let go of their pasts yet assume other women are problem free. “What they have done is refused to let their problems change them for the worst,” she said. “It’s easier said than done that’s for sure but it is not impossible and that’s what we taught all the women who attended.”
ENDS
Note to editors:
Godllywood supports girls and women in choosing their life values wisely. It helps women develop and restore family ties that have withered under the pressures of modern life in the context of confident and fulfilling lives.
RAHAB (Removing All Hurt And Abuse) is a Community Group set up to reach out to women who are victims of domestic violence and abuse. It is run by volunteers and helps women by giving them a chance to express themselves and by providing practical advice on how to rebuild their lives and their families.
For further information please contact the UCKG HelpCentre Press Officer via e-mail on press@uckgnew.org or direct line 020 7686 6033.
