The forward-thinking women who are taking innovative steps to tackle inequality and raise awareness of human trafficking

THE usual response when someone is met with this word ‘Soroptimist’ is,”er what?”. But although it might not have the same instantly recognisable ring as other women’s groups, the Southend Soroptimists are determined ladies indeed.

The Southend Soroptimist Club has been around for more than 60 years but it’s often labelled as a “best kept secret” – in fact Princess Anne once referred to them this way. Founded in 1953 the branch is the local arm of an international organisation compiled of lively and friendly women with a strong sense of purpose.

These are women who don’t just talk the talk but get things done. The Southend group currently has 30 members from all walks of life who meet on the third Monday of each month at Garon Park in Eastern Avenue. The women have raised thousands for charities over the years and support a vast array of causes, including local women’s refuges for whom their supply essential toiletries and overnight bags. They have also actively campaigned across south Essex and beyond about domestic violence and campaigned for equality and educational rights for some of the most poverty-stricken girls across the globe.

This weekend the members will take to the streets themselves to highlight and educate the public about the scourge of human trafficking. Supported by the UN backed campaign group Stop the Traffik, they will set up a walk- in piece of public art in the shape of an 11ft by 7ft giant gift box in Southend town centre.

“The box symbolises he way in which traffickers entice their victims with false promises,” explained Margaret Sandercock, past president and long term member of the group.

The outside of the box offers the ‘gift’ of a brighter new life. Colourful and beguiling, people can’t help but be intrigued. Once inside they realise the deception. They are confronted with a three dimensional, thought-provoking and interactive experience, which introduces the grim reality that victims of human trafficking and sexual exploitation are forced into. Visitors can then discover stories in the boxes are all based on cases that have taken place in the UK.

Former school head-teacher Margaret, 70, of Canvey, added: “Basically the Gift Box is attractive on the outside but the inside shows the reality of the 'gift'.”

The three day event is being held in Southend High Street outside Dorothy Perkins from Friday (July 29) through to Sunday July 31. People can go inside the box from 10am until 4pm on Friday and Saturday and from 11am until 4pm on the Sunday.

Official UN statistics show that people trafficking is the fastest growing means by which people are enslaved. It is also the fastest growing international crime and one of the largest sources of income for organised crime. It is estimated 800,000 men, women and children are trafficked each year – 80 per cent of these are women and girls.

“This is an issue that as a group we feel incredibly strongly about,” added Margaret. “As a club we are involved with the Southend Safeguarding committee and have been alerted to the possibility of women and girls being trafficked through the airport. We feel very strongly that any trafficked women are being conned to step into a new life with promises that will never materialise. Our event is also being supported by other groups from the committee including YMCA, Rape Crisis and the Border Agency people from the airport.”

The Gift Boxes first appeared at the 2012 London Olympics and have since been set up in a number of countries. Research shows they do have a significant effect in education the public about the dangers of human trafficking.

The first Soroptimist club was founded in Oakland, California, in 1921 and today there are more than 3,000 clubs across the world in more than 120 countries where members work to empower women in every sphere of their lives.

As for the name, which has its roots in Latin and means “best for our sisters” well it’s not one that people instantly remember, added Margaret. ““The usual response is 'what?' We also get people getting us mixed up with chiropodists and optometrists, asking 'is that something to do with feet or eyes?”

The group’s membership status is currently at 30 but they are always looking to recruit new members.

“We have women aged from 30 to 70 and older and we have fostered links with students at Seevic College who have created a membership film for us and came along to our meetings and enjoyed them,” added Margaret.

“As a whole organisation we are looking to introduce student membership in the very near future so our contacts with universities and colleges like Seevic and South Essex College are important to us. We get some younger women visiting us during their holidays to help with our project work. We are always looking for new members of all ages from all walks of life to keep the spirit of Soroptimism alive and to ensure that local and international projects continue to benefit from our work.”

President of the group, Sharon Richardson, 60 also of Canvey has recently selected a new charity for the group to support over the coming year. She chose the SOS double-decker buses which are based in Southend and Basildon at weekends. The buses provide help to revellers out drinking but also the general public through a safe haven of first aiders, youth and voluntary workers.

The SOS team of volunteers have treated hundreds of people across south Essex over the past 11 years- the oldest being 82 and the youngest just nine years old.

Sharon said: "I chose to raise funds for the SOS buses because they provide such a valuable service to the local community, relieving pressure on the emergency services and helping out people in need I also want to make people aware of all the good work the SOS buses do. They do so much more than helping out people who've had a few too many drinks.”

If you are interested in learning more about Soroptimists International or would like to become a member contact southendsoroptimists@blueyonder.co.uk