Speakers to share inspiring messages

A group of Blenheim churches want to touch hearts and change lives at a women’s conference next month.

Women of Influence was launched in 2010 after women from different churches in Blenheim decided they could organise the sort of conference that usually draws women to a large city centre.

Coordinators Diane Banbury, Suzanne Hatch, Wendy Salisbury and Jan Borland describe that this first gathering as a “fantastic event” for Marlborough, this year’s event is being held at the Marlborough Convention Centre on July 27 and 28.

One of the seven speakers at the conference is Marilyn Skinner, who with her husband founded Watoto Childcare Ministries in Uganda in response to the plight of Africa’s millions of children orphaned as a result of HIV/Aids.

Mrs Skinner, who also founded the Watoto Children’s Choir, which has performed in New Zealand many times, believes Africa’s greatest resource is its women waiting to be empowered. She will talk about women standing up against human trafficking, child soldiers, HIV/Aids stigmatisation and all forms of injustice.

Money raised from the event will be donated to Watoto.

Another session speaker is Belinda Stott, who is looking forward to some of the unique aspects of a women’s event.

“What I’m looking forward to is the wearable arts show on the Saturday night,” she said.

This year’s theme is ‘Royalty’, drawing inspiration for the story of Esther.

The event brochure encourages women to “rise up and take their God-given place in the world,” but organisers stress that people attending do not have to be religious.

They believe that the different speakers will “appeal to people who are Christian and those in the business arena”.

Topics covered will include character building, healthy lifestyles, making wise life choices, good relationships and combating eating disorders and drug addiction.

Women of Influence has become more than just a biennial conference. Since the 2010 event, networks have been growing between women around Marlborough and other parts of New Zealand, with newsletters helping to strengthen the connections.

The first event’s success has helped coordinators draw generous sponsorship from Marlborough businesses.

By Aaron Ironside