The above drawing I did constitutes the image that springs to my mind of how this whole book presents itself. Sue Lloyd- Roberts, a well respected journalist casts light upon the terrors woman in countries across the world experience. Courageously, she exposes the harrowing ordeals girls and women go through, revealing personal accounts surrounding issues of FGM, trafficking, forced marriage, honour killings, oppression and other problems ongoing to this day forward..

Reading this was hard. It took me a while to finish it because as sensitive as I am to anything horrific and heavy, reading a chapter of a different predicament, was enough for one day. But I wanted to learn of life beyond the perimeters of my homeland, and the attitudes toward women.

My heart goes out to Sue Lloyd-Roberts as she exposed the worst atrocities inflicted on woman, with a determination to hear the voice of women robbed off of their dignity and freedom, bringing them out of the shadows under the light. Her sympathy could be felt in the way Sue interacted with them, and how she conveyed their stories; sensitively touching upon their desires, why they can’t be heard, and how a demand for change in laws reflects a bravery to fight back.

After completing this book, in all honesty I felt I wanted to live for these woman. Live for them out of my respect and strong desire for them to realise I am rooting for their freedom, I’m sure you are too. For them to be given a voice. I am so fortunate it pains me to see, where I have so much opportunity and freedom of speech-this is taken away from many women…So sad.

Sue Lloyd-Roberts highlighted real life situations. Lent an ear to women. And brought awareness to us on the severity of their lives. We are so fortunate, there are men in this country and in many parts of the world who can provide love, care and respect toward woman. Happiness can be felt. Let’s hope this can secure a positive future for society. And may a shift of laws and attitudes be changed in some places, where a woman’s worth can eventually be realised.

Hello everyone, I came across this advertisement online to join in on a 12 hour hike among the beautiful highlands for Scotland for the MIND charity. A statistic in the UK whereby 1 in 4 are affected by a mental health issue. Many of us may know someone who is affected. I am very passionate about mental health as I have personally been affected and I know a few others who have been too. I believe we are all in this together. We are so interconnected, no one deserves to suffer alone. In doing this 12 hour hike, I know I will be mentally and physically challenged, but I want to do it for mental health as a whole, for you and for me and for everyone who is affected by mental health.

Also, it’s been a pleasure to volunteer at least once a week at MIND’s art group with a group of lovely adults and to see the collective support they have one for another is so endearing. I want to do this for them.

In doing this, I hope to raise awareness and funds for MIND charity so they can continue to be the back bone for the 1 in 4 experiencing a mental health problem.

Your support would be much appreciated. I will set up a JustGiving page, where donations will be directly given to the charity.