WFWP London, UK Young Women's Speech Contest: Central and South London

The Young Women’s Speech Contest (YWSC) has the purpose to encourage young women to challenge and educate her to speak in public. It’s one of the qualities young women can use in leadership and feel more prepared to stand in front of a public audience. It’s helping young women to gain more confidence for their future career.

On Saturday, 24th July, the regional Young Women’s Speech Contest took place in-person at Lancaster Gate Peace Centre, hosted by South London and Central London chapters of WFWP, with the theme “Women in Leadership: Achieving Equality in a Post Covid-19 World.”

Two very talented young lady contestants took part (originally there were four, but two could not be there due to Covid and exam pressures) - A. Alam, an LLB graduate and LLM and MBA postgraduate with vast experience in the legal industry in both Bangladesh and in the UK, and C. Van Der Stok, 19 years old, a high school graduate from Hertfordshire, currently working in administration, with a great passion for music (she also sings and plays guitar). Both gave amazing talks based on their own life experiences, connecting to the topic.

Our emcee for the event was Mrs. Helena Stout, secretary of Central London WFWP, and the two young lady judges were Ms. S. Carr and Mrs. K. Hoshiko, both from South London. S. is a community activist and ordained minister with an unwavering commitment and passion for community, families and young people, who has participated in the 2019 Speech Contest in South London, and K. is a busy mother of two who has previously worked with WFWP as a youth representative and has helped with the website. Keishin previously participated in the YWSC national contest.

We were happy to welcome as attendees Mrs. T. Coombs, secretary of South London chapter, Ms. P. Rowell, a longstanding friend and supporter of WFWP and Ms. D. Chambers, who was there for the first time. It was also lovely to have C. mother and younger sister present.

It was very difficult for the judges to reach a decision as the two contestants were so equally matched, however finally the winner was announced as being Ms. A. Alam, who will automatically be entered for the national Finals in October. We very much hope that C. also will continue on the path of public speaking due to her clear talent for the role.

The prizes were awarded by Mrs. Dolores Read, Chair of South London chapter and many congratulations were given to the two young women.

There was a very celebratory atmosphere, photographs were taken and refreshments were shared. We were very happy that this contest could go ahead smoothly, and we hope it has laid a foundation for the National contest.

Reported by Anne Kobayashi and Dolores Read WFWP Central and South London/UK Chapter Leaders