Many St Lukers have charities that are particularly close to their hearts, and we’re always keen to facilitate and support their efforts to make the world a better place. On 21 January, Denyse Whillier is hosting a screening of the film Half The Sky, based on the book that challenged and inspired her to take action.

“Half The Sky: How To Change The World by Nicholas D Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn stunned and captivated me,” says Denyse. “It describes how families and states systemically fail to provide education and healthcare for girls and women – and shows why empowering women in the developing world to realise their full potential is so important, not only for themselves, but so we can all benefit from their contributions to our global society.

“The book played a major role in crystallising my own thinking around development, education and the economic empowerment of women. Through stories of the power and resilience of women, it shows how each of us can meet one of the great humanitarian challenges of our times. As a result, I became an ambassador for the Half The Sky Movement (www.halftheskymovement.org ).”

Denyse’s first action as an ambassador is to host this event at St Luke’s, when we’ll have a chance to see the documentary based on the book, followed by a panel discussion led by the CEO of The Hunger Project (one of the charities highlighted by Half The Sky). The event is on Wednesday 21 January, at 7.30pm, here at St Luke’s, and proceeds from the evening will go to The Hunger Project.

You can reserve your tickets at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/half-the-sky-film-screening-tickets-14941241656?utm_campaign . People who attend are asked to make a £10 donation, either on the door or on Denyse’s Just Giving page at https://www.justgiving.com/Denyse-Whillier/ (and of course, if you can’t make the event, you can still donate). It promises to be an informative and inspiring event – we hope to see you there!