Handicap International

This was taken from Handicap International's website:

2 November 2007
Soroptimist’s Put Best Foot Forward for Cluster Bomb Ban

Soroptimist International, a worldwide organization for women working to advance human rights and the status of women, has been busy highlighting the urgent need for a ban on cluster bombs. Through petition drives and Pyramid of Shoes events, the public profile of this issue has been steadily raised.

Soroptimist International of Reading, Wokingham & Bracknell, a local branch of the worldwide organisation, organised a Pyramid of Shoes on 26th October. During the event the public was encouraged to add their own unneeded shoes to the pyramid, with each pair representing a life or limb lost to cluster bombs. The Mayor of Reading, Robert Wilson MP of Reading East and Martin Salter MP of Reading West were in attendance. Through the hard work of the organisation’s volunteers over 1000 signatures were added to Handicap International’s Ban Cluster Bombs Petition.

A second event was held on 2 November, during the Soroptimist International of Great Britain & Ireland Federation Conference in Harrogate. A giant pyramid of shoes was erected in the bustling Victoria Shopping centre, drawing shoppers and passers-by of all kinds. Handicap International UK staffed an information table and were on hand to answer questions and engage with the public. The Mayor of Harrogate, Coun Cliff Trotter and Phil Willis MP of Harrogate & Knaresborough, spoke with local media at the event.

These events are part of the worldwide work of Soroptimist International towards banning cluster bombs and addressing other pressing human rights issues.