Are you interested in learning about Sierra Leone, the community in the UK and looking to get inspiration? If so, you need to be at #BeamTalks on the 25/06/2018.

In March 1991, a brutal civil war broke out in Sierra Leone, a country on the west coast of Africa, and ended in January 2002. Since the war the narratives around the country have always been negative; civil war, blood diamonds, child soldiers, amputations, sex slaves and the recent Ebola epidemic. The war left an indelible mark in our hearts and minds. Just as in other conflict regions, women in Sierra Leone bore the brunt of atrocities committed. Sierra Leone is always linked to these terrible atrocities and rarely spoken about in a positive light. All the work amongst the Sierra Leonean community in the United Kingdom are often not spoken about or highlighted. Beam Talks looks to reverse this worrying trend and is creating a platform to share positive and inspiring stories.

Beam Talks is Smiling Through Light’s UK initiative which showcases the diverse career routes taken by Sierra Leonean women living in the UK. The event will provides a space where role models can discuss their achievements, experiences and challenges with a new generation of change-makers.

The event will consist of a presentation, panel session and audience Q&A.

The discussion will cover:

• Connecting African Women through Digital Spaces.
• Achievements, experiences and challenges with a new generation of change-makers.
• Contributions of the Sierra Leonean community in the UK.
• Update on Smiling Through Light's activities - access to clean energy in Sierra Leone.

Confirmed Speakers List:

• Mariama Kamara, Founder & Director, Smiling Through Light
• Natalie Lue, Author, podcaster, mentor, Baggage Reclaim
  
• Ilara Mukoro, IoT Big Data Privacy Project Manager, GSMA
• Tamu Thomas, Founder Three Sixty, Co-Founder Motherhood Reconstructed

Why you should attend

You will have the chance to hear stories and experiences of an incredible panel of diverse people. Through discussion and debate, we'll challenge misconceptions about Sierra Leone, foster greater awareness and change narratives about the country.

Who should attend:

• Senior officials from African government bodies
• Renewable Energy companies
• Members of the African Diaspora
• Innovators
• Entrepreneurs
• Bloggers
• Journalists

Light refresehments will be served.

If you would like to sponsor the event, please contact Mariama Kamara at mariama@smilingthroughlight.org