A Delight on Lodge Lane - The Somali Women's Group

By Lesley Fraser

Nine years ago a small group of Somali women committed themselves to establishing an organisation in Lodge Lane with a purpose of serving the educational and spiritual needs of Somali women in the immediate area.

The centre welcomes women into a warm and friendly environment where attention is paid to the development of their individuality. Services provided by the centre range from care for elderly and disabled Somali women to further education for lone parents or the unemployed.

At a recent Cultural Memory Exhibition at Blackburn House Faisa Mahmood - a volunteer with the Somali Women's Group told me "there is a high level of community feeling among the women around Lodge Lane…they get involved with the activities at the centre and in religious festivals." The exhibition took place over two days hosting an impressive display of Somali art and craft and staging a show of traditional dance by a group of talented young performers.

Like most community based organisations the Somali Women's Group depend on funding, they hope to continue providing educational opportunities, teaching dance and cultural classes. The Eid religious Festival will be taking place over November and December, celebrations will be spilling onto the streets in the Toxteth area with colourful displays of formal dress in which the women will be actively involved. The group will be publishing a calendar and diary for 2005 and will be available among Somali art, craft and general information at the centre.