The Salvation Army International has launched Women Who Hope, an exhibition in Gallery 101 at its headquarters in central London, United Kingdom. The exhibition tells the story of women of The Salvation Army from around the world who have experienced hope that has uplifted their lives and helped to empower them to inspire hope in others. These stories are paired with striking portrait photography.
At the launch, Commissioner Bronwyn Buckingham, the movement’s World President of Women’s Ministries, said it was an honour to read the personal stories within the exhibition. She added: ‘Women Who Hope reflects the big, bold and hope-filled vision of Women’s Ministries: to see women transformed and empowered by the life-changing message of Jesus.’
A highlight of the launch was the unveiling of the Candle of Hope, a finely designed, hand-embroidered ornament that has been produced by Others artisans in Bangladesh. Others is a Salvation Army initiative using fair trade principles to create jobs and contribute to empowerment and poverty alleviation. Others artisans and product managers are featured in the exhibition.
‘Beyond its beauty, this ornament makes a real difference,’ said Dorianeh Stanford, spokesperson for Business Development at Others Global. ‘With the income from ten ornaments, an artisan could buy a school uniform for their child, removing barriers to education. While this ornament will shine on Christmas trees later in the year, its true light comes from the futures it helps to build.’
The launch of the Women Who Hope exhibition and the Candle of Hope ornament coincides with International Women’s Day, which is observed every year on 8 March. ‘It’s a day that gives us a great opportunity to celebrate the women of today and to inspire the next generation with what is possible,’ said Commissioner Buckingham.
‘I’m delighted that Women’s Ministries has partnered with Others on the launch of their 2025 signature ornament. Through this partnership and our shared stories in Women Who Hope, we have learnt how these ornaments transform lives.’
The launch took place on Thursday 6 March 2025 at The Salvation Army International Headquarters in London where, earlier, the Women’s Ministries team led IHQ Family Prayers. In her introduction, Commissioner Buckingham explained that the order of service and the prayers were based on the shared experiences of an ecumenical group of women from the Cook Islands for the World Day of Prayer. The theme was ‘Kia Orana’, a Maōri greeting used in the Cook Islands which means:
May you live long and may you live well.
May you shine like the sun.
May you dance with the waves.
In unison, participants at the family prayers greeted each other: ‘Kia Orana!’
- The Women Who Hope exhibition is available to view in person at Gallery 101, 101 Queen Victoria Street, London EC4V 4EH until Friday 21 March and digitally at www.salvationarmy.org/ihq/iwd25-exhibition.
- Salvation Army territories can place bulk orders of a minimum of 200 Candle of Hope ornaments here: www.tradeforhope.com/pages/wholesale-registration-form