ALUMNI STORIES
Sally Hyman Class of 1982, reflects on how her time at Keele University inspired her to found CRIBS International, a charity that provides housing and support for refugee women who are pregnant or have recently given birth.
18 | FOREVER Keele
ALUMNI STORIES
Alumna creates charity to support refugees
Sally Hyman Class of 1982, reflects on how her time at Keele University inspired her to found CRIBS International, a charity that provides housing and support for refugee women who are pregnant or have recently given birth.
“ My journey from Keele to founding CRIBS is a personal story of how education and activism can empower meaningful change,” Sally explains.“ CRIBS houses refugee women from the final trimester of pregnancy until their baby is 12 – 18 months old, offering safety and stability during a critical time.”
Sally began her studies with a Foundation Year that challenged traditional gender roles and sparked her passion for women’ s rights. She became active in feminist and social justice groups on campus, learning that real change often starts with action.
She went on to study Applied Social Studies, Sociology, and Social Anthropology – an interdisciplinary degree that deepened her understanding of society and global issues.“ Keele gave me the critical thinking skills and feminist consciousness I needed to address the complex challenges faced by refugee mothers.”
CRIBS International, based in Athens, has supported over 100 families in the past nine years. The charity’ s work reflects Sally’ s commitment to women’ s empowerment and her belief in the importance of collective action and solidarity.“ The dangers of homelessness for women on the move cannot be understated, as it exposes them to increased risks of physical and emotional harm, exploitation, and further marginalisation, making the work of organisations like CRIBS International even more crucial in ensuring their safety and well-being. We give women a safe place to recover from childbirth and begin their journey toward independence.”
Sally’ s guiding principle remains:“ To know, but not to do, is not to know at all. Keele helped me put knowing and doing together.”