b'FOREWORDBy sharon fisher SI President 2020-2021There was no 2020-2021 was a time of extremes in a waycountry we could most could never imagine. However, we camenot reach and share together under our Soroptimist Internationalour message with as mission and goals to find those who needed2021 relied on digital our help and be their voice. With the promise ofcommunications. We, at SI, took full advantage a vaccine arriving in December 2020, we wereof this.Our actions in such times are critical and hopeful that in 2021 the world would Build Backprove once again we are stronger together. Better. I am so grateful for the support I received However, extremes showed us that getting afor my SI President Appeal, Road to Equality. vaccine would not mean equitable distribution,Launched in 2019 in Kuala Lumpur, my aim was since many countries still are without, whilstto strategically focus on taking Action and to others are receiving a fourth booster shot. Advocate on topics affecting women and Pandemic rules and restrictions continuedgirls, including Child Marriage, Female Genital throughout 2021, with global news showingMutilation, Domestic Violence, Rights of Older that once again women and girls were the mostWomen, Migration, and Human Trafficking. vulnerable, bringing gender to the fore andDespite the challenges of the pandemic, I am clearly showing us that human rights are notpleased to report that we have worked with equal. The pushback against some of the hard- partners to deliver projects on each of these fought gains for gender equality is a concerntopics; details of each project can be found on to all of us and whilst we are becoming morethe Soroptimist International website.literate in the use of technology and meeting each other more than ever before, the digitalIn March 2021, we formed the Soroptimist divide found many were left behind. International Foundation, which has charitable status enabling us to develop our work. The Climate disasters are risking our way of life withFoundation will become home to our SI flooding, fires, natural disasters and new eventsPresident Appeals and future international like heat domes and atmospheric rivers.Politicalappeals.We plan to launch it to members leaders are changing our democratic landscapeduring the SI Dublin Convention in July 2023. and communication channels obscure the truth and feed us false information. SoroptimistThe highlight of the year was the 100th International engaged in all these issues andAnniversary of our organisation. Soroptimist more as we accelerated our advocacy work andInternational was celebrated in a live-streamed listened and learned as we took action where itevent with members joining from around the would have impact.We attended an increasedworld to see, hear and celebrate our Bright Past number of events, delivered more statements,and Brilliant Future. Soroptimist International and met more people than ever before. has a proud history of 100 years transforming the lives of women and girls; our celebration reflected our global efforts since 1921, and I was honoured that so many Soroptimists joined us to commemorate our centenary. soroptimistinternational.org 3'