Grassroots in action: marching for women’s rights, a special courtroom established, a “centre of excellence” becoming a reality – these are just some of the recently reported projects undertaken by Soroptimists around the world to enable, educate and empower women and girls.
Here are some pictures of Soroptimists making a difference in February. You can read more about the projects below.
Schoolboys as well as girls and adults were encouraged to take part in a women’s rights awareness march by SI Kodaikanal (India).
In other news from Indian clubs, SI Bangalore organised a variety of vocational training workshops to empower women escaping from abusive situations and for those on low incomes. A separate project to raise awareness of cancer symptoms brought immediate benefits when cases for treatment were identified during medical testing.
A cancer awareness session organised by SI Nadi (Fiji) focused on school girls who were about to have the HPV vaccine, to inform them of the causes and symptoms of cervical cancer and the importance of being immunised.
After lengthy negotiations with the city authorities, SI Parma (Italy) has established a special courtroom so that minors’ and women’s testimony can be heard in a protected environment.
Concern over the increasing number of victims of violence in Romania prompted SI Cluj-Napoca to set up a prevention of violence workshop for special needs children and to produce a parenting guide with the help of SI Union of Denmark.
Local re-offending rates among women have halved since a centre, supported by SI Heswall & District (UK) and partners, has been providing professional help, counseling and courses to enable and empower women who are isolated or vulnerable to offending or re-offending.
To mark UN Peace Day, members from SI Yorkshire Region (UK) walked 45 miles over 5 days to increase understanding of women’s contribution to conflict resolution and the disproportionate levels of female suffering in conflict zones.
And in Australia, 16 days of activism by SI Beenleigh members culminated in a march to raise awareness of violence against women.
Another marathon action – 24 days of gift wrapping by members of SI Bloomington-Normal (USA) provided further funds for a domestic violence shelter and related projects.
Essential supplies have been donated by members of SI Antananarivo Tanamasoandro (Madagascar)to relieve poor conditions at an old people’s home and orphanage.
SI Antananarivo Mandrosoa (Madagascar) has been supporting women prisoners and their children with clothes, food and gifts as well as children from low income families.
And a colourful finale with bright and beautiful garments knitted by SI Wakefield(UK being the latest contribution to the “Fish and Chip” project aiding newborns in Africa.
ACTION, ADVOCACY AND AWARENESS RAISING
There are around 3000 Soroptimist clubs around the world, all working to promote womens’ rights in their local communities and beyond through action, advocacy and awareness-raising. Working across the world in over 120 countries, clubs undertake a huge range of projects depending on local need. However, all serve the following objectives:
to increase access to formal and non-formal learning opportunities.
to improve access to economic empowerment and sustainable opportunities for the employment of women.
to eliminate violence against women and girls and ensure women’s participation in conflict resolution.
to ensure women and girls have food security and access to the highest attainable standard of health care.
to address the specific needs of women and girls by improving environmental sustainability, and mitigating effects of climate change and disasters.
These actions were all reported by clubs on the Project Focus Report database, which enables SI to track club activities across the globe and monitor the collective impact of Soroptimists worldwide. Find out more about Soroptimist clubs around the world.