Soroptimists across the world
are being urged to take part in the BBC’s 100 Women season, which is highlighting the challenges and opportunities facing women in the 21^st
century.

During October the
Corporation’s news and current affairs programmes are featuring the struggle to
access education, healthcare and better wages along with the real dangers posed
by domestic violence, sexual abuse and female genital mutilation and many other
issues At the same time, a brighter future is also emerging for some, as more opportunities
in higher education are opening up and greater legal rights and protections are
gaining ground.

"We really welcome
involvement from Soroptimists around the world identifying issues and potential
contributors, not only during ‘100 Women’ now, but as part of the continuing
legacy of this season”, explained  Season Editor Fiona Crack, speaking to SI Communications Advisor Margaret Hyde.

Fiona Crack, who is Planning Editor for BBC’s Global News Languages section, went on to say that the series
of features is an opportunity to take stock of where women are now, and to reflect
and examine what the future might hold.  Audiences
can share their views via the form on the website and also take part in the
final event. This will be a conference on 25 October in
London attended by 100 women from around the world who will debate and exchange
views throughout the day. “Some are high profile, others are less well known
but all are inspirational” she e says.

 The
conference will be streamed online and broadcast live in English on BBC World
News and World Service radio as well as by many of the BBC’s 27 global
languages services.

You can get in touch via
email, text message and social media – including on Twitter and Facebook using
the hashtag  #100Women.

The BBC’s global network of
correspondents is addressing some of the following questions but Fiona Crack
and her colleagues are keen to hear our stories now and in the future.

• How are women faring in the
  21^st Century economy where you live?
• Will women take on a bigger
  role in politics and business or is there a global glass ceiling?
• Are the demands of motherhood
  and family destined to hold back the tide of progress?
• What about feminism? Does it
  still have a role?
• Does religion empower women,
  or keep their rights in check?
• What are the biggest risks
  facing women?  What are the biggest
  opportunities?
• How do the media portray
  women? Are we misrepresented? Are our stories told properly?