Soroptimist International Foundation is thrilled to share the outstanding achievements of the participants in the recently concluded 2023 Visible and Vocal Public Speaking Competition. The event, aimed at empowering girls aged between 10-11 years, brought forth remarkable insights and thought-provoking speeches from talented young orators across the globe.

If you missed the Visible and Vocal Public Speaking Competition Webinar, the recording of this event is now live on our YouTube Channel!

Click here to watch the recorded webinar.

International Winners:

• First Prize: Stefanie from the Philippines, representing Soroptimist International of the Americas, delivered a compelling speech on ‘As girls, what can we do to address climate change?’
• Second Prize: Gaelle from Rwanda, representing the Soroptimist International Africa Federation, addressed the barriers faced by girls in achieving their career aspirations.
• Third Prize: Olivia from Australia, representing Soroptimist International South-East Asia Pacific, also explored the challenges hindering girls in achieving their career goals.

Runners Up:

• Sakhina from Cote d’Ivoire, representing Soroptimist International Africa Federation.
• Elsa from Liechtenstein, representing Soroptimist International Europe.
• Sireen from Pakistan, representing Soroptimist International of Great Britain and Ireland.
• Angelina from Malaysia, representing Soroptimist International South-East Asia Pacific.

 

These outstanding young voices presented their perspectives on pressing global issues, showcasing their passion, intellect, and determination.

The competition took place on 10 December to commemorate Soroptimist International Foundation Day and the UN Human Rights Day. Soroptimist Clubs worldwide conducted local public speaking competitions, culminating in the grand finale.

The overall winner received a prize donated by our sponsor, Oasis Travel, Northern Ireland, while the runner-up received a cash prize. All participants received tokens of appreciation, fostering personal development for their educational journey.

In partnership with The Commonwealth Business Women’s Network (CBWN), the competition featured a distinguished panel of adjudicators, including Siew Yong Gnanalingam, SI President Elect, Helen Jones from CBWN, and Sinéad Lunny. They commended the exceptional performances, noting the difficulty in selecting winners.

As we reflect on the success of the competition, we invite you to relive the impactful presentations by accessing the recorded sessions. The finale was a webinar held on Soroptimist International Foundation Day, allowing global audiences to witness the transformative speeches delivered by these young orators.

Thanks to our Judges

We express our gratitude to the esteemed panel of judges who contributed their expertise to this event:

• Siew Yong Gnanalingam: Our SI President with a wealth of experience and a commitment to empowering the next generation.
• Sinéad Lunny: Managing Director of Vocalis, bringing a unique blend of legal and dramatic expertise to the judging panel.
• Helen Jones MBE: Recognised for her contributions to international youth development, advocating for positive change.

 

The competition showcased the power of effective communication, encouraging girls to play a more significant role in public life. We extend our sincere thanks to all Soroptimists and supporters who attended the virtual event and celebrated the voices of these remarkable young girls.