In 2023, the Soroptimist International Foundation continued funding projects aimed at educating, empowering, and enabling women and girls worldwide. Led by the SI President and Directors, and funded through donations, legacies, and grants, the Foundation operates under the oversight of the SI Board, which ensures compliance with Charity Commission guidelines.

Key Objectives:

• Advancement of education
• Advancement of health and saving lives
• Relief and prevention of poverty
• Promotion of good citizenship and community development
• Advancement of human rights, peace, equality, and diversity

The Soroptimist International Foundation’s projects tackle key issues such as poverty, education, health, violence against women, and gender equality, aligning with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

Notable initiatives include:

• Opening Doors to a Bright Future Appeal: Unites Soroptimists to support marginalised women and girls across five Federations, enhancing gender equality and empowerment through education and training.
• Education and Learning in Cambodia: Partnered with CCDO to educate 2,814 women and girls in rural Cambodia, focusing on healthcare, gender equity, and business skills. Key outcomes include business startups and the creation of Smart Women groups.
• Rose Academies Uganda: Provided 30 out-of-school girls with boarding school education and training in social skills and health, boosting their confidence and educational aspirations.
• Restore a Sense of I Can: Addressed the gender digital divide in the Caribbean by training women and girls in digital technology, fostering self-confidence and critical thinking.
• Life Skills to Empower Women and Girls in Georgia: Collaborated with World Vision Georgia to enhance life skills and employability through IT training, business skills, and English courses.
• Fundación Moises Bertoni: Empowered indigenous girls in Paraguay through sports and environmental education, aiming to prevent gender-based violence and promote healthy living.
• Amitofo Care Centre in Malawi: Educated 150 former child brides, providing bursaries and improving their literacy and employment prospects, addressing child marriage and gender inequality.
• Women for War Torn Countries Appeal: Used a USD 100,000 donation to support displaced women in Mali, offering literacy and agri-food production training, and forming cooperatives for economic empowerment.
• Visible and Vocal Appeal: Empowered girls aged 10-11 through a public speaking competition, enhancing their communication skills and confidence. Winners spoke on climate change and career barriers.
• Lugari Youth Leadership Project: Funded by the SI Foundation, this program trained 200 girls in Kenya in leadership, peace building, and other skills, preparing them to lead community projects and address issues like FGM and child marriage.

Ongoing commitment

In 2023, the Soroptimist International Foundation achieved notable progress in advancing education, empowerment, and gender equality through its projects. Thanks to the global generosity of Soroptimists, we plan to continue many of these initiatives in 2024, extending our support to even more women and girls.

The Soroptimist International Foundation is dedicated to fostering enduring, positive change in communities worldwide, underscoring our commitment to enhancing the status and opportunities for women and girls everywhere.

Read the Soroptimist International Foundation segment of the Annual Report 2023 in full

Watch the presentation on Soroptimist International Foundation from the AGM held on 13 July 2024