Announcing the SI Director of Advocacy for the 2026-2027 biennium

Announcing the SI Director of Advocacy for the 2026-2027 biennium

Berthe De Vos-Neven has been appointed as Soroptimist International’s Director of Advocacy (SIDA) for the 2026-2027 biennium. We had the chance to sit down with Berthe to discuss her new role and her vision for the future.

Meet Berthe:

Where are you based?

I’m originally from Belgium, but my life and career have taken me across the globe. I’ve had the privilege of living and working in Switzerland, USA, Russia, and the Middle East. Since 2015, I divided my time between Geneva, Switzerland and Bruges, Belgium. While I have European roots, I consider myself an international citizen.

What is your professional background?

I hold a Master’s Degree in Law (LLM) and began my career as a lawyer at The Bar in Belgium. My first international move led me to the legal department of an American healthcare company, where I transitioned later into Human Resources (HR) management. Over time, I moved into the Executive Search field, focusing on international search in the consumer goods and healthcare sector.

Soroptimist background

How long have you been a Soroptimist?

I learned about Soroptimism through friends, but it wasn’t until 2013 that I joined the Knokke-Oostkust Club while I was living in Belgium.

Volunteering work has always been a passion of mine, especially supporting women and girls. I’ve volunteered at shelters and other centres for many years in different countries. As a feminist, I strongly believe that education has the power to create lasting change, which is why the values of Soroptimist International resonate deeply with me. Without improving education, progress is impossible.

In which areas are you involved as a SI Representative to the United Nations (UN)?

I was honoured to be appointed as a SI Representative to the UN in Geneva in 2019. In this role, Soroptimist International Representatives to the UN advocate for women’s rights and gender equality by engaging with UN bodies, member states, and other international organisations. Our mission is to influence global policy on critical issues, including gender equality, human rights, education, and employment.

As SI Representatives to the UN, we:

Monitor key UN processes, such as the Human Right Council, Commission on the Status of Women (CSW), CEDAW, ensuring vital issues are addressed and keeping SI informed of these developments.
Build relationships with UN officials, governments and stakeholders to foster collaboration and support for SI’s advocacy goals.
Promote SI initiatives and contributions to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly gender equality, and raise global awareness of our work.
Educate the global community on women’s empowerment, human rights, and gender equality.
Create networks with other organisations to align efforts and share best practices. Hence the importance to join workgroups and commission. In 2021 I was also elected Vice President of the NGO CSW Geneva, a strategic platform for UN accredited NGOs with ECOSOC consultative status for the advancement of human rights and the empowerment of women.

The work my colleagues and I have achieved as SI Representatives to the UN in Geneva has been truly impactful. UN entities now approach us for collaboration, underscoring that Soroptimists are not just advocates for women’s rights but also valuable partners, bringing meaningful contributions to the table.

Director of Advocacy role

What motivated you to apply for the role of Director of Advocacy?

As a SI Representative to the UN for several years, I see the Director of Advocacy role as a way to put advocacy at the heart of Soroptimist efforts worldwide. I’m eager to inspire all Soroptimists to actively support SI advocacy and gain a deeper understanding of the work of SI Representatives to the UN.

What skills and experience do you bring to this role?

Having spent much of my life as an expatriate, living and working across many cultures and countries, I’ve developed strong international awareness and adaptability. My legal background and multilingual abilities have been very valuable in connecting with people from diverse backgrounds.

I am well organised and structured, with a proven track record in report writing, delivering presentations and coordinating events. I’ve managed both on-site and remote teams, ensuring effective collaboration and achieving results.

I’m deeply committed to improving women’s rights and approach every opportunity with determination and passion, seeing tasks through to completion. My experience in law and HR management has sharpened my analytical skills, and I’m well-versed in the language and processes used at UN level.

How do you see the role evolving under your leadership?

My vision is to build a cohesive, effective team that prioritises advocacy as a core aspect of our work. Collaboration is key and together, we can achieve great things.

I’m excited about the opportunity to work with passionate Soroptimists and enhance our collective efforts. As Director of Advocacy, I’m confident we can strengthen Soroptimist International’s reputation and amplify our influence at the UN and beyond.

What do you hope to achieve in this role?

My primary goal is to raise greater awareness among Soroptimists about the importance and impact of advocacy. I want to empower members to advocate at every level—local, regional, national and internationa,by equipping them with the necessary tools and resources.

Leading by example and fostering a collaborative spirit, I believe we can inspire meaningful change and make a lasting difference together.

Going forward

President Siew Yong Gnanalingam and the Soroptimist International Board are thrilled to announce Berthe’s appointment as Director of Advocacy for the 2026-2027 biennium. With her extensive experience, unwavering commitment to gender equality, and proven leadership, Berthe is poised to drive forward Soroptimist International’s advocacy efforts on a global scale. The SI Board is confident that her vision and dedication will strengthen the organisation’s influence and impact, ensuring that the voices of women and girls are heard and their rights championed worldwide.

Berthe’s biography:

Holds a law degree (LLM) of the University of Brussels, Belgium and has extensive international professional experience.
Worked as a lawyer, human resources manager, and executive search consultant, specialising in Healthcare and Consumer Goods industries.
Lived and worked in Belgium, Switzerland, the United States, the Middle East, and Russia for over 35 years.
Acquired deep cross-cultural understanding through expatriate life and multilingual abilities.
Actively engaged in voluntary projects worldwide, with a focus on supporting marginalized women.
Joined Soroptimist International (SI) in Belgium in 2013 and became Project Director in 2016.
Appointed SI’s Representative to the United Nations (UN) in Geneva, centre contact, in 2019.
Elected Vice-President of the NGO CSW Geneva in 2021 and re-elected in 2024.
Advocates for women’s rights through the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), the Human Rights Council (HRC) and the International Labour Organization (ILO).
Contributes to the preparation of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) and Beijing +30 reviews.
Monitors educational initiatives for women and girls across various UN bodies.
Legal expertise enables effective navigation of treaties, conventions, and complex documents in UN work.
Balances professional responsibilities with personal life as a mother of three.