SoroptimistInternational, Author at Soroptimist International

Nordic Soroptimists unite to urge new action on women’s rights #Beijing20

Soroptimists from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, SI International President Ann Garvie and SI Europe Federation President Ulla Madsen were among nearly 20,000 participants at a conference marking the 20th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. The Nordic Forum - New Action on Women's Rights in Malmö , Sweden from 12-15 June,

Tackling violence against women in Brazil

Image: Soroptimists raise awareness of domestic abuse at Curitiba airport With the eyes of footballing nations on Brazil, currently hosting the World Cup, this week’s SoroptiVoice blog looks at some of the work that the 31 Brazilian Soroptimist clubs are doing to tackle violence against women. As in many

Coordination is Vital to End Sexual Violence: The Message from Soroptimist UN Reps

Whilst the Ending Sexual Violence Global Summit was happening in London, Soroptimist International UN Reps were busy attending parallel events in UN Centres across the world. The message that came out of events in New York and Geneva was clear: to end sexual violence against women, coherent and cooperative policies

International Programme Director honoured for services to gender equality

Soroptimist International Programme Director Hilary Ratcliffe has been made an “Officer of the Order of the British Empire” (OBE) in the UK Honours List this week, recognising her achievements in promoting gender equality around the world. The UK Honours system recognises outstanding people for achievements in a range of

#TimetoAct on Sexual Violence in Conflict – “formidable force” of Soroptimists take a stand at Global Summit

Image: Speakers at the Soroptimist panel event (l-r) - Anne MacDonald and Lois Kamara (Project SIerra), SIGBI President Margaret Oldroyd, SIE President Ulla Madsen, Judge Silvana Arbia, SI President Ann Garvie and SIGBI Past-President Pat Black Soroptimists from the UK and beyond have been participating this week in a

Has your country got a Plan? Developing National Action Plans for women, peace and security (UK)

Image: Janet Hodgson (left) speaking to Angelina Jolie at the London Summit this week This week, Soroptimists are taking part in the Global Summit to End Sexual Violence in Conflict in London, the largest ever gathering brought together to address this key issue. It is a high-profile event and

President Ann's double challenge to support solar appeal: skydive postponed

Soroptimist International President Ann Garvie has been forced to postpone her skydive due to health issues, but is determined to fulfil her commitment to take to the skies for "See Solar, Cook Solar". President Ann explains: "As many of you will know, my New Year's Resolution for 2014 was

#Bringbackourgirls in Nigeria…but what then?

Image: Nigerian Soroptimists are continuing to call for the safe return of the abducted schoolgirls The world has rightly been focussed on more than 200 Nigerian schoolgirls abducted by Boko Haram on 15 April from a school in the northeastern village of Chibok in Borno state. Over a month

President's Message: recent murders in USA, India and Pakistan remind us again of the urgent need to tackle gender violence

Soroptimist International President Ann Garvie has called for renewed action to tackle violence against women and the attitudes that underpin it, in the light of recent murders in USA, India and Pakistan. She urges Soroptimists to continue and develop their work to prevent and address violence in their own communities,

Campus murders provoke national debate on misogyny and violence against women (USA)

On Friday, May 23, 6 young people were murdered and 13 wounded in a deadly attack near the campus of the University of California, Santa Barbara. The 22 year-old named by police as the killer, Elliot Rodger, also took his own life. Before he embarked on his deadly rampage, Rodger

GLOBAL VOICE SIGN-UP