Blog - Soroptimist International

Resolution 1325 and the Recognition of Women as PeaceMakers

"It is almost twenty years since the UN Security Council unanimously adopted the Resolution 1325. This resolution acknowledged the disproportionate impact of armed conflict on women and girls. It also called for increased participation of women at all levels of decision-making during the peace process, stating: 'The resolution reaffirms the

World Environment Day

5 June is World Environment Day, SI Advocacy Coordinator, Hannah Agius, discusses the importance of adopting a gender perspective for this year's theme, biodiversity. The term 'biodiversity' refers to the 8 million species of plants, animals, fungi, and bacteria living on earth, and the ecosystems to which they belong. The

Effective policy solutions for COVID-19

SI UN Representative, Maria Fornella, reflects on the findings of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) Briefing held on May 11, 2020: 'Joining Forces: Effective Policy solutions for COVID-19'. “There have been as many plagues as wars in history, yet plagues and wars take people equally by surprise.”

COVID-19: Women’s role in the crisis response

A blog by Evelyne Para, SI UN Representative at UNESCO. Since the appearance of COVID-19 in late 2019, the number of contaminations in 188 countries and territories has exceeded 5.4 million, and 345,000 people have died. Today, the virus affects everyone, everywhere, hitting the poorest and most vulnerable communities the

COVID-19 and the rise of violence

Following her attendance at three UNESCO webinars, SI UN Representative, Marie-Christine Gries, discusses the rise in violence witnessed during the COVID-19 pandemic. "The pandemic has triggered a sharp increase in violence around the world, especially in the domestic sphere, with women being disproportionately affected. Action on behalf of victims is

UN Security Council and COVID–19

A blog by Pat Black Soroptimist International supports all activities which work towards achieving SDG 16, promoting peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development. However, we do not hear of the work of the UN Security Council very often. I was invited recently through National Alliance of Women's Organisations (NAWO) UK,

Multilateralism in the time of COVID-19

April 24 was the International Day of Multilateralism and as part of the UN75 Initiative, the United Nations Office of Geneva (UNOG) hosted a virtual conversation about ‘Multilateralism in the time of COVID-19’. The conversation featured remarks from high-level speakers from varying backgrounds of expertise. Hannah Agius, SI Advocacy Coordinator,

COVID-19 and the Rise in Domestic Violence

SI UN Representative in Paris, Marie-Christine Gries, blogs about the rise of Domestic Violence during the COVID-19 pandemic. "On 5 April 2020, Antonio Guterres, UN Secretary General, made a global appeal to UN Member States to recognise that "violence is not confined to battlefields", as he called for the protection

A poignant message of domestic violence

by Sarah Gallardo, Sarah Speaks Up My mind is wandering, feeling concern for those people who will be holed up with their abuser, forced to stay home by this global pandemic. COVID-19 is causing physical isolation from most of the world as we try to control its spread. During this

Dear Diary – Soroptimists share their stories

As the COVID-19 pandemic surges through our countries, our communities, and our lives, Barbara Rochman, and Wanda Price share their thoughts with us, and we are reminded that for today, although we are apart, we stand together, as we face a 'new normal'. Notes from New York City by SI UN Representative