Blog - Soroptimist International

Emerging Human Trafficking Trends in the face of COVID-19

A report by Linda Witong, Special Advisor to SI advocacy “As we have continued our work during the COVID-19 pandemic, traffickers have continued as well. Traffickers did not shut down. They continue to harm people, finding ways to innovate and even capitalise on the chaos. The ratio between risk and

THE UNITED NATIONS POLICY BRIEF ON OLDER PERSONS AND COVID-19

The SI President’s Appeal for 2019-2021- ‘The Road to Equality’, inter alia focuses on older women. It was felt necessary to include this theme as a part of the Appeal, to ensure that the lifelong efforts to empower women and girls, are not wasted as in later life, a time

World Day Against Trafficking in Persons

30 July is World Day Against Trafficking in Persons. SI UN Representative, Jacqueline Shapiro reflects on the impact that COVID-19 is having on the urgent issue of human trafficking. "With the primary attention of countries and communities everywhere focused on containing the health and economic crises of the COVID-19 pandemic,

Transformative Pathways to a Sustainable Future

Maria Fornella-Oehninger, SI UN Representative in New York, blogs about the International Science Council's High-level Political Forum Side Event, 'Designing and implementing integrated, context-sensitive and attainable pathways toward achieving transformation'. "Six scientists shared their analysis of how to create pathways to transform economies and societies to achieve sustainability in the

The High-Level Political Forum 2020: a whimper or a bang?

SI UN Representative, Frances Zainoeddin provides a candid review of the 2020 High-Level Political Forum on Sustainable Development. "The High-Level Political Forum met virtually (because of the COVID-19 pandemic) from 7 to 16 July 2020, to review the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals. There was a lot of preparation

A Healthy and Green COVID-19 Recovery

SI's Advisor to Advocacy, Linda Witong, introduces the World Health Organisation's Manifesto for a Healthy and Green COVID-19 Recovery. "On May 18, 2020, the World Health Organisation (WHO) released its “Manifesto for a Healthy and Green COVID-19 Recovery.” WHO ‘s manifesto made it clear that the COVID-19 pandemic was far

UNESCO LAUNCHES GLOBAL SKILLS ACADEMY

SI UN Representative in Paris, Evelyne Para, blogs about the new “Skills Academy” created by partners to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). "The objective of the skills academy is to boost the employability of young people threatened by the economic crisis that's forecast to follow COVID-19.

How has COVID-19 impacted the goal of achieving zero poverty?

In 1995, the Beijing Platform for Action highlighted 12 critical areas where urgent action was needed to ensure greater gender equality. As the second instalment in our series of blogs examining this landmark document, SI Advisor to Advocacy, Pat Black questions if COVID -19 has quashed the world's chances of

Celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the signing of the UN Charter

A blog by SI UN Representative Designate, Jacqueline Shapiro "26 June 1945, is recognised as one of the most significant dates in modern history. Following months of negotiations, representatives from 50 countries signed the Charter of the United Nations. The United Nations (UN) represents the 'best' aspirations of all the

There’s Power in Partnership

Soroptimist International works closely with many organisations to educate, empower and enable women and girls everywhere. In this latest blog, Marie-Christine Gries, SI Representative to the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), and guest blogger, Martine Levy, representative of the World Association of Girl Guides and Scouts (WAGGGS)