by Pat Black Soroptimist International Director of Advocacy The new 2030 Agenda has water and sanitation at its core, with a dedicated Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 6 and clear linkages to Goals relating to health, food security, climate change, resiliency to disasters and ecosystems, amongst many others. SDG: Goal 6

Awareness of elder abuse, and specifically violence against older women is growing. Despite this, older women and how violence affects them, is regularly absent from discussions about gender violence. Present across cultures, and sometimes called ‘the last taboo’, violence against older women is often an invisible problem. Not only is

“Violence at schools and discrimination creates educational environments which prevent women and girls from achieving their potential.”   “Individuals and communities should be educated about gender-based violence, empowering them to prevent it.” Soroptimist Where We Stand Statement.   SDG Goal 4.a: “Build and upgrade education facilities that are child, disability

“Across the world, violence against women and girls remains one of the most serious—and the most tolerated—human rights violations, both a cause and a consequence of gender inequality and discrimination. Its continued presence is one of the clearest markers of societies out of balance and we are determined to change

SDG Goal 5.3: “Eliminate all harmful practices, such as child, early and forced marriage and female genital mutilation.” Child marriage is violation of human rights; robbing the young of the chance to be children - the opportunity for an education. Child marriage leads to separation from family and friends; dependent

During the course of the 16 Days of Activism Against Gender Violence SI will be showcasing Club Projects from around the world - covering the many topics of gender violence in all its forms.   To view the first Showcase in full colour PDF, simply click on the images and

Dr Kay Richmond, who chairs the Soroptimist International UK Programme Action Committee writes on Day Two of the 16 days of Activism Against Gender Violence. "About 6.5% of the world’s prisoners are women. Between 2000 and 2013 the number of women in prison increased by over 40%" Penal Reform International:

  International President Yvonne Simpson calls on all Soroptimists to renew their efforts to eliminate violence against women through education, empowerment and enabling opportunities. "When we unite we increase the impact of our call for action". "One in three women worldwide have experienced physical or sexual violence. According to UN

"As I sit gazing from my window looking towards the snow clad hills and idyllic frost covering the garden, my thoughts fast forward to the magical beauty of Istanbul, where the warmth of the sunshine will welcome every delegate to Convention 2015. Istanbul is no ordinary place, it is a

Walk the Talk    “There were about 400 good Men who stepped on Board to support 200 women to walk the talk in the Soroptimist International Malaysia's annual walk held during the 16 days of activism to eliminate Violence against Women. The men outnumbered the women as men were intentionally