In this week’s SoroptiVoice blog, International President Ann Garvie writes about attending Soroptimist International Ireland’s 48th Annual Joint North and South Conference, where she unveiled a plaque remembering women who have died in wars and conflicts and raised the issue of the abducted Nigerian girls with the Irish Prime Minister.  

Last week I
returned from Kuching in Malaysia after 10 most exciting, enriching and
energising days spent with Soroptimists of South West Pacific Federation. My
visit culminated in attending the Federation’s Conference of Clubs. The
programme was packed with outstanding and stimulating speakers and by
magnificent presentations from Club members showcasing their amazing and
diverse projects .

After
falling over a suitcase and avoiding the sight of my shambolic home, I prepared
myself for chairing the 57th annual Women of Scotland Luncheon, a prestigious event to celebrate the success of women
in business and the professions.

I then flew to the Joint Irish Conference in Castlebar,
County Mayo. The rain was
chucking it down, “cats and dogs” but it added to the poignancy of the setting
and the mood in the Castlebar’s Peace Park, where I unveiled a plaque dedicated
to women who have died in wars and conflict all over the world, followed by a
wreath laying ceremony. The plaque reads: "We grieve for them as sisters. We remember them as sisters". 

 

Thereafter,
the delegates attended an Ecumenical Service of readings, singing and the
Soroptimist Pledge. The Mayor of Castlebar Noreen Heston was in attendance. The
service was extremely moving and a tribute to the women who have died in war
and conflict and a credit to the Soroptimists for achieving the recognition and
for fulfilling the conference theme “Women Leading Change Together”.

On Saturday, we enjoyed listening to interesting and enlightening
speakers, including Soroptimist Public
Speaking competition winners 2014. The young ladies showcased their public speaking talent
and are not only a credit to themselves, but also their parents and their
education. 

 

There was a Gala Dinner
extraordinaire, with very special guest of honour An Taoiseach Edna
Kenny T.D  (Prime Minister of the
Republic of Ireland). After a very
splendid dinner An Taoiseach Kenny addressed the guests. He was very aware of the wonders of Soroptimist International as was
Senator Paddy Burke.

Castlebar Club President Dr Anne Collin’s
”challenged”, most politely, the Prime Minister, whilst I was entertained
and  enlightened on many matters of state
and the global economy by Anne’s husband Tom.I offer my
sincere congratulations to Presidents Noreen, Irene, the members of Castlebar
Club and to the National Association of the Republic of Ireland it was an
outstanding line up of most interesting people. An occasion never to be
forgotten.

Neither can
Soroptimist International forget the plight of the abducted teenagers in
Nigeria. A totally unacceptable act. I am mindful of all of the activity
currently being undertaken by members of Soroptimist International at all
levels to exert pressure and raise awareness of this appalling crime.

I took the opportunity whilst dining with the
Prime Minister of the Republic of Ireland, to raise the matter with him. I was
heartened by his response and welcome his interventions on behalf of the
abducted teenagers.

In addition
it is outstanding to see a campaign in New Zealand high schools to raise awareness about the Nigerian students co-ordinated by a 17 year-old Soroptimist  Caitlin Addison, who recently joined SI Gore.  President Elect Yvonne is also supporting and encouraging the
senior girls in her school, Westland High, to speak up for these girls, and the young Irish Public Speaking
winners were also very engaged with their plight.

Amidst the shock and outrage at what the 276 Nigerian girls are enduring, it is heartening that so many young people are taking action. They see that these girls are no different from their sisters or friends, with an equal right to go to school in safety.  Just as we grieve for and remember those women who have died in conflict as our sisters, so we stand in sisterhood and solidarity with the Chibok girls, their families and communities. 

I ask every
Soroptimist worldwide to be pro-active, keeping up international pressure to help secure the release of these teenagers, and lobbying our governments to stand up for girls everywhere who struggle to access education.