The first three months of 2013 have seen 13 new Soroptimist International clubs established, in Bangladesh, Nigeria and the Philippines. 11 clubs have been chartered in the Philippines, taking the total number of clubs in the country to 84.
"I’m truly excited to welcome so many new clubs to our wonderful organization", says SI President Alice Wells. "The influence of the projects that these new clubs create have in their local communities will be a source of great pride and joy to our Soroptimist sisters worldwide. These projects will enhance the global movement of over 80,000 members worldwide, helping to educate, empower and enable women and girls around the world. Congratulations to you all!"
"Last year, Soroptimist clubs were chartered in three new countries: Nepal, Tanzania, and Uganda! We are now represented in 127 countries and territories. What is very exciting is that over the past few months, new clubs have been chartered in Bangladesh, Germany, India, Philippines, Switzerland, and the US. Italy will have a new club in May."
February saw two clubs chartered in the SIGBI federation: SI Dhanmondi in Bangladesh and SI Enugu Coal City in Nigeria. On 16th February, SIGBI President Pat Black officially “chartered” SI Enugu Coal City, situated in the east of the Nigeria, at a ceremony attended by Soroptimists from many of the other thirteen clubs in the country, as well a the National Association Executive members and President Funlola. Before the charter ceremony, the 22 members of the new club presented the maternity wards at two local hospitals with ward gowns, screens, mattress covers and drip stands.
On 23rd February, SIGBI Councillor for 
Bangladesh Jasmeen Paru Sultana chartered SI Dhanmondi, a new club in the Bangladeshi capital Dhaka. Despite this being a day of protests on the streets of Bangladesh, club members were determined that the charter would go ahead, and the event was a great success, generating considerable local media coverage.
In the Philippines, part of the SIA Federation, the new 11 clubs take the total number of Soroptimist International members in the country to 2020. The new clubs are:
- Soroptimist International of Karilagan (Bulacan South District)
- Soroptimist International of Las Piñas Central (Metro Manila South District)
- Soroptimist International of Bel Air (Metro Manila South)
- Soroptimist International of Central Pangasinan (Northern Luzon District)
- Soroptimist International of Malabon East
- Soroptimist International of Pasay Central
- Soroptimist International of Malabon Zalmir
- Soroptimist International of Northern Manila
- Soroptimist International of Pandi Central
- Soroptimist International of Sanghiyang Alfonso
- Soroptimist International of Valenzuela North
May 2013 will see the foundation ceremony of the 149th club in the Italian Union, part of the SIE federation, on the Island of Elba.
Soroptimist International is a worldwide service organisation for women with over 3000 clubs in 127 countries worldwide. Clubs work to educate, empower and enable opportunities for women and girls, locally, nationally and internationally. See recent examples of Soroptimist International clubs in action.
Each local club is a member of one of four Federations (SI South West Pacific, SI of the Americas, SIGBI, SI Europe) that make up the Soroptimist International movement. Each Federation manages membership of clubs in their member-countries. Find out about clubs near you.
Read SIGBI Past-President Maureen Maguire’s blog about chartering clubs in Uganda and Nepal last year.
Images (top to bottom): SI Enugu Coal City (Nigeria) present equipment to the maternity ward at a local hospital, SI Dhanmondi (Bangladesh) charter ceremony, SI Sanghiyang Alfonso (Philippines) charter celebration.