Soroptimist International Advocacy Focus Sexual Violence in Conflict has been a major topic of discussion across the world recently. The Global Summit to End Sexual Violence in Conflict, held in London in June, triggered much of this discussion. The Summit is to date the largest gathering on this subject. 1,700

July is a month of major gatherings for two of the four Soroptimist International Federations; Soroptimists from  the SI of the Americas Federation are arriving in Vancouver, Canada, this week for their Biennial Convention, while SI of Europe held their Governors’ meeting from 10-12 July. The Power of Girls -

  Betty Loughhead Turland, who served as Soroptimist International President from 1983 to 1985, died peacefully last week in Christchurch, New Zealand. In a message of sympathy to the Soroptimist International South West Pacific Federation, President Ann Garvie described her as "a most delightful lady who served our organisation with

  Soroptimists from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden, SI International President Ann Garvie and SI Europe Federation President Ulla Madsen were among nearly 20,000 participants at a conference marking the 20th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action. The Nordic Forum - New Action on Women's Rights in Malmö , Sweden from 12-15 June,

Whilst the Ending Sexual Violence Global Summit was happening in London, Soroptimist International UN Reps were busy attending parallel events in UN Centres across the world. The message that came out of events in New York and Geneva was clear: to end sexual violence against women, coherent and cooperative policies

  Soroptimist International Programme Director Hilary Ratcliffe has been made an “Officer of the Order of the British Empire” (OBE) in the UK Honours List this week, recognising her achievements in promoting gender equality around the world.  The UK Honours system recognises outstanding people for achievements in a range of

  Soroptimist International President Ann Garvie has been forced to postpone her skydive due to health issues, but is determined to fulfil her commitment to take to the skies for "See Solar, Cook Solar".  President Ann explains:  "As many of you will know, my New Year's Resolution for 2014 was