2000 women from more than 80 countries have gathered in Berlin (Germany) for the 20th Congress of Soroptimist International Europe, which opens today. The theme of the Congress is “Visions of Paradise“ – Soroptimists Go for Water and Food.

"This conference will not only highlight drastic inequalities in the supply and distribution of water and food in relation to the developing and threshold countries, but also consider how obesity and unhealthy dietary habits increasingly affect young people in the industrialized world", explains SIE President Kathy Kaaf in her welcome statement.

While starvation and a lack of clean water cause suffering and death to thousands in developing countries, obesity and its consequences affect many in industrialised nations.  SIE’s Congress aims to inform participants, raise awareness and present  practical approaches towards the solution of these problems.

Keynote speakers will include Bärbel Dieckmann, President of German NGO Welthungerhilfe, which works to combat famine and poverty around the world, Dr. Auma Obama from Kenya, author and founder of the Sauti Kuu Foundation  for disadvantaged children and young people and Graziano da Silva,  Director General of the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization (video message).

Topics covered will include the causes and consequences of unequal distribution, sustainable agriculture, scientific and technological solutions,  local and traditional knowledge and examples of effective projects to promote access to water and food.

On the final day of the conference, July 14, the 5th SIE Peace Prize will be awarded to a woman or a group of women, who have undertaken outstanding projects to promote peace.

Soroptimist International Europe is one of the four Federations that makes up the Soroptimist International movement, with 35,000 members in 58 countries.

SIE Congress Website: www.soroptimist.waterandfood.eu

SIE Website: http://www.soroptimisteurope.org/

See the latest updates from the conference on twitter via hashtag #SIEBerlin or via the facebook page.