Soroptimist International were honoured to be invited to take part in a Commonwealth Observance Day in the Wellington Cathedral, New Zealand, on March 14, 2011. Yvonne Simpson, President of SI South West Pacific took part.

Yvonne reports:

"The theme of the day was “Women, Agents of Change” and my address reflected the Soroptimist focus of empowering girls in education. Access to education reduces violence in the lives of our girls. Education empowers them to be independent and contribute to their communities. Educating girls is the key.

There are an estimated 26 million girls  born in the Commonwealth each year and too often violence prevents them from reaching their potential. The violence decreases when girls receive an education –  the door to better circumstances is opened up to them.

Two young women from the Commonwealth Society gave introductory ‘what if’ readings before my presentation. The Governor General Sir Anand Satyanand relayed a message from Queen Elizabeth and there were readings from representatives from the  Muslim, Buddhist and Hindu communities. The Honorable  Georgina te Heuheu read a message from Prime Minister John Key. The Observance Day celebration was scaled down due to the earthquake in Christchurch."

New Zealand receives special recognition from a recent report by Plan and the Royal Commonwealth Society as being the best place to be born a girl in the Commonwealth. The report, ‘Because You are a Girl: Growing up in the Commonwealth" uses the best available data on issues from survival – for example life expectancy and nutrition –  to achievement, including numbers of athletes and medals won at the Commonwealth Games and Commonwealth Scholarships attained.

To read the report, click here.