Soroptimist International
Soroptimist International (SI) is a women’s organisation, founded in 1921, whose aim is to Educate, Empower and Enable women and girls around the world. Now active in 127 countries, Soroptimists not only give a voice to women at the UN and to Governments, but are heavily involved in grass roots projects ensuring that practical work is carried out to improve the situation of women. Education is always key – without it, women will not be able to maximise their economic activity or contribute as effectively to their own communities.
According to their website, Soroptimist International is “committed to a world where women and girls together achieve their individual and collective potential, realise aspirations and have an equal voice in creating strong, peaceful communities worldwide”.
According to their website, Soroptimist International is “committed to a world where women and girls together achieve their individual and collective potential, realise aspirations and have an equal voice in creating strong, peaceful communities worldwide”.
In the SI Global Impact Report for 2012-13, 39 “Projects of Excellence” have been highlighted (out of 3727), which show brilliantly the breadth and scope of the work being done. These projects cover 26 countries in 6 continents - just a snapshot of the work being done!
The four headings for the Projects of Excellence are:
· Girls at School
· From School to Work
· Learning needs of adult women
· Women’s participation in decision-making
These are well chosen headings, which start with girls – giving them the opportunity to learn – and move on through to enabling women to participate in the decision making that will ultimately improve the situation of other women and girls (and therefore society as a whole).
The four headings for the Projects of Excellence are:
· Girls at School
· From School to Work
· Learning needs of adult women
· Women’s participation in decision-making
These are well chosen headings, which start with girls – giving them the opportunity to learn – and move on through to enabling women to participate in the decision making that will ultimately improve the situation of other women and girls (and therefore society as a whole).
Girls at School
The Girls at School projects range from raising awareness, such as in the “Standing with Malala” activities, through to scholarship programmes for girls.
Many of the projects recognise that being able to go to school may need solutions to practical issues first.
For example, one group in Kenya worked towards providing a girl-friendly physical learning environment and set up the “Reusable Sanitary Towels” project. This project provided girls with reusable sanitary towels and underwear, and education on hygiene and how to use the towels. This is a very practical way to ensure that the girls could participate in all aspects of school life, including sports.
The Girls at School projects range from raising awareness, such as in the “Standing with Malala” activities, through to scholarship programmes for girls.
Many of the projects recognise that being able to go to school may need solutions to practical issues first.
For example, one group in Kenya worked towards providing a girl-friendly physical learning environment and set up the “Reusable Sanitary Towels” project. This project provided girls with reusable sanitary towels and underwear, and education on hygiene and how to use the towels. This is a very practical way to ensure that the girls could participate in all aspects of school life, including sports.
From School to Work
This programme includes projects for teenagers, support into business and entrepreneurship, and training in practical skills.
In India, the “Girls Moving Forward” project offers workshops in a diverse range of topics, often in areas not covered by formal education, with an emphasis on life skills and tailored to the needs of learners. Workshops have included public speaking, cookery, talks on HIV and Aids, and practical crafts. Girls taking part gain in confidence as well as learning new skills.
For more about "Girls Moving Forward", click here
This programme includes projects for teenagers, support into business and entrepreneurship, and training in practical skills.
In India, the “Girls Moving Forward” project offers workshops in a diverse range of topics, often in areas not covered by formal education, with an emphasis on life skills and tailored to the needs of learners. Workshops have included public speaking, cookery, talks on HIV and Aids, and practical crafts. Girls taking part gain in confidence as well as learning new skills.
For more about "Girls Moving Forward", click here
Learning needs of adult women
This area recognises that many women miss out on opportunities at school and offers second chances (or, often, a first chance) at education and learning. Again, the projects are wonderfully diverse, ranging from Literacy in Cameroon to leadership training in Australia.
The “Revive Social Net” project in Brazil offers basic education and practical job training to at-risk women, including women in prison and shelters. This includes literacy and numeracy but the project also offers training in administration to give the women better job opportunities. Apart from the increase in self-esteem, the women were able to improve their prospects and increase their income.
For more about ReVive, click here
This area recognises that many women miss out on opportunities at school and offers second chances (or, often, a first chance) at education and learning. Again, the projects are wonderfully diverse, ranging from Literacy in Cameroon to leadership training in Australia.
The “Revive Social Net” project in Brazil offers basic education and practical job training to at-risk women, including women in prison and shelters. This includes literacy and numeracy but the project also offers training in administration to give the women better job opportunities. Apart from the increase in self-esteem, the women were able to improve their prospects and increase their income.
For more about ReVive, click here
Women’s participation in decision-making
These projects also include education but show the exciting results of women’s education as a major factor in moving women’s issues into the spotlight and making real improvements in the lives of women and communities. They include coaching in Iceland, giving recognition to women who make a difference in France and Australia, through to raising awareness of violence against women, AIDS, trafficking and many other women’s issues around the world.
For example, the “SAME Women” project in the UK and Pakistan arranged a series of events by celebrating International Women’s Day with guest speakers from across the world. At the same time, the women raised money for a local hospice.
For more about the S.A.M.E. project, click here
These projects also include education but show the exciting results of women’s education as a major factor in moving women’s issues into the spotlight and making real improvements in the lives of women and communities. They include coaching in Iceland, giving recognition to women who make a difference in France and Australia, through to raising awareness of violence against women, AIDS, trafficking and many other women’s issues around the world.
For example, the “SAME Women” project in the UK and Pakistan arranged a series of events by celebrating International Women’s Day with guest speakers from across the world. At the same time, the women raised money for a local hospice.
For more about the S.A.M.E. project, click here
Soroptimist International is a global women’s organisation yet it operates in a very local and practical way. This short piece offers just a glimpse into the work being done.
To find out more about Soroptimist International and what groups may be in your area, please visit their website on http://www.soroptimistinternational.org/
To see the Global Impact Report, click here