MAY 2018 Soroptimist News

Meru Women’s Garden Project: Study Tour

SIGBI Conference Liverpool 2018 Book now! CSW62 SIGBI Team hits New York!

• SIGBI Members celebrate International Women’s Day • Directors applications: who will you vote for? • UKPAC Study Day: coming up soon – have you booked your place?

Women inspiring action, transforming lives www.sigbi.org Welcome to Soroptimist News Company Number: 07058666 from the Editor Soroptimist International Great Britain & Ireland is an organisation in Special Welcome to a very full issue of of the celebrations for 100 years since Consultative status with the United Soroptimist News! Members have women in the UK won the right to vote, Nations Economic and Social Council excelled themselves with their activity and Clubs were out in force, in period dress in (UN ECOSOC) since July 2013. reporting – I have never received so many many cases, celebrating with every other This is in addition to the General submissions! women’s group! Consultative status held by the umbrella organisation Soroptimist This is fantastic so keep it up, please – The other major news in this issue is International. Soroptimist International the only downside is that we cannot fit CSW62 and we have extensive reporting on is a recognised Non-Governmental everything in, so my sincere apologies if the very busy scene in New York. Organisation (NGO) representing your news has not been included. We will And finally, we have more information women from all over the world. try to include it in the next issue. about the SIGBI Conference in Liverpool – Federation Office International Women’s Day was the read on and book your places! 2nd Floor, Beckwith House largest event in this quarter and how well 1-3 Wellington Road North, did that go? Brilliantly, of course. It has Stockport SK4 1AF, UK to be the favourite ‘Special Day’ in the T: 0044 (0)161 480 7686 F: 0044 (0)161 477 6152 Soroptimist Calendar and this year, because E: [email protected] W: www.sigbi.org

President: Susan Biggs www.facebook.com/SoroptimistSIGBI www.twitter.com/SIGBI1 Immediate Past President: Ann Hodgson President Elect: Sue Williams Soroptimist News MAY 2018 Vice President: Isobel Smith Finance Director: Judith Lewis Executive Officer: Gina Coad 3 A message from SIGBI President, Susan Biggs

Soroptimist News: 4 - 5 Programme Objective: Economic Empowerment, Rayner Rees, Editor: Sheila Manchester, Assistant Programmme Director, reports Written Image Ltd T: 0044 (0)1202 684138 6 - 7 Programme Objective: Advocacy, Assistant Programmme Director, E: [email protected] Margaret Clark, reports Number 63 (hotel) 63 Bayswater Road, London W2 3PH 7 SIGBI Celebrations T:0044 (0)207 723 8575 E: [email protected] 8 - 9 SIGBI Conference 2018: Liverpool! More news about this exciting event W: www.number63.co.uk 10 - 11 SIGBI Directors Applications Change of address? Please contact SIGBI Federation Office 12 - 13 Soroptimist International Director, Beverley Bucur, reports to change your details.

Disclaimer 14 - 15 Meru Women’s Garden Project: Patricia Gatherum reports on the Study Tour Opinions expressed in this magazine do not necessarily represent those of 16 - 19 SIGBI News: all the latest from SIGBI HQ Soroptimist International Great Britain and Ireland (SIGBI) Ltd., or of the Editor. 20 - 21 International Women’s Day

Environment statement 22 - 23 Club News and Celebrations Printing inks used for this magazine are made from vegetable based oils. Printed using pureprint® environmental 24 STEM projects and events print technology by a CarbonNeutral® company, registered to the NEXT ISSUE: 16th August 2018, deadline for submissions: 8th July 2018 Environmental Management System, Featured Objective 1: Environmental Sustainability (APD Naina Shah) ISO 14001 and EMAS, the Eco Featured Objective 2:Food Security and Healthcare (APD Rita Beaumont) Management and Audit Scheme. The FSC® logo identifies products which Please send your contributions and news to: [email protected]. contain wood from well-managed forests Please ensure that your submissions are similar in length to the items in this issue - that is, concise. certified in accordance with the rules of Please ensure that photos are high resolution and sent as JPEG files, in the same email but not the Forest Stewardship Council. Printed on Hello gloss which is chlorine free. embedded in the text file. We are unable to use low resolution or low quality photos. The Soroptimist News Schedule for 2018 is in the Members’ area of the SIGBI website. 2 MAY 2018 Empower Today Enable Tomorrow

President’s message

Dear Soroptimist Sisters

Spring has arrived here in the UK and the clocks have moved forward onto British Summertime. Our daffodils were just about to flower when the snows came from the East. The first storm meant we were snowed in for four days and the second storm meant I missed attending my Club’s (SI Burnley) 75th Charter celebration. In my last message I wrote about teams and the importance of those groups of people who keep “the Soroptimist Show on the road.” I want to continue the theme by thanking all those Soroptimists out there who have written, emailed, phoned or simply hugged me over the last few months. As some of you know my husband was diagnosed with a suspected brain tumour back in November 2017. Without my team around me then and now I could not have continued as Federation President. I am happy to report that as I write this David is making an excellent recovery and is gaining in strength daily. However it has meant changes in our lives as private individuals and my life as your Federation President. My President’s Support Group of Ann, Sue and Isobel are undertaking my official trips outside the UK. Ann will be in South West Pacific; Sue will be with SIA in Japan and Isobel will be with SIE in Lucerne. I am concentrating on the UK and Ireland but that does not mean that I do not want to know what is going on in our Clubs outside the UK. So I am announcing here that I want to meet as many of the Clubs outside the UK as possible via electronic means. I am already a user of Skype and What’s App. So if you would like me to “attend” your Club meeting please contact me and I will see what I can do. The Federation Conference in Liverpool is taking shape. I have registered; in fact I was the first to do so. Please come along and join me on the dockside in this vibrant city. The Conference Team is working hard to ensure that you have a memorable time in the “home of the Mersey Beat”. My travels around the UK have, in recent weeks, included SI Runcorn, Frodsham and District’s 70th Charter, SI Sheffield’s 90th and SI Rossendale’s 70th. I have also chaired the FMB in Stockport.

In friendship

Susan

Susan Biggs, President, Soroptimist International Great Britain and Ireland

MAY 2018 3 Programme Objective Economic Empowerment

Rayner Rees Assistant Programme Director Economic Empowerment, reports

After an amazing week in New York attending Poverty is both a cause and consequence of They live a life virtually devoid of pleasure the CSW (Commission on the Status of child marriage. Trafficking, whereby criminals and must wear no other colour but white, they Women) in the United Nations, I have realised prey on orphaned children and parents, is part are banned from social gatherings, even with that there are so many organisations trying of the reason for the rise in child marriage. their families, temples are off limits and they are to do the same as us in bringing support to Child marriage is rooted in gender inequality not allowed to remarry. women and girls across the globe. and the belief that girls and women are They must not leave the house or look men There are so many ways in which we as somehow inferior to boys and men. Girls are in the eye, as it is believed that they will bring Soroptimists offer support but one issue has not valued as much as boys are – they are seen bad luck. had a profound effect on me and that is the as a burden on their family. Child marriage is They have been denied a childhood. With no issue of child brides and young widows. a complex issue. Poverty, lack of education, one to protect them, their futures are bleak as Child marriage is a truly global problem that cultural practices, and insecurity fuel and they bear the triple disabilities of gender, marital cuts across countries, cultures, religions and sustain the practice. Child marriage is also status, and being underage. ethnicities. Child brides can be found in every driven by patriarchal values and the desire to These violations persist in spite of their rights region of the world. control female sexuality. being enshrined in CEDAW and the Beijing Across our Federation, there are many of our Child brides face huge challenges with Platform for Action, which have been agreed member countries where child marriage is a their freedom curtailed; girls frequently feel by almost all UN member states. We need to huge problem. disempowered and are deprived of their highlight the tragedy of the neglected child Malawi has one of the highest rates of child fundamental rights to health, education and widows who have no big organisations to marriage in the world, with approximately 1 in safety. speak up for them, to reveal the conditions 2 girls married by the age of 18. They are neither physically nor emotionally of their lives, and galvanise governments to In Nepal 37 per cent of girls are married ready to become wives and mothers, child address the human rights violations perpetrated before the age of 18 with the 2015 brides are at greater risk of experiencing against them. earthquakes leaving girls and women in an dangerous complications in pregnancy and Today, we have a unique opportunity to act increasingly vulnerable position. childbirth, contracting HIV/AIDS and suffering on this momentum and accelerate our efforts to In Uganda, child marriage is also a result of domestic violence and they are particularly help change the lives of girls and young women poverty and parents marry their daughters in vulnerable to pregnancy-related injuries such as all over the world. Ending child marriage the hope of securing their financial security. obstetric fistula. requires work across all sectors and at all levels. 39 per cent of girls in Sierra Leone are Girls who marry before 18 are more likely Perhaps we need to encourage the CSW to married before their 18th birthday. to face violence from an intimate partner highlight the plight of child marriage and young The Government of Sierra Leone is currently throughout their life. The greater the age widows as a separate, urgent issue to improve implementing “Let Girls be Girls, Not Mothers”, difference with their husbands, the more likely the status of girls and women. a two-year national strategy for the reduction they are to experience violence. There can Many of our Clubs have already begun of teenage pregnancy. be little doubt that child marriage is a major projects aimed at ending this practice and these It is estimated that 27 per cent of girls in violation of a girl’s human rights and can include: India are married before their 18th birthday sometimes be a form of slavery. • SI Garstang, SI Bromley, SI East with 69 per cent and 65 per cent in Bihar and Grinstead and SI Bournemouth are Rajasthan. The hidden lives of child widows petitioning to reverse the Child Marriage In Pakistan, it is estimated that 21per cent of A particularly severe injustice of this practice Restraint Act 2017 in Bangladesh to remove the girls are married before the age of 18. are child widows something we know less legal loopholes that will allow child marriage Most of the countries have made some about. Child widows, some less than ten years under certain circumstances. progress in reducing the incidences of child old, face bleak futures. • SI Calcutta is developing a Legal marriage. The Nepalese Government is Research is now revealing the hidden Awareness Programme for teenage girls of Lake committed to end child marriage by 2020 and lives of these children, and it is time to hold School for Girls where they were introduced to the Indian Supreme Court has made a landmark governments to account under international legal recourses available when faced with issues ruling over men having sex with child brides, law. like child marriage, sexual harassment, dowry, stating that sexual intercourse with wives under Young widows are mostly found living in rape, cyber-crimes and divorce. the age of 18 is rape. remote rural areas, they are deprived of their • SI Kathmandu is providing an Awareness Child marriage is closely linked to poverty basic human rights to health, education, and Programme for school children on Child and in rural areas girls will be married off very protection from sexual violence and economic Marriage and Menstrual Hygiene for young young to improve a family’s financial status. exploitation. girls. 6 4 MAY 2018 Club reports Economic Empowerment SI Bombay Chembur, India and SI Cork helped the students to understand the problem Fistful of grain for the nomadic tribes of hunger and also how little acts of charity can With a pledge to reduce poverty and hunger, go a long way to bring a smile on someone’s lips. SI Bombay Chembur, in collaboration with Enabling girls to stay in school beyond the age Pillai College of Education & Research (PCER), of puberty has been the goal of Club Members Chembur, organised an event, Fistful of Grain since they started supporting the ‘Girls for Girls’ for the Nomadic tribes from the underprivileged project in Kenya, run by the charity Brighter section in their society. Communities Worldwide. (Previously Friends of SI Bombay Chembur Members and each Londiana). student collected half a kilogramme of rice and Partnering with their Friendship Club, SI Cork, lentils and the collection was donated to four the Clubs have been responsible for a thousand nomadic groups of families who live near the girls completing their education. The ‘Girls for Mumbai suburban railway stations. Girls’ programme continues to expand in Kenya Other than providing for SDG 2, this project and is now being adopted by schools in Uganda.

SI Thames Valley: Toilets in Sierra Leone… to help the economy The latest venture of the charity “The Kori Project” in Sierra Leone is to help women to learn to sew and thereby gain some economic independence. Members of SI Thames Valley constantly work to help keep the Kori Project moving towards the goal of sustainability for the people of Taiama. Thanks to their past efforts, fields are being cultivated, local schools have been renovated and provided with clean water and a piggery has been built and is now full of thriving pigs. The Sandy Raffan Library built by the charity is now a well known cultural centre for the area. Now a room, to be known as “Rose’s Room” SI Kirkcaldy: Fair Trade in honour of the charity’s founder Rose Simbo, is SI Kirkcaldy celebrated Fairtrade Fortnight by donating a Fairtrade rugby ball to Kirkcaldy Ladies to be built behind this library in which the local Rugby Team. On Sunday 11th March President Heather and Club member, Avril Eardley, visited a women can be taught to sew to enable them to rather muddy pitch at Kirkcaldy Rugby Club. After spending a few minutes watching the ladies have a potential income. team warming up for their game against Howe Harlequins, they presented Team Captain Alison Toilets will obviously be a necessary facility so Massie with a match-quality ball. members of SI Thames Valley recently helped The balls are made by Bala Sports, Glasgow, in their new factory in Jalandhar, India and Scottish with this fundraiser to enable these to be built. rugby clubs helped with their design and testing. The facility is the first ball factory outside Along with other supporters of The Kori Pakistan to receive Fairtrade accreditation and all the parts of the ball are sourced locally. The Project they organised an afternoon of a Taste workforce is currently considering how they will invest their 10 per cent Fairtrade Premium. of Sierra Leone. There were many stalls selling SI Kirkcaldy is pleased to support Ladies’ Rugby in their home town and equally happy to plants and cakes, a tombola and a bric-a-brac support Bala which employs women in India in good conditions, pays them the same as men, and stall. helps them look after their families by paying a Fairtrade Premium. Supporting members travelled from SI Lichfield to sell jewellery at amazing prices. SI Pune Metro East The Regional President came from Sanitary Napkin Advocacy Programme - Empowering Rural Women SI Stratford to sell their cards and soft toys. SIPME’s ongoing project is now managed in Wai, by a self-help group of 10 women who have Supporters from Kent were represented by a undertaken this income generating activity. Kori Trustee, Brenda Tumber, who, along with They handle production and accounts by themselves while the Soroptimists provide material members of her church is one of the leading and marketing support. The Club raises funds – asking for a contribution to meet one girl’s yearly fund raisers for the toilets. There was a great need of sanitary napkins. The collection keeps the production ongoing while the sanitary napkins selection of hot food, a real Taste of Sierra Leone are given free to underprivileged girls, mostly in rural schools. and even music from Sierra Leone which revived This project and process serves SDGs-1, 8, 10. The economic empowerment for the rural many a flagging spirit towards the end of the women goes a long way to eradicate poverty and mitigate social inequalities. The current afternoon. awareness of menstrual hygiene and usage of sanitary towels has given an impetus to this project It was a wonderful occasion of Soroptimist resulting in increased demand and therefore more production. team work and collaboration with other It is also great economic empowerment for women workers here. Their economic strength organisations – and there were also enquiries helps them in achieving the three pillars of sustainable development – Economic, Social from the general public about Soroptimism. development and Environmental protection. MAY 2018 5 Programme Objective: Advocacy

Margaret Clark Assistant Programme Director, Advocacy reports from CSW62 in New York Challenges and opportunities in achieving gender equality and the empowerment of rural women and girls

After lengthy and difficult negotiations a very Global Survey of Rural Women Solutions to address the multilayered issues successful Commission on the Status of Women Soroptimist International and Associated faced by rural women Interventions (CSW62) was achieved welcoming new language Country Women of the World have formed a As Soroptimists we seek to find solutions and empowering women and girls. partnership and are participating in the, “Global to address the multi-layered issues faced by H.E. Ambassador Geraldine Byrne Nason, Survey of the Living Conditions of Rural Women,” rural women. SIGBI, SISWP, SIE and SIA gave CSW62 Bureau Chair, the first Irish person to hold launched at CSW62 under the auspices of the presentations to provide valuable insights into the this important role said, “It is an extraordinary International Forum on Rural Women. challenges they face and interventions to solve result by extraordinary people.” Please distribute and encourage the them. Soroptimists played an important part in completion of the survey widely in developed and SIGBI’s successful Federation Project, Meru achieving this by participative negotiations, underdeveloped countries. Results are anticipated Women’s Garden covers all of the interventions. statements, events and networking. The value in December 2018. Examples of other projects and their of all delegates should never be underestimated. To access the survey go to www.ifrw.org.uk interventions include: At the closing session of CSW62 the civil society SI Bombay Chembur’s project ‘The Power were thanked for their valuable contributions and of the Second Chance’ provides education in support in shaping the text. rural areas, motivating, inspiring and providing ‘Leave no one behind’, was a continuous economic opportunities for all. These initiatives thread throughout CSW62. Highlighting the have been meeting the very real needs of the 2030 Agenda as a Transformational Agenda to women and were identified through participatory bring about lasting change, done in an integrated consultations and evidence based need way that includes asking deeper questions about assessments. the purpose and direction of development and SI Lurgan is campaigning for trafficked seeking deeper structural and political change. women who are often in isolated rural areas, It speaks of the need to tackle social, seeing perpetrators going free and behavior environmental and economic issues together. becoming normalised. Presented for SIGBI by Throughout CSW62 we were made aware of Joanne Harris SI Lurgan. Back row left to right: this and the importance of extensive participation Dame Vera Baird QC, UK, Dr Daphne Pillai, and deeper dialogue especially with indigenous India, Margaret Clark APD, Dr Barbara Dixon, communities where development projects affect Programme Director, Sister Annie, India, Poppy them. There is a need to come together to offer Ullet, NAWO Youth UK Front row: Dr Sylvia hope and a fresh way of approaching some of the Woman of Distinction Award Walker, Caribbean, Pepsi Adiukwu, Nigeria, Dr core issues. The Woman of Distinction Award winner, Anu Pradeep, India. During the negotiations with UN Member Sizani Ngubane, is the co-founder of the Rural states, the phrase ‘rural women and girls’ was Women’s Movement (RWM), South Africa. RWM amended to: ‘women living in rural communities’ is a coalition of more than 500 community based broadening the focus and included women who organisations with a membership of 50,000 might have returned to their rural communities, indigenous women and girls. for example after studying in urban centres. This grassroots movement led an intensive campaign to provide solutions to the issues facing rural women and girls, from violence to customary laws and practices that impede their rights to economic empowerment and obtaining full SIGBI delegates collaborated to share best human rights. practice, ‘Addressing the diverse needs of isolated Through Sizane’s tireless efforts, championing rural women: Successful interventions.’ the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 5: Gender The session gave valuable insights into the Equality, all of RWM’s projects use this powerful plight of rural women and how different countries tool for change. Results have reduced transmitted responded to the need of lifting up women from SIGBI Delegates: Top row L-R: Daphne Pillai, SI diseases, teenage pregnancy, maternal mortality the poorest level to a dignified self-respecting life. Bombay Chembur, India, Sylvia Walker, SI Trinidad and eliminated abduction and forced marriages of Diversity is not an option it is a reality. and Tobago, Caribbean, Barbara Dixon, SIGBI girls in two communities. Dame Vera Baird in her conclusion said that as Programme Director, Rayner Rees, SIGBI APD Sizani’s voice was amplified at the United western Soroptimists reach out to help women Economic Empowerment, Lynn Maher, UKPAC Nations – to ensure that “no one is left behind”. in less developed countries, urban Soroptimists and Scotland. Bottom row: left to right: Pepsi Sizani was the keynote speaker for the NGO must do the same for local rural women, whose Adiukwu, Nigeria, Anu Pradeep, SI Bangalore, CSW62 Forum and she shared her story at own numbers will never be enough to give them India, Margaret Clark, SIGBI APD Advocacy, Sizani the Consultation Day on stage and with our a loud voice and would therefore, continue to Ngubane, Woman of Distinction 2018. delegates. remain the neglected sector. 6 MAY 2018 Reflections from a first time CSW delegate: Julie Blackwood As a first time attendee it did take some time to get into the routine and understand the procedure for attending the various presentations. CSW introduced me to the size of the global Civil Society. I was amazed at the number of NGOs, church groups, faith groups, associations, societies and organisations which comprise the voices to be heard by the United Nations. I was also surprised and delighted to hear of the esteem in which Soroptimist international is held and recognised. It is certainly important that Widows Rights International we retain consultative status. It was wonderful to We attended the offices of the High Rural widows were passionate to share the meet Soroptimists from the other Federations, as Commission and Penny Mordaunt, Secretary challenges in Tanzania. Although inheritance laws well as members from SIGBI. of State, arrived to hear about the activities may have been introduced they are not always Although the theme was rural women, there of the day. We also learned that many of the implemented and many isolated rural widows were many other topics covered and the main women identified by the UN as being important may never hear of them. Widows were only strapline for the events was ‘Leave no-one attendees (who had been invited and paid for to mentioned once in the Agreed Conclusions but behind’ which became the all-inclusive mantra in attend by the UN), had been denied visas to the with determination and commitment the plight of advocating gender equality and empowerment of USA. This seemed to be a higher number than widows will be heard. women and girls across the globe. The objective previous years and was to be taken forward and A request when lobbying and campaigning of the sessions was to make the 2030 Agenda highlighted for the future. was to wear uniform so that the women could work for women and girls, creating the Zero Draft On my return, the Club invited me to present not be identified. A suggestion was funding for document which must then be implemented to to them as well as at the next Southern Region a uniform of T shirts. Often rural women do not ensure that – no-one is left behind. meeting. The local Rotary club has also invited me have a voice so we must be their voice and leave Without going into too much detail of the to present. no one behind. different sessions I attended, the impression I It was an amazing opportunity and I am still came away with is that it is a huge objective reeling from the enormity of the UN task and Visa refusals and with so many different aspects, the United the involvement of so many organisations from If you know of any woman who was denied Nations has an enormous task in hand. It is around the world. It has taken Soroptimism to a a visa to attend CSW62, or any woman who easy to see how the Civil Society feeds into the new level for me, I have always enjoyed the wider, did not apply for a visa for fear of being refused, different areas in the hope that their voices are global reach and this has certainly provided me please inform me as soon as possible as action is heard and change will happen. Topics ranged with a platform to look at this more closely in the being taken to address this issue and ensure all from sex trafficking to the media, to rural women, future. women are included in the future – leaving no education, health and STEM. This is not an Thank you again. one behind. exhaustive list at all. Julie Blackwell, SI Winchester & District I would like to thank all the delegates for your collaboration, commitment and camaraderie making it a memorable and successful CSW62. ‘The time is right’ for, ‘Implementation, implementation, implementation’, ‘ Leaving no one behind’.

SIGBI celebrations!

SI Barry and District was, in 1968, presented with its Charter in the Memorial Hall, Barry. The same venue was chosen for the 50th SI Richmond & Dales SI Drogheda President, Carmel Anniversary Lunch. celebrated their 60th Charter Schmidt, hosted a lunch party Three founder members, with a very special year. earlier this year, to celebrate the Mary Edmunds, Diane Dixon The highlight was the Jubilee Club’s Diamond Anniversary. and Vivian Liles, attended – still Weekend in June 2017, where SI Drogheda Members, the current active Soroptimists and greatly members from Friendship Links National President, Teresa Irwin, SI Harrogate & District valued. The 117 guests included SI Harare, Zimbabwe; SI Basel, many past presidents of the Pat Shore was presented with the Federation President Sue Biggs, Switzerland; SI Easter Ross, Drogheda Club and their guests, MBE for services to the community of Past Federation Presidents: Carwen Scotland and SI Durham were together with Soroptimists from all Harrogate at Buckingham Palace in Wynne Howells, Ann Hodgson welcomed to a busy weekend over Ireland celebrated in the hotel April by HRH The Duke of Cambridge and Amanda Rees, South Wales culminating in a Jubilee where the inaugural meeting and Prince William. Regional President. Representatives Lunch for 90 guests including Charter Dinner had taken place in Prince William was very interested in of 11 Soroptimist Clubs including Federation President, Ann 1958. the work of Soroptimist International seven Presidents, were also present, Hodgson, as well as friends old Three Past National Presidents and spoke for quite a while about with Club members Janice Charles, and new. who are members of the Drogheda the abuse of women and children in her role as Mayor of The Vale of One of the highlights of this Club are pictured, Margaret even discussing the problems of social Glamorgan and Jane Hutt AM. special year was when the Club’s Geraghty, Carmel Schmidt and media and the internet affecting Guests received a copy of the wonderful Patron, Baroness Hale Rona Connolly. children. Club history, which was written to of Richmond was appointed A wonderful time was had by all Pat had a wonderful day and is mark the occasion. President of the Supreme Court. remembering 60 years of the Club. delighted with her honour. MAY 2018 7 SIGBI Conference 25-27 October 2018

A message from Tricia Coll, Conference Chairman

Terry Waite CBE Photo: Gemma Levine The weeks are flying by and the The February issue of Soroptimist Conference team is working hard, News highlighted the fact that Terry October doesn’t seem to be on the Waite will be speaking on the Friday distant horizon anymore. Professor Helen Pankhurst, morning of the conference. Registration is now open, have you is the great granddaughter of Sir Ranulph Fiennes OBE booked yet? Please come, Liverpool is Emmeline Pankhurst, leader of the A former Army officer who became the an exciting and interesting place and British suffragette movement and foremost British explorer and holder of the Conference intends to match that. granddaughter of Sylvia Pankhurst, several endurance records. According We have secured our final three campaigner for the suffragette to the Guinness Book of World Records speakers and are delighted to announce movement in the United Kingdom. in 1984, he is the world’s greatest living that we will welcome: Helen has worked for a range explorer. He is also a prolific writer, poet Ellie Bird Lenawarungu, Director of of international development and charity fundraiser, named the UK’s ‘Amuka Foundation’, is a former police organisations including ACORD, top celebrity fundraiser by Just Giving, officer with the West Midlands and Womankind Worldwide and CARE the UK online fundraising platform. He British Transport Police, serving for over International, primarily in Ethiopia. has raised £8.3 million for Marie Curie. thirty years. After her retirement Ellie (pictured below) went on to found the Amuka Foundation in Kenya working to deliver life skill and empowerment programmes to adolescent boys and girls. The word Amuka means to rise up in Swahili.

8 FEBRUARY 2018 The ACC Liverpool

An outstanding conference centre on Liverpool’s iconic waterfront Photo: McCoy Wynne Liverpool is a maritime city, where Exhibition: the River Mersey meets the Irish Sea. There is an excellent exhibition area A key trade and migration port from within the Conference building and the 18th to the early 20th centuries, our aim is to have a well balanced and it’s also, famously, the hometown of interesting mix of commercial, charity The Beatles. and Soroptimist stalls. Ferries cruise the waterfront, where The Conference website also has a the iconic mercantile buildings – the ‘contact us’ page for anyone who is Three Graces: Royal Liver Building, interested in having a stall. Cunard Building and Port of Liverpool Also in this area, delegates will be Building, stand on the Pier Head. able to meet some of the speakers Liverpool has world-class tourist who are bringing their books – you attractions, with more museums and may like to get a signed copy! galleries anywhere outside of London. The city is a designated UNESCO Social Media Campaigners: World Heritage Site. It has one of the The Royal Liver Building Last year’s campaigners achieved largest collections of Grade I listed great success in raising both our buildings in the UK and Britain’s Conference location profile and awareness of issues largest cathedral. that we highlight. If you would like So why not add a day or two to to be part of a team of tweeters your stay in Liverpool and take and bloggers please contact Lisa advantage of the many attractions in the Stockport Office by email at Liverpool has to offer. [email protected]. We are working to bring you an interesting and stimulating conference - to keep you in the ACC, rather than the many and varied surrounding attractions - Liverpool was the European Capital of Culture in 2008. We really hope to see you there in October. Penny Lane, home of The Beatles Why should you volunteer as a Steward at Conference? Helping to make a Conference successful is a rewarding experience. It also offers new experiences and skills, as well as providing a great opportunity to meet many fellow Soroptimists. As a volunteer, it is very much appreciated that you give your time freely and the Conference should then prove to be as enjoyable for the stewarding team as it is for everybody else. There are many roles to fill – from meeting and greeting, facilitating registration, helping at the opening and closing ceremonies, directing delegates to the correct areas, assisting with the exhibition areas, helping with special needs, administering the AGM, ensuring a smooth flow of delegate traffic at all times – the list is a long one. The only criteria is a wealth of patience and a friendly smile. All stewards will be given a guide and briefing pack to ensure their experience is not a daunting one. Thank you to all those who have already sent their details and offered their services – it is very much appreciated. Members who are willing to help and spread the load, please kindly contact Chief Steward Linda Beddows: [email protected] or call 01253 726576 for more details and the requisite form to complete. MAY 2018 9 SIGBI 2018 Directors’ Applications

Nominations for Federation posts have been received as follows. Please note the full nomination forms may be found on the Members’ Only Section of the SIGBI website under Nomination Forms for Federation Posts.

SIGBI Vice President SIGBI Vice President Director of Communications Director of Finance 2018-19 2018-19 2018-20 2018-20 Name: Barbara Dixon Name: Johanna Raffan Name: Gail Teague Name: Ruth Healey Club: SI Anglesey Club: SI Thames Valley Club: SI Bromsgrove & Redditch Club: SI Surrey Hills Joined in: 1992 Joined in: 1987 Joined in: 1996 Joined in: 2003

Statement: Statement: Statement: Statement: Having served as Director of As Director without Portfolio I have been Director of I was involved with Soroptimist Programme since 2015 I have been for the last eighteen months and a Communications for two years and International at a young age when privileged to be part of a team Soroptimist for over thirty years, I an active member of the Federation I was ‘volunteered’ by family to that truly believes in Soroptimist am committed to the aspirations of Management Board, participating in help with the activities of SI Cardiff, International and has its best Soroptimism. working groups for the Growth Plan so I have grown up appreciating interests at heart. With the Growth Plan in place, and the Website Changes. the wonderful work that this I would welcome the opportunity the development of Charitable status Communications are important organisation and its Clubs carry out to build on the foundations now laid and the new Trading Company, I in the cascade of the Growing your and the impact it has on the lives of to make our Organisation stronger, believe it is time to embrace change Brand workshops. The work we women and girls. more vibrant and Inclusive. We and to empower our Members have done resulted in a reduction However, the organisation is being are a Membership Organisation to mobilise themselves in new of members leaving. There is work challenged to be relevant and fresh and I strongly believe that change directions. We will, I am sure, rise to planned to continue this reduction to women of today and I would like can only be implemented with the the challenge. and I would welcome remaining in to use my technical expertise and consent and co-operation of the As an Anglo-Norwegian, I am post to complete the initiatives the knowhow to ensure the Federation’s Members and only by transparency committed to a multi-cultural society, Board has started. ability to meet that challenge. and consultation can we deliver and Soroptimism has enriched Communication is vital to the Finance Director of SIGBI will be what the Members want. There my life by my contacts with other success of any organisation. It is a challenging role over the next few have been many necessary changes countries. I feel Soroptimism has essential that members feel informed years not least due to the potential in the Organisation over the past qualities that need to be further and engaged in the organisation and move to charitable status but also, few years, and no doubt more to developed and recognised. its achievements. Communication with the other directors, ensuring come, but if we are to survive I feel We are a powerful agency for is more important in a change the viability and relevance of the we must all move forward together, change - more PR strategies are environment and we are currently Federation moving forward. consolidate what has been achieved needed, not only to attract new undergoing a period of change. Currently I am Finance Director but also reflect upon what could be Members but also to heighten I worked for 42 years in the NHS, of Hydrock Contracting limited, improved. awareness of the Programme work the last few years as a manager, a £25m turnover business where My passion is still Programme we do globally. so I have had years of experience my responsibilities encompass any Action which I consider is our Having NGO status means that managing communications within aspect of the financial health of the greatest asset for attracting and we have a voice where it counts. Our the NHS and Social Services to a company. retaining Members. Taken in Members are our greatest asset, and wide audience. I have, however, worked in many conjunction with the proposals through them we are making an Having already completed small businesses and understand for Vision 2021, I would welcome enormous difference to the lives of two years I am well versed in the the pressures of managing budgets, the opportunity of moving our women and girls. intricacies of being a Board Member keeping a tight rein on cash and organisation forward to become the I believe we need to be more and leading a Committee. The ensuring good management leading organisation for women with proactive in asserting our worth in Communication Committee is information is available to decision Programme Action at the forefront. order to raise consciousness and formed of Federation Councillors, makers in order that the company Any new role brings challenges enable women to feel proud to join and the current Committee is thrives. which I hope to meet with an us. involved in delivering the workplan I have a proven track record open mind. Over the years I have My experience of setting up a for 2017-18 that supports the of developing strategies and occupied many roles in Soroptimism large education charity and a small strategic plan. business processes, utilising strong and I feel that I have been able to international charity gives me great The organisation is going through communication and influencing skills apply myself fully to the challenges insight into the problems and issues a lot of change as it works towards to implement policies, procedures I have faced, learning all the time. I facing SIGBI over the next few Charitable Status. It is vital that we and systems to enable businesses to am fully committed to steering our years. I believe I can bring a wealth have a strong Communications achieve their objectives. Organisation through the changes of experience to the role of Vice plan to keep members informed I feel confident that I can help and ensuring its viability in the President and would consider it an and engaged in this as it progresses SIGBI move through this period of future. honour to be elected. through the different stages. change.

10 MAY 2018 Assistant Programme Assistant Programme Assistant Programme Assistant Programme SIGBI Friendship Link Director: Education Director: Education Director: Environmental Director: Violence and Coordinator 2018-20 2018-20 Sustainability 2018-20 Conflict Resolution 2018-20 Name: Yvonne Gibbons Name: Carol Infanti Name: Naina Shah 2018-20 Name: Bhaswati Biswas Club: SI Widnes Club: SI Maidstone Club: SI Chennai Name: Nisha Ghosh Club: SI South Kolkata Joined in: 2008 Joined in: 2010 Downtown Club: SI Pune Metro East Joined in: 2005 Joined in: 2006 Joined in: 2010 Statement: Statement: Statement: Statement: Statement: I am passionate about I believe that my training The two years as APD have Being APD has been a great Friendship is a shared link Programme Action and and experience as a Home been immensely gratifying. learning curve. I have had between two people who firmly believe it is the heart Economist has given me I have used my knowledge, the opportunity to interact value each other. It was also of everything we do. the appropriate skills to experience and passion with the Programme Team, the starting point of the For me personally, it take on the role of Assistant for environmental issues adding my voice to ideas, Soroptimist Organisation. is the reason I became a Programme Director, to work with Clubs to planning and consultations Logically it is the underlying Soroptimist; I want to be Education. empower women to become that become a major part of factor of linking of Clubs. able to make a difference to Home Economists active agents of social and Programme Action and the Such links open up a the lives of women and girls conduct research and advise environmental change. Conference. world of Friendship as did throughout the world. consumers on the selection Clubs have partnered Programme Reports on the link of my Club with SI Being a teacher, I firmly and proper use of food with local and governmental elimination of violence, Curitiba Batel in Brazil. It was believe that education has products, textiles and other agencies to advocate peace promotion and during my tenure as Club to be at the core of what consumer goods. environmental awareness. conflict resolution enabled President (2013-14} which we do. The home economist’s Clubs have engaged with me to analyse the way Clubs marked the beginning of a We must educate, or role is very important new ideas to work with address the focus areas. I new friendship. For the first at the very least, support because they deal with the next generation. For connected with Clubs, when time India had links with the education of women everyday life and the stress example, working with SI they needed my assistance a South American Club. and girls to enable them to involved and teach people Madurai to support students for a better understanding Communication between develop, thrive and reach how to make healthy, who developed a water filter of the Soroptimist role as the links is so important. their potential. economical decisions about using rice husk which, taken advocates of SDG5. My As President, my visits to We must do this, whether their own lives and the lives forward, will reach villages for thrust for this post remains:- Regional meetings helped that will be by improving of their family. safe drinking water. This won 1. Encourage Clubs to take me to understand the Clubs their literacy, numeracy Home economics, a global level award. the gender based violence and their projects. When and communication skills; which is also called human Through projects, issues head on through their two Members from the teaching them how to ecology, encompasses all Soroptimists can empower projects. Raise awareness Club in Brazil visited the city, grow crops successfully; aspects of daily living. and enable women to of annihilating patriarchal they were welcomed with empowering them to say, Those aspects include translate seven of 17 structures in society that friendship. Social media “No” or developing any human development and SDGs that directly impact foster multiple forms of serves as an important other skills they might need relationships, consumerism, environmental sustainability. female oppression. Work platform and has given to become empowered. financial and resource With the current Sl focus with the next generation, me friendship with many I also strongly believe that management, housing and on Women, Water and before they harden their Soroptimist across the globe. we must educate men and shelter, clothing and textiles Leadership, I have impressed attitudes on violence against An effective way to stay boys too. and aesthetics. upon the managing women. connected. It is not enough just to Home economists committee how women can 2. Have Clubs understand To carry this forward, as teach or empower women research all of these areas be a catalyst for change and the supportive role needed a co-ordinator, the main and girls to say, “No”, and help people to improve should play an important for survivors. Listening to focus area would be to see we must teach the men or enhance their lives. role in water management. women’s stories can be an that each correspondent and boys to understand My work within Kent Soroptimists need to work on emancipatory experience. knows, understands and why any form of violence County Council (KCC) this aspect as it is increasingly Inspire Soroptimists first to enjoys the work so that against women and girls is has given me the relevant accepted that women be just the listeners and then communication between abhorrent and totally wrong. management and leadership perform an important role in voice their anguish. the links is maintained and If I am successful in skills; managing teams achieving equitable access to 3. Remind Clubs through strengthened. The Clubs my application, my hope of people and managing water for all, and for all uses. informed discussions to could be encouraged to is to be able to support complex projects. In sharing my experiences act in demanding the do more shared projects and encourage our Clubs I see the role of APD on sustainable technologies governments’ commitments and jointly seek goals and Regions to undertake as one of leadership, for safe drinking water and to end all forms of gender to transform the lives of Programme Action work management, facilitation water treatment with the based violence. women and girls. Periodic that educates or enables and encouragement. International President, I have 4. Report projects so that follow-ups to inform the education of women Using these and working been appointed by SIGBI they count in the global and update links would and girls and men and boys as part of a team I look to liaison for this IP appeal lmpact of Soroptimist work. strengthen the friendship to make the world a better forward to working with on Women, Water and 5. Inspire Members’ bonds. Perhaps a minimum place for everyone. colleagues within the Leadership. participation at CSW, to level of communication can If we improve the life and Federation. The momentum of see the frontrunner role be set to make the links the life chances for women In summary – we have awareness on seven of that Soroptimists play. more vibrant. and girls then it follows that strength in our vision, our the 17 SDGs, will be Understand the international Making a new link is the lives of men and boys gift is our time and our strengthened and continued commitment to the SDGs just the beginning of the will be improved as a direct passion. I want to work with should my candidature especially SDG5 to bring journey. I pledge to nurture consequence. all outward looking women. for the post be renewed. gender issues centre stage. that new connection. MAY 2018 11 Soroptimist International

Update: Women, Water and Leadership

The theme of CSW62 was “Challenges and who are responsible for fetching drinking water, women in the group, were pegged. opportunities in achieving gender equality and collecting water for their gardens in order to Soil testing was completed on the 25 farm the empowerment of rural women and girls”. feed their families, gathering water for daily plots and security fencing put in place. Once the Over 80 Soroptimists from all over the world chores and dealing with wastewater. Though soil testing results were received, the women travelled to New York to learn, network and women in rural areas are experts in water, they began planting their crops. advocate for women and girls in rural areas. rarely get to participate in the decision making The women and their families were also Women in rural areas face a multitude of process. Women Water and Leadership will trained in how to construct multi-storey gardens issues including lack of education, discrimination, provide women with the training to increase their at the Resource Centre. The community provided unequal pay, gender based violence, and lack of individual capacities and prepare them to be key manure for mixing with soil and farm equipment, health services. They are responsible for growing partners with men in decision making regarding multi-storey garden kits provided by the project. the food that feeds their families and nations but the use of water. Some members received the multi-storey kits less than 13 per cent are landowners. They must Beverley Bucur for their farms, after the training, the rest of the often toil from dawn to dusk with lack of clean Director of Advocacy members will receive them later. water or sanitation facilities – and we know that Soroptimist The official launch of the project took place they suffer the effects of climate change and International on 24th February. Dr Morris O. Omondi, from disasters more than urban residents. For too long reports the Nakuru County Directorate of Agriculture, they have been forgotten and left vulnerable delivered a message on behalf of the County because of a lack of appropriate legislation or Governor, and a message from the Honourable social protections. The first project selected for the President’s M. Wangare, area member of Parliament was Despite all these barriers, we were Appeal, Women, Water and Leadership in delivered by PA, Ann Nadir. overwhelmed by the stories of these remarkable Agriculture, is underway. This project will provide Soroptimist International Kenya Union women who came to CSW62 to share their the women of the Mwihoko Women Group President, Dorothy Shiroya, and Deputy Governor, experiences with us. As Soroptimists we must (Kenya) the opportunity to be empowered Christine Chola launched the project. President be their voice and hold our governments to improve the food security of their families Dorothy Shiroya urged the Mwihoko women, accountable to ensure no woman or girl is left and their community, focusing on Sustainable “Work together with the community, especially behind. Visit www.soroptimistinternational.org to Development Goals (SDGs) 1, 2, 4, 5, 6 and 7, on your spouse and youth, as this ensures harmony read about Soroptimist activities at CSW62. the challenges of poverty, food security; access to in the family. The Soroptimists International water; gender equality and environment. worldwide members are working hard to raise Soroptimist International President’s Appeals The first training of the Mwihoko Women money to support the SI President’s Appeal – Promote the Economic Empowerment of Group was conducted at the Mwihoko Resource Women, Water and Leadership. Women and Girls in Rural Areas Centre from 23rd – 24th February 2018. The “President Mariet has the Mwihoko women training involved recording of the owners or at her heart, due to your past success and the Women, Water and Leadership, 2017-2019 leasers of the farm plots and the preparation efforts you have put into improving access The President’s Appeal, Women, Water of the demonstration farm at the Resource to water not only for yourselves, but also the and Leadership, focuses on the important Centre. One acre of land was designated for the community at large. role women play in the water sector. In many demonstration farm, and the remaining land was “The Mwihoko project is the first one of countries it is the women living in rural areas then plowed by a tractor and 25 plots, for the 25 projects which will be implemented in five continents, so we are accountable to the rest of the world. The SI Kenya Union will support the Mwihoko women to ensure that the project is successfully implemented, and members of Soroptimists from the 11 Clubs will be encouraged to visit and support the project, both monetarily and throughout implementation.“ The project also included upgrades to the resource centre, including new furniture and an electrical connection. One 3,000 litre water storage tank for drip irrigation was also provided. Through training and capacity building, the women will be exposed to better and modern farming structures, helping them move on from subsistence farming – growing crops and raising livestock sufficient only for one’s own use – to commercial farming, and will be supported throughout the transition. Soroptimists worldwide are encouraged to support the President’s Appeal by making a donation through their Federation. 12 MAY 2018 Soroptimist International

Update: Educate to Lead, Nepal

The International President’s Appeal 2015 – Action Aid UK - £35,000. 150 women will a classroom before the coming monsoon season. 2017 supports projects in Nepal with a focus directly benefit from this project in Eastern Nepal There will be more news coming from Thade on improving the lives of women and girls which aims to educate and engage women in Village with more projects in the planning stages. through education, empowerment and enabling income generating activities and reducing unpaid Chrysangar Farm – In remote villages, opportunities by President Elect, Sharon Fisher. care work through community child care centres. women frequently must leave their children Thanks to Clubs around the world, Educate Each of ten villages has a child care centre with behind and find work. In this village the women to Lead: Nepal, has exceeded expectations. This women learning management and other skills organised themselves and put a little money in President’s Appeal focused on women and girls by working in these centres to prepare them for every month until they were able to provide loans in rural Nepal and the implementation of our other opportunities. Additionally, women who to all to have a few chickens. projects addressed SDG 4 – Quality Education, want to go to work can leave their children at This provided food and also some extra money SDG 5 – Gender Equality and SDG 6 – Clean the centre. The original centre was built with help for the women. Roots for Life joined the group water and sanitation. from SI Oxford and this grant will continue their and together they formed the idea of growing 20 projects are at varying stages of completion, work and also the nine additional centres. Each vegetables and preserving them. being supported by the financial generosity of centre will have a toilet, a sink and routine health The markets were too far away to deliver fresh Soroptimists in the amount of £412,821.17. checkups for the children as part of this grant. produce. They are learning how to improve their Projects chosen were based on best practice and crops and are building a Farm Kitchen where they projects supported by Soroptimist Clubs from FEDO (Feminist Dalit Organisation) can process their food for market and also house around the world to assist the women and girls in 200 Women will directly be helped.The Dalit visiting instructors. Several nearby villages now post-earthquake rural Nepal: people is a marginalised group and live under a want training as well. 1. Scholarships for girls to include books, fees, caste system. FEDO is a national level NGO-200 Days for Girls provides washable feminine and uniforms and in many cases room and board Women will directly be helped. hygiene products. In Nepal we will be in five due to the distance they needed to walk to come A Governmental Organisation (NGO) founded villages teaching 5 – 6 women in each to form to school. in 1994 to establish the rights of Dalit women their own business making these kits. 2. Skills training to provide economic by organising and empowering them for their 1000 girl ambassadors will meet the villagers opportunities. mainstreaming into national development. by reaching out to their families and friends and 3. Women’s groups and Women’s conferences It has been working to promote the Dalit’s explaining that having your period is not dirty and as a mechanism to teach and provide support rights and to eliminate caste and gender based encouraging an end to the practice of Chaupadi. including human rights and gender equality. In discrimination and promote justice and equality On a recent visit to a very remote village in the many of these rural areas, women do not even in Nepalese society since its establishment. far west and after a village gathering with the know that sending their daughter to school is an The President’s Appeal grant will provide pastor and village elders, the pastor said it was option thus these young girls are subjected to a school uniforms, bags and shoes for 200 school time the practice came to an end. The previous life of hard work, early marriage or trafficking. girls. The community will establish a multi- winter seven girls had died in these “red huts” 4. Feminine Hygiene – Sending girls to a purpose learning centre to provide women with from poisonous snake bites, exposure and others hut during their period, due to the belief they information, advocacy training will be provided were victims of violence including sexual assault. were cursed or unclean due to the lack of to increase women’s voices a school continuation Mothers and infants also spend 21 days in feminine hygiene products, is a significant issue. campaign will be launched. these huts after the birth of their baby. Chaupadi – segregating a woman when she is Roots for Life is a humanitarian, non-profit menstruating – was banned several years ago organisation, which stands up for women and For more information about the but it is still widely practiced, with the penalty, if children in Nepal on three levels. They provide President’s Appeals visit the SI website: applied, of just a few dollars. emergency assistance with local partners. www.soroptimistinternational.org. 5. Providing support for victims of trafficking They work to strengthen the social position of and violence with computer literacy and English girls and women through education. They also literacy. fight against sexual exploitation, trafficking, and 6. Improving the quality of teacher training in violence. rural areas. 7. Ensuring ongoing commitment to projects. Thade Village Empowerment Programme Being accepted in rural villages is not just Roots for Life & Unions of France and showing up once but returning again and again Switzerland - £26,000 – 200 children and being accepted into the community. We A Soroptimist from Austria founded Roots for expect to directly touch the lives of at least 7,000 Life to help women and girls in Nepal. The Thade women and girls and many, many more indirectly. Village School was destroyed in the earthquake Thank you for supporting these courageous as was most of Thade Village. women and girls who are hoping to have an “Roots for Life” has rebuilt part of the school equal voice in their community and beyond. but more children needed to be accommodated. Through fundraising from the Swiss and Educate to lead project updates French Unions, funds were pledged through the Strengthening Women’s Education & Economic Presidents Appeal to complete the building of the Empowerment: needed classrooms to ensure the children were in MAY 2018 13 Meru Women’s Garden Project Study Tour 2018

Patricia Gatherum Federation Project Liaison reports On 7th April, 24 Soroptimists and one We also were joined by John, a local chief brave Soroptimister set off on an African Graduation Day who was very pleased with all the work adventure. a poem by Sandra Dieffenthaller following the CIFORD people were doing, and to On our drive from Nairobi to Meru her participation in the Study Tour meet us. We shared lunch with them and County we saw some wonderful sights, some members of SI Meru who introduced marabou storks on top of tall trees in Along muddy roads they walked for miles themselves individually. They were very The graduates with their beautiful smiles the centre of the city, monkeys who Of gratitude and excitement dedicated Soroptimists in a relatively new swung from the trees to try to steal bread Happy for the opportunity Club. After lunch we spent time with buns where we were having lunch and, To gather as community a question and answer session before everywhere, people on motorbikes. We saw To celebrate their empowerment returning back to our hotel, tired and one bike with a three seater sofa strapped inspired. A break from work in their gardens and fields to it and one with two pigs, a goat and Celebrating education increasing yields It rained all that night and we awoke three people on it. Of veggies and maize, provisions and peas to mud, mud and more mud. It did not During this ten hour journey we made And a future faced with greater ease however slow us down one bit as we set off new friendships and renewed old ones. to meet the women in their own gardens. Worries and troubles put aside for a day There was much laughter as our vans drove A time to sing, to dance and to pray We were divided into four groups so that over hundreds of speed bumps. At the end To say thanks for an education overall we would see all the gardens. Our of our drive we were met by Margaret and That enabled them to say no to FGM van was met at the bottom of a lane by the the CIFORD team. A very noisy greeting women whose gardens were in that area. Their spirits not dampened by the constant rain involved us all donning kitenges (like We were given more kitenges and danced “Blessings from God” was the constant refrain sarongs) and dancing all the way to the Determined to make the most of the day all the way up the lane to Lucy’s garden. CIFORD office. We made quite a stir. We Certificate in hand and having their say The group is one year old and has 24 went to bed that night very tired but glad members. It is called Mwendwa and is to be in Meru at last. An opportunity for our members too performing well. Margaret explained how To see the strength of women who We spent the next day at the CIFORD With bare hands and great determination the project was working and some of the centre. Margaret and her co-workers told us Transform the lives of their sisters and children women spoke to us. We were also joined by all about how the centre was established. other women from around the area. There We heard from the lady who runs the An opportunity to graduate from our ignorance was much dancing and presentations of And learn to rise above circumstance Alternative Rights of Passage courses and gourds of very strange shapes. To not complain ‘cause the train’s not on time then the girls who had been on these Or ‘Barclays had a very long line’ Lucy showed us round her garden very courses entertained us. They were very proudly. Her most important thing was the brave as there were a lot of us. It was very To Margaret of CIFORD water tank which she shares with those moving to hear how empowered they We say a big ‘Thank You’ around her. She told us that she had learnt To Cherio, Faith and Tyson too felt having completed the courses. They Great choice you ladies of the Canterbury Club to boil the water every day for her children sang songs and said poetry, it was truly Brilliant partnership with Child.org to drink. Selling her excess produce she wonderful. had been able to buy a goat. Before we

14 MAY 2018 left more women spoke to us about their experiences of the project. One said ”Food helps us to grow young”. At the end of the visit we all agreed that we were not changing their culture but helping them to be more aware of health issues and more energy efficient ways to cook and grow their crops. We returned to the CIFORD centre to be joined by the other three groups and the women from all four groups. We had lunch together followed by another question and answer session. We asked them what was their greatest need and they all said, ”Clean water and more tanks”. On our way back to our hotel Sandra Dieffenthaller said, “It would seem that the Meru Women’s Garden Project people of Meru are at one with the “earth” - the rich red soil which we perhaps see as Club reports dirt that soils our hands, our clothes and SI Ballina (above) held a most enjoyable Saturday Afternoon Tea Party in Gair our bodies but which for them is life giving Gordon’s home to raise funds for the Meru Women’s Garden Project. This was one of - that which provides their food, the food their Come Dine Events that are running throughout the year with all proceeds going for their animals, the clay to build homes. to the Meru Women’s Garden Project. They have raised over 400 euros to date. They all seem comfortable and perhaps SI Durham organised a “Food and comforted by the earth. They work it, they Flowers” event in Chester le Street, lie in it and they embrace it.” County Durham, which raised £465 for The tropical rain and thunder storms the Meru Women’s Garden Project. which preceded the graduation day did Also, SI Durham has set up a pilot not dampen the enthusiasm of everyone project with Girlguiding South, in County involved. The CIFORD centre had been Durham, known as “Shared Vision”. transformed with tents, balloons and even As a result, additional funds for the entertainment. Meru Women’s Garden Project will be There was much dancing, singing and forthcoming from Rainbows, Brownies laughter. Women from all over the area and Guides living in the county. were there in their best. There were people President Judith and Members of representing local government and of SI Durham provided and served a course our friend, Chief John. variety of homemade soups, rolls and Half way through the proceedings it desserts for family, friends and other started to rain again and very soon we were local Soroptimist Club Members. After the meal Mary Peart, florist, gave a fabulous all sitting in pools of mud. The locals were demonstration of festive flower arrangements. Following on from the flower not daunted by this and carried on. They demonstration, there was a raffle and the prizes were the beautiful decorations say “Rain is God’s Blessing”. created on the day, festive table arrangements made by Margaret Barrow, a Member We were entertained by small children, of SI Durham and other garden related prizes. teenage girls and mature women, all in the pouring rain, they even fed everyone. All SI Falkirk hosted a ‘McGonagall Night’ the women who had completed the garden to celebrate the work of Scotland’s project received a certificate, mostly from ‘other’ poet and tragedian, William a very muddy Project Liaison. They were Topaz McGonagall of Dundee. He wrote proud and I was very emotional. The project 200 poems, including “The Tay Bridge really is making a difference to these Disaster” and “The Famous Tay Whale”, families. widely regarded as some of the worst in We returned to our hotel invigorated English literature. McGonagall has been and humbled in a way. We have so much lampooned as the worst poet in British history. His only apparent understanding of poetry was that it needed to rhyme. in our lives and the Meru people are so A twist to the evening’s event was that everything from the welcome to the meal happy with so little. We now know that was in reverse! The vote of thanks to begin with; coffee for starters! Entertainment our donations are being used well and in was provided by Michael White and Colin Ferguson (pictured with President Hazel some small way Soroptimists are definitely Sinclair) who gave a recital of some of McGonagall’s work. £1,800 was raised for the educating, empowering and enabling these Club’s charities, the Seagull Trust and the Meru Women’s Garden Project. women and girls in Meru. SI Stourbridge reported that it has made an impressive donation to The Meru Women’s Garden Project of £463 which was raised by their stall at the SIGBI Conference in Cardiff in October, “A Little Blue for MERU”. The Club sold quizzes on women’s global health and women scientists’ awareness and some beautiful commemorative 70th Club Anniversary stamps and gifts.

MAY 2018 15 Jean Campbell SI Perth... WOW! SIGBI News Membership Month memory joggers

May can be a very busy month. Here we’re To see last year’s winning entry, go to www. going to look at a few last-minute things youtube.com and search for “Soroptimist that you can do to help us make sure that a International Newtown”. The top result is SI good Membership Month becomes a great Newtown’s entry to the 2017 competition. Membership Month! Can you take a good picture? Website, Facebook and Twitter The best photograph will win our Membership Communications Have you used our new infographic yet? This Month Photo Competition, try to be creative and Lisa Roscoe, Communications Officer has been proving very popular and is available to think about a photograph which sums up why download from our Membership Toolkit. https:// you are a Soroptimist. The deadline is 30th June Have you joined all of our sigbi.org/members/clubs/membershiptoolkit/ 2018. Facebook groups? Photographs and videos Entries for both these competitions should be Sometimes good photos just happen; the sent to [email protected]. We have a number of Facebook groups which right picture turns up just when someone has SI Bombay Chembur, pictured here, was last you may be interested in joining to air views, their camera out ready to snap it, but how year’s winner. share ideas and chat to fellow Members: much better would it be to not rely on chance Press Officer • The Soroptimist International GBI Facebook and designate a Club Member as photographer This sounds a very grand title but it can be Group is for general use, you can ask for (or for May? A specified person would be able really helpful to identify someone who will be in give) advice and opinions on anything to do to concentrate on getting the best pictures to charge of writing items for the website and for with being a Soroptimist highlight your events. Facebook or Tweeting about what you are doing Please consider submitting to our annual this month. • The SIGBI Communications and Photographic Competition. This year we are They could also contact the local press and Membership Facebook Group is for running two, one for a video and one for a perhaps do a press release about Membership anyone with a particular interest in these photograph. Month. Templates to assist with this are available two areas. Posts should be restricted Can you create a short video? This can be in the Membership Toolkit. accordingly. of your Club or an individual film of you talking Finally about why you are a Soroptimist. Enjoy yourself whatever you are doing and • The Soroptimist Associates Facebook These videos will be shared in Membership if you are unable to do something this May, Group – is a group just for our Associate Month and the “Most Inspiring” video will be the remember there are always another eleven Members. winner. The deadline is 30th June 2018. months to use! Please join these groups – just search on Facebook for the relevant name (exact name given in bold) and click the “Join Group” button. 21st I will need to verify you are a Member and may need to message you via Facebook to do this. Quadrennial Once your request has been approved you can start posting in the group. Convention The 21st Quadrennial Convention hosted by SI South West Pacific (SISWP) will be held in Facebook Adverts Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia from 19th – 21st July 2019, making it a historic first time in Asia. The guide to Facebook Advertising is currently The three day Convention will have global keynote speakers and panellists on topics that being tested by a group of Clubs. Once all focus on key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals that empower and advance feedback has been received and amendments the rights and status of women and girls. made, it will be available in the Members’ We fervently hope that many Members from SIGBI will save the date and keep Area. A note will also go out in the Club yourself updated, as new developments are being unveiled on our website www. Mailing. siconventionkl2019.org. The SI Convention Committee looks forward to welcoming our Soroptimist delegates Any problem? Please contact Lisa Roscoe: from SIGBI as well as the other three Federations to a fun filled, memorable and uniquely [email protected] “Malaysia, All of Asia” experience in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

16 MAY 2018 Awareness, Advocacy and Action for Justice UKPAC Study Day

Saturday 7th July 2018 Europa Hotel Belfast, Northern Ireland

UKPAC Study Day 2018 is only a short time away

The programme is designed to feedback to Dawson, Director of the Prison Reform Trust With the study day being held in beautiful members our progress on: will be looking at opportunities for progress Belfast it is an ideal opportunity to extend the • the Prison Reform Trust and the use to resulting from our report, “Transforming Lives: weekend into a short holiday break. This could which our Transforming Lives Report has Reducing Women’s Imprisonment.“ and the be based in Belfast or visiting other parts of contributed to the agenda; subsequent three year project, ‘Transforming Northern Ireland or going south into Ireland. • the full results of the slavery survey and Lives’ funded by the Big Lottery. There are so many fascinating and beautiful how the information gleaned will help address These will be followed by workshops which spots both north and south of the border that the problems of slavery and human trafficking will explore restorative justice, the effect on you are spoilt for choice. across the UK. families of women caught up in the criminal These are projects which many Clubs have justice system and on the particular plight of been working on very hard and the committee Muslim women. felt it was important that Members had In the afternoon we will hear from The detailed feedback on the work done to move Honourable Justice Teresa Doherty CBE about the agenda forward, based on our work. the exploitation of children in peace and war There are differences between Scotland, followed by the full report and analysis of the Northern Ireland, England and Wales in both results and responses to our UKPAC Human these areas of work. We can learn from each Trafficking Survey from KimAnn Williamson other. and Kay Richmond. These are backed up with In the breakout sessions on the survey’s use and morning implications, on the pilot of child advocates To look at some possibilities – these websites Dame Vera and on the work of Unseen: give a lot of information and suggestions. Baird DBE QC https://www.unseenuk.org/what-we-do/ • https://discovernorthernireland.com will speak projects, including the Modern Slavery • https://www.discoverireland.ie about women Helpline: • https://www.ireland.com/en-gb/ in the criminal https://www.modernslaveryhelpline.org/report justice system We are very pleased that both Dame Vera Full information is available on our and Peter and Justice Teresa are Soroptimists. website: https://sigbi.org/ukpac/studyday

About our partners for the UKPAC Study Day

The Prison Reform Trust (PRT) was founded affected by a particular incident to play a part development of policy and practice. by prison reform campaigners, concentrating in repairing the harm and finding a positive way The UK Training Delivery Group, comprising more on community punishments than on forward. representatives from a range of government traditional prison reform issues. ‘Muslim Women in Prison Project’ “Muslim agencies and NGOs with a role in tackling PRT offers advice and information to Hands” in partnership with the Huddersfield modern slavery, has produced a suite of thousands of people every year and carries out Pakistani Community Alliance (HPCA) sponsored materials aimed at all public sector workers to research on all aspects of prison. this project which was based on the fact that raise awareness of modern slavery. The Restorative Justice Council (RJC) Muslim women in prison are not on the radar Unseen are working towards a world without promotes high quality restorative practice for of the Muslim community and other service slavery. everyone. providers. This is often a forgotten section of the Their specialist care is the first step in the fight The RJC provides quality assurance and a community. against slavery. Through supporting survivors, national voice advocating the widespread use Families Outside works to improve their provision gives them a safe place to recover of all forms of restorative practice, including outcomes for children and families affected by from trauma and rebuild their lives. restorative justice. The RJC’s vision is of a imprisonment. Barnardo’s is the largest provider of child sexual society where high quality restorative practice is Imprisonment is a traumatic experience for exploitation (CSE) support in the UK, working available to all. families, and its impact is often significant and with sexually exploited children and young Restorative justice brings those harmed by enduring. We provide help, advice and support people for more than 20 years. crime or conflict and those responsible for the for families of prisoners; assisting families Their vision is that no child should be affected harm into communication, enabling everyone with someone in prison. We also inform the by sexual exploitation.

MAY 2018 17 Dynamic ‘S’ SIGBIShopping Badge In the mail Height 25mm with 2nd February 2018 – Clubs/ butterfly fastening Regions/NA/Networks Soroptimist booklet £1.00 plus P&P. 1. New Data Protection Regulations 3 booklets per pack 2. Letter from Judith Grocott, @ £1.00 a pack plus P&P. Director of Membership. SIGBI Dynamic ‘S’ 3. Easy Stages Guide to Having a Badge Stand at an Event 4. Membership Month – May 2018 size 36mm x What sort of 5. Membership Matters – February 23.5mm with woman is a 2018 butterfly fastening Soroptimist? 6. Meru Women’s Garden Project £2.00 plus P&P. Lapel Badges

Pack of 50 @ 7. Lobbying for UK Government to nominate someone for CEDAW £6.00 per pack Past President’s nominations plus P&P. Badge £2.50 plus P&P. 16th February 2018 – Clubs/ Regions/NA/Networks 1. Changes to adding new members Coasters to the SIGBI database 6 coasters per pack 2. Federation Action Diary 2017-2018 £2.00 per pack 3. Sharing useful information to other plus P&P. Clubs 4. New Federation Project 2019-2022 5. Club Photo of the Month – January 2018 NEW!!! NEW!!! Thermal mug 6. Ravensbourne Project Jute Bag Made of BPA-free plastic and holding 7. Grant of Friendship – Australia 400mm (w) x 30cl, this reusable coffee mug keeps 8. SIGBI Closed Facebook Groups 330mm (h) x your coffee warm for longer and the 180mm (d) mug (not the lid) is dishwasher safe. 2nd March 2018 – Clubs/Regions/ £4.50 each Many coffee outlets now offer a NA/Networks plus P&P. discount for using your own mug! 1. Friendship Link Register Forms 2. SIGBI Liverpool 2018 Conference – £4.80 plus P&P Registration is now OPEN TO ORDER 3. Club Photo of the Month – The full list of retail items is available from Joanne or via the Members’ area of www.sigbi.org/Members under February 2018 “SIGBI Shop”. There is an order form for items from SIGBI and from Corporate Insignia on the website. All items 4. Federation Vacancies, exclusive of postage and packing. Do not send money with your order. Memorial Fund Applications and SIGBI Ltd sends all orders by the most economical postage, cost is dependent on the weight and size of GM Resolutions – Deadline 31 the goods. An invoice plus post and packing will be sent with your order. Contact: Joanne Voller, Sales Officer, March 2018 5. Weather Soroptimist International Great Britain and Ireland (SIGBI) Ltd., 2nd Floor, Beckwith House, Wellington Road North,

Stockport, SK4 1AF. T: 0161 480 7686 F: 0161 477 6152 E: [email protected]. To pay by credit card, provide Card 16th March 2018 – Clubs/Regions/ Number, Expiry Date and Security Code (3 digit number on reverse of card) with your order. Please allow 7-10 days NA/Networks for your order to be processed. All item costs are + P&P. 1. Existing School Clubs – Letter from Isobel Smith Director of Organisational Development 2. Friendship Link Register Forms 2000 Club 3. Club Logos 4. Membership Month 2018 – new Members from these retail items COMING SOON… Clubs were the lucky 5. CSW62 winners: February 2018 6. Liverpool 2018 Conference NAME BADGES 74 x 36mm 7. Knitted items for premature babies ORDER DIRECT FROM SI Hoylake & West Kirkby £100 CORPORATE INSIGNIA SI High Wycombe & District £100 6th April 2018 – Clubs/Regions/NA/ About the 2000 Club Networks SI Plymouth & District £50 White/Silver major badge with The 2000 Club was set up in 1. New Federation Project Reminder SI Tynemouth £50 pin fastening: £3.75 per badge. 2000 to raise funds for the 2. General Data Protection Regulations White/Silver major badge with SI Bridgend & District £25 upkeep of Number 63, our Club 3. Annual Returns UK & ROI 2018 strong magnetic clasp: £3.75 SI Plymouth & District £25 in London. Anyone can join, the 4. Notices from SIGBI HQ per badge. P&P (via Royal Mail) cost is £1 per week. 5. Membership Month – sign up to March 2018 our Thunderclap 1-2 badges £1.40; 1-19 badges Six winners are chosen each £3.60. 20+ badges - via DPD: SI Cheltenham & District £100 6. Jute Shopping Bag now in stock month by SI Plymouth. 7. Club Photo of the Month – March £5.95 PRICES EXCLUDE VAT (UK SI Douglas £100 The first two win £100, the next SI Woking & District £50 2018 ONLY) two win £50 and the remaining 8. CSW62 SI Bangor N.I. £50 Overseas: Approx. DHL costs: two win £25. 9. Patron of SIGBI Ltd SI Yeovil & District £25 Rep. of Ireland: £20, Nigeria: Twice a year in the big draw, 10. Membership Matters – April 2018 £40, Caribbean: £40, India: SI Plymouth £25 the first prize is £1,000, the two 11. No 63 Shareholders £35. Corporate Insignia Ltd. second prizes are £500 and the April 2018 1-5 Duncan McIntosh Road, last two win £250. Cumbernauld, G68 0HH, UK SI Plymouth & District £100 There is a membership Educate, T: +44 (0) 1236 738520 F: +44 SI Corsham £100 application form on the Number (0) 1236 727626 E: sales@ SI Nottingham £50 63 website: corporate-insignia.com www. SI Stockton-on-Tees £50 Empower, corporate-insignia.com SI Wigan £25 http://www.number63.co.uk/ SI Woking £25 Enable 18 MAY 2018 Ann Nelson, SI Durham, died on 31st December 2017 aged 71. Ann was a Member of SI Durham from 2007 to 2017 and was Obituaries President in 2013. She was President Elect in 2016 but stood down due to ill health. Vera Waller, SI Durham, died on 14th Elizabeth Ewan, SI Skipton in Craven, died December 2017 aged 82. She was a Member on 15th February 2018 aged 84. A committed from 1989 to 2009 and was President in 1992. Soroptimist for 35 years, President in 1989-90. Annette Simpson, SI Coventry, died suddenly Patricia Weyman, SI Eastbourne and District on holiday in France on 25th October 2017 died on 23rd March 2018. She was a Member aged 74, after a heart attack. She was a loyal for only a few years but her support and humour and active Club Member for 28 years and was were appreciated by everyone. Club President in 1999/2000. Marjorie Wedge OBE, SI Wolverhampton, Muriel Grimmett-Offley, SI Coventry, died a longstanding Member, died on 9th January on 28th October 2017 aged 86. Her stoicism in 2018 aged 99. Marjorie became a Soroptimist 56 the face of illness was remarkable, she was still years ago and became an Honorary Member of SI Pune Metro East carrying out her undertaking role in her final Midland Chase Region in 2001. Grant of Friendship months. A committed Member for 33 years and Rhianna Chinn, SI Leamington and Warwick, Club President in 1995/6. died on 18th December 2017 aged 89. She To coincide with its Charter Anniversary Doreen Bailey, SI Tynemouth, Whitley Bay had been a Soroptimist for 36 years and Club Celebrations, SIPME offered Grant of Friendship & District, died in January 2018 aged 91. (the second in eight years) to two members of SI President in 1987/88. A year before her death Barbados, its Friendship Link Club - Pansy Griffith Doreen joined the Club in 1986. She was an Club Members presented her with her ”35 years and Andrea Simon. activist and ambassador for many Programme a Soroptimist” certificate. The guests enjoyed home hospitality, Action projects over 32 years as a Soroptimist, Florence (Flo) Mary White, Honorary visited some of the projects in Pune and were and was Club Membership Officer. Member, SI Ellesmere Port died on 5th introduced to various aspects of the Indian Jenny Richman, SI Torquay and District, February aged 97. A member since 1977, Region Culture as part of their GOF Programme. died in January 2018 aged 97. She joined the Press Officer, Club President and Archivist and They undertook a heritage walk through the Club in 1957 and became President in 1965-66, Friendship Link with SI Long Beach. old city of Pune. Pansy Griffith’s remark “Where President of SW Divisional Union in 1968. An Ingelise Anderskouv, SI Plymouth & District yesterday is still alive and well!” summed it up! exceptional lady and an Honorary Member. died on 2nd April 2018 aged 81. Ingelise was The guests also visited a dance school and Elisabeth (Betty) Campbell, SI Falkirk died saw an enchanting classical dance performance a retired Chemical Engineer who joined SI in and were escorted on a journey into heritage on 2nd March, 2018, aged 90. Betty was a Copenhagen in 1970 transferring to SI Plymouth and culture through the silk weaves of India. Soroptimist for almost 50 years, joining in 1968 in 1990. Ingelise was a committed and loyal They interacted with most of our members over and was Club President in 1974. She began the Member for 48 years Chutney Chatters and other gourmet cuisines Club’s Leisure Hour, in the 1980s, for Members Maywin Thomas, SI Barry and District, died laid on by the SIPME members. to socialise outside of the meeting times. on 10th April 2018 aged 86. She became a Ratna Dutt, SI Calcutta died on 17th March, member in 1980 and was Club President in SI Midland East 2018 aged 77. She was a Soroptimist for 30 1991-1992. Despite failing health, she attended years and President from 2000 – 2001. She the Club’s 50th Anniversary Charter Tea in Region’s Presidents’ served the Club as Secretary and Programme January - a loyal member for 38 years. Action Officer and helped the Club with her Pauline Birkett, Honorary Member, SI Reunion generous donations to Club projects. Bootle died on 14th March 2018, aged 82. Margaret Cowan, SI Glasgow City died on Pauline joined in 1962 and was Club President 5th January 2018 aged 89. An inspirational three times and Regional President of SI South Soroptimist for 53 years, Margaret held office as Lancashire 1971-72. Club President and Secretary as well as receiving Ivy Crossley, SI Burnley and formerly SI an Honorary Membership from SI Glasgow City Accrington, died on 7th February 2018 aged 67, and SI Scotland South Region. a member for 19 years. She had been President, Margaret Garnett, SI Pendleside, died on 9th Treasurer and Programme Action Officer. March 2018 aged 89. She was a loyal Member Elizabeth Blyth Mckerrow (Betty), SI Fylde for 40 years and was the President of Clitheroe died on 7th April 2018 aged 89. Betty was Club in 1982-83 and joint President in 1994-95. formerly of SI Preston, she moved to the Fylde Anne Brawn, SI Derby, writes: I was Anthea Parnell, SI Medway Towns, died interested to read of SI Cheshire North Wales coast with her friend, Olga, and together they and Wirral Region’s Reunions since 1985/6 of ovarian cancer in February 2018 aged 65. joined SI Fylde. Betty held a number of offices and challenge “Can anyone beat this?” in the A Member for 25 years and Club President in and brought enthusiasm to all project work. February magazine’s Membership Matters 1988/89. Anthea will be fondly remembered for Marjory Campbell, SI Fylde, died on 19th April at We in Midland East Region have been meet- her love of travel, which she continued in her Brooklands in Lytham. Marjory had recently ing since 1981. trusty camper van after her diagnosis. celebrated her 92nd birthday and despite Sadly, previous Region Presidents, Joyce Janet Gordon, SI Skipton in Craven, died suffering from dementia, she remained Phillipson and Wendy Stock have passed away. on 14th January 2018 aged 82. A former unfailingly cheerful and dignified. We started with 21 Club Presidents and headmistress, Janet (Jan) served the community Marjory was always supportive of everything the although now down to five, we continue to she retired to in many roles, becoming a Fylde club did and was a very gentle and friendly meet for Sunday Lunch every April joined by Soroptimist in November 2015 aged 80. the Soroptimisters. The photo was taken on soul with many stories to tell. 8th April at lunch at Newtown Linford! If anyone has any news of Dorothy Shane who TO SUBMIT AN OBITUARY returned to Ireland or Dorothy Parton who Please send obituaries to [email protected], putting OBITUARY in the subject box. returned to Scotland, we would love to hear It should be written following the above format, including ONLY the Member’s name, Club(s), age, from you. time as a Soroptimist and offices held. Please do not send full descriptive obituaries. There is no fee. Email [email protected] Longer obituaries may be submitted for the website. Please send to [email protected] MAY 2018 19 International IWD: Women’s Day place during Ovarian Cancer month. expertise has been crucial to many The Club is very grateful indeed high-profile criminal cases, including to the restaurants who gave them the conviction of Scotland’s largest vouchers for our Restaurant Raffle paedophile ring and the British and to Howfield Manor for their Forensic Team’s exhumation of mass donations to the wine hamper. graves in Kosovo. The event was a great success and raffle proceeds are split and used to provide the sponsorship for a year’s training programme for a woman SI King’s Lynn held a pop up SI Abuja visited the women’s through Women for Women shop in the Vancouver Quarter of wings of the Suleja Prison, Abuja International with the remainder King’s Lynn shopping centre. The to mark IWD. The women were going to a local charity, which this main focus was the Global Blanket very appreciative and one Club year is Ross-shire Women’s Aid. Campaign with people invited to member, Kate Nomwhange, helped make squares. The Club provided one inmate to be released the next SI Eastbourne welcomed 150 the cloth and crafts to create a week and helped another member, delegates to a thought-provoking square and the day was a great Ngozi Osuhor was also interested in conference on International success with 60 squares made. following up for an appeal for three Women’s Day in Eastbourne Town As well as creating squares for the of the inmates who are on death Hall. The event, described as “a Global Blanket they celebrated 100 row. They made the inmates’ day roaring success” and “fascinating years of votes for Women, collected one to be remembered. and inspiring” by delegates, was sanitary items for a local project organised by Eastbourne and District and old jewellery for the Diamond Soroptimists in collaboration with SI Heswall took part in a special Education Grant charity. the Mayor of Eastbourne, Cllr Pat event organised by Tomorrow’s Hearn. It was in support of the Women Wirral (TWW), celebrating Mayor’s charities: ‘Embrace’ and the International Women’s Day and the Salvation Army’s ‘Rebourne Corner’. plight of the suffragettes. Mayor of Eastbourne, Cllr Pat Hearn, Chair of the TWW Trust Maureen Vice Lord Lieutenant of East Sussex, Thompson, SI Heswall introduced SI Bath held a service at St Michael’s Mrs Sara Stonor and President of the Press for Progress day. Without, an evening of reflection Eastbourne and District Soroptimists, It was well supported with the and celebration. Lynne Chiswick, are pictured. ladies of TWW providing musical SI Llandudno organised a walk From A Story of a Suffragette, read The conference also celebrated the entertainment, a short play and on the promenade in Llandudno. by Pat Stevens whose Great Aunt centenary of the first women in the refreshments. They were joined by members of Laura Ainsworth was a suffragette, UK getting the vote and President of The lady in the hat, Helen McKeown other North Wales Clubs, Regional to the view of a present day woman, Eastbourne and District Soroptimists, from TWW, dressed up as Emmeline President Hilary Laidler, local read by the Club President, Professor Lynne Chiswick, drew attention to Pankhurst and chained herself to the dignitaries and, with many others Helen Young, onto the future role the fact that Eastbourne had one of railings. invited from local women’s groups, of women through the eyes of four the first Lady Mayors, Alice Hudson, there were around 120 people. young ladies, read by Becca Tucker in 1926, two years before most Under police direction, traffic was and Tilda Snook. women had the vote. halted for walkers to cross the road. An outburst from the Walcot State Distinguished guests included the Choir replicated the disturbance Vice Lord Lieutenant, Mrs Sara that the suffragettes made during a Stonor, the Deputy Lieutenant, Mrs service held in Bath Abbey. Deborah Bedford and the High Sister Soroptimists were joined by Sheriff, Mrs Maureen Chowen. HM Lord Lieutenant of Somerset, The Right Worshipful, The Mayor of SI Jersey and Anne Hudson from SI Bath and the Chair of Bath Council. Lewes (second left), attended the International Women’s Day Breakfast organised by the Jersey Women’s Refuge. The Refuge was established SI London Chilterns Region in the Island 30 years ago after four joined the London Landmarks years of research, raising awareness Half Marathon. As it is the 100th and gaining support by SI Jersey. anniversary of female suffrage in the Rozelle Sutherland MBE (centre) UK, this new London event included SI Easter Ross celebrated by who was the first Chair of the a suffragist cheer station manned by SI Canterbury fundraised at their hosting their 7th Annual Ladies Refuge and has worked tirelessly Soroptimists in suffragette costumes International Women’s Day Dinner Highland Lunch with 74 ladies ever since, gave an excellent speech and with sashes: Jen Simpson, at Howfield Manor Hotel and including Prue Watson –Scotland about the ‘battle’ of those early Helen Byrne and Barbara Diamant, were able to present a cheque for North Region President and days ‘as surely things like that did SI London Chilterns Region with £600 to Susan Booth, Fundraising members from other SI Scotland not happen in our lovely Island’. 30 Brenda Simpson, Associate Member. Director of Target Ovarian Cancer. North Clubs attending the event at years on the Refuge is, sadly as busy The event was a great success and This charity was chosen from so Kincraig Castle Hotel, Invergordon. as ever, but a trusted part of Island the four Soroptimists had a brilliant many worthy causes because The guest speaker was Professor life, which has helped many women day in London raising the profile of International Women’s Day takes Dame Sue Black, whose forensic and children. Soroptimists – well done ladies! 20 MAY 2018 2018

SI Milford Haven joined the SI Sevenoaks met for coffee Soka Gakki International Buddhist and cakes at the Sevenoaks Book SI Greater London’s new banner was launched on a truly memorable group in Pembrokeshire and the Shop in celebration of IWD, the occasion. The March 2018 International Women’s Day march through Pembrokeshire Women’s Festival Suffragette victory of securing the London, celebrated the centenary of the passing of the Representation of Group to link hands across the vote for women and 80th Charter the People Act in February 1918. That act – at last! – granted Parliamentary Cleddau Bridge to celebrate anniversary of SI Sevenoaks – plus voting rights to (some) British women (those over thirty who met a property International Women’s Day and the power of literacy in furthering qualification). mark the centenary of women women’s education. On the green opposite Parliament, waiting for the march-off; L-R: SIGL Past getting the vote in the UK. The bookshop had a window display Presidents Noreen Goss and Irene Cockroft, and President Yemisi Opaneye Undeterred by heavy rain the ladies dedicated to the women’s suffrage who designed the banner and had it made for her club as a legacy of her were joined by more than 100 movement and all books displayed term in office. people of all ages, genders, local in the window were written by mayors and other SI Clubs. There women authors. was a festive atmosphere as the It was an opportunity to raise procession was lead by Sambadoc, a awareness of these issues with local samba drum band. Attendees members of the public. were asked to bring a scarf in a suffragette colour and this enabled us to span the half mile long bridge.

SI St Albans marked IWD with SI St Helens held a sale in the three events: As“Guest Editors” to Town Hall with over 20 stalls mark IWD on Radio Verulam, (The showcasing a variety of women podcast is at: www.radioverulam. with small businesses, a beauty com/podcast/international- parlour hosted by the students of womens-day-soroptimists/). They St Helens College, chances to try then attended the St Albans Girls’ out activities such as badminton, tai School’s ‘International Women’s chi and bricklaying, as well as local SI Widnes booked the Community Day Inspiring Women Careers Event organisations offering education, SI Poona Member Anu Wakhlu, Area in Widnes Market to celebrate for Year 8 and Year 12 Student health and support services to local who is President Elect for the 100 years of votes for women. Leaders’. women along with the Girl Guides. National Association, received the They gave out 100 cupcakes with Finally, at their Club Meeting The hall looked great; so many ‘Women of Excellence’ award on edible versions of the Soroptimist Members wore Suffragette’s talented and interesting women. IWD, at the Hague, at the World logo on top, talked to people about colours of Green, Violet and White, Visitors included the Mayor and Economic Forum for Women. The Soroptimism and offered leaflets to symbolising Get Votes for Women Mayoress and local MP Marie award was given for Women’s take away and read – many good but also chosen to represent hope, Rimmer who all had a go at Empowerment. contacts were made. loyalty and dignity, and purity. bricklaying!

SI Nigeria marked the day with 400 Senior Secondary School girls at New SI Slough Windsor and Maidenhead, SI Thames Valley and SI High Era Girls Senior Secondary School, Surulere and Gbaja Girls Senior High Wycombe and District joined forces to hold a Conference to celebrate not School, Surulere. only International Women’s Day but also the 100th Anniversary of women Their programme was Clean Happy Health: to Educate, Empower and gaining the vote. The theme was “What have we achieved?” The event, held Enable young girls and to stop them from dropping out of school and formal in Maidenhead Town Hall on 11th March, was very successful. A number education, due to lack of sanitary products. of local women’s organisations attended. Two Mayors and two Mayoresses A talk on personal body hygiene and cleanliness during the menstrual cycle were in attendance. SI Slough Windsor and Maidenhead Club member was given and the highlight was the donation and distribution of washable Margaret Lenton, who is Mayoress of the Royal Borough of Windsor and and reusable sanitary pads to 400 girls. Maidenhead, chaired the event. MAY 2018 21 Club News SI Belfast President Sharon Hall SI East Grinstead Members, Sue is pictured with 45 backpacks Edgar and Janet Doyle, took to donated to Mary’s Meals. They the airwaves on the Samantha contain toiletries, clothes, SI Cannock Member, Dr Janis Day Show on Meridian Radio. stationery and a toy and may Lomas’s book has been published. Samantha was interested to hear well be the only gift these needy ‘The History of Women in 100 about SIGBI’s international and children ever receive. Objects”written with Professor local work. They spoke about Maggie Andrews, was featured the global range of Soroptimist in a national newspaper on International and its links with SI Ilkley’s environmental and International Women’s Day. It the United Nations. Local projects climate change group asked discusses the washing machine, were also discussed, including members to collect their junk mail sanitary towels, Mrs Beeton’s their support for a women’s over two weeks. The unwanted books and the scold’s bridle! Both refuge and upcoming activities. mail was brought to a meeting, women are historians specialising along with guidelines as to how in Women’s History. ‘100 Objects’ this can be reduced. 20 members is available from Dr Janis: jan. accumulated four kilos of junk SI Brixham has been giving out [email protected] mail in two weeks. Jo Thornley the monies collected during the of SI Ilkley, was horrified to just President’s year. The photo shows see how much waste paper is Mark Dunne, a biker member generated on a recurring basis and of the Devon Freewheelers within a very short time frame. receiving a cheque for £2,000 Ilkley Soroptimists are now filling from President Wenona Pappin. in the Opt Out Form, to reduce Mark told the Soroptimists unwanted junk mail, available about the need for this ‘out of from the Citizens Advice Bureau. hours’ emergency transportation SI Cheltenham visited the Sue SI Ennis awarded Donnah Vuma, service all supported by voluntary Ryder Hospice at Leckhampton the 2017 Clare Woman of the contributions.Graham Gordon, Court in Cheltenham to present a Year award. Donnah, a mother a volunteer from Devon Air cheque for £1000 to Elise Hoadley, of three, lives in a direct provision Ambulance, also collected a the General Manager and enjoyed centre on the Clare border. She is cheque for £2,000 from Wenona a very informative tour of the 14th from Zimbabwe, but has lived in Pappin who told the Members just Century building. Club Members Knockalisheen with her family for how vital this service was. had voted to support Sue Ryder three years waiting for her asylum and Toilet Twinning, and held a application to be processed. Last SI Kettering President Anne is Cava and Strawberries tea; a Tapas year she was accepted on to the pictured with guest speakers from lunch and the annual Quiz. Place of Sanctuary scholarship Study Day in March. Inspirational programme at the University of speakers came from Women’s Limerick. She has also helped raise Aid, Girls in Gangs and an award awareness about the psychological winning initiative by Community and mental health effects of those Police - The Blue Butterfly Badge. living in enforced idleness in direct provision and been involved in many other community projects.

SI Dewsbury had a stand at Dewsbury College during their SI Buxton President Elect, Sue Employability Week and spoke to Barber organised a training day many students about Jo’s Trust for nurses, podiatrists, carers and and Dewsbury Soroptimists. people with diabetes, Entitled BG SI Kidderminster held a lunch (Blood Glucose ) STAYING ALIVE. for 60 people to raise funds to Sue also acted as host and gave a SI Glasgow City donated £500 send Lucy, a member’s daughter, talk on the genetics of diabetes. to WaterAid’s Untapped Appeal in to Sierra Leone to help teachers at Buxton’s newest member, January, which was ‘matched’ by Street Child. Lucy will work with Helen Haywood managed the UK Government to £1000. specialist training teachers and registration of delegates and was Joanna, a WaterAid volunteer in teach the children. Many were efficient in overseeing the buffet Scotland, accepted a cheque and orphaned by the Ebola crisis and lunch and refreshment. SI Drogheda Recently made a gave an update of the outcomes live on the streets. Street Child Presentations by Rachel Mann presentation to St Ita’s a local of the appeal. Tombohuan is a gets the children into families Bradbury from Diabetes UK, Fire Special Education school, to tiny village in the jungle of Seirra and back into school. Officer Sandra Ward and another enable them to provide a specific Leone, where WaterAid has The money that Lucy raised will on the 5 Ways to Wellbeing literacy programme to their provided clean water and the be match-funded by the UK completed the schedule. The day students. The Club President, residents showed their delight Government. Lucy raised £2,700 finished with an interesting talk Carmel Schmidt is pictured – the father in the picture is so including £1011 from the lunch by David Della Cioppa and Callum presenting a cheque for 3000 happy that his children are free of and £984 in donations. Thus with Sully of PT Corner, who spoke Euros to Ms Michelle O’Mahoney diseases from drinking dirty water the match-funding the £2,700 about Nutrition and Exercise. from St. Ita’s. and can now go to school. raised £5,400 for the charity. 22 MAY 2018 SI Londonderry enjoyed a talk by SI Perth members held an SI St Albans held an inspirational SI Taunton held its 30th Annual The Honourable Justice Theresa open meeting inviting retired evening to celebrate Girls’ Cricket Swimathon in February. It was a Doherty CBE, a Commonwealth nurses to hear about nursing in Hertfordshire. They heard about brilliant event with 72 teams from Judge whose marriage and work in the First and Second World opportunities for the development the local community taking part have taken her around the world. Wars, from supporters of the of women and girls’ cricket locally ranging from corporate companies She has been a Soroptimist in Nursing Memorial Appeal. 1500 as part of planning for Phase to schools, families and youth Sierra Leone, at the Hague and nurses’ lives were lost, including 2 of the Soroptimist Audrey groups and of course SI Taunton’s now in Bangor Co. Down. many from the Voluntary Aid Collins Legacy Project (phase 1 own “Swans”. At the end of Her career on the bench began as Detachment. A memorial will ran from 2011-17). The finale of the weekend £14,323 had been a magistrate and then as a judge be dedicated to the nurses this the event was the presentation pledged by the 421 swimmers for 10 years in Papua New Guinea, summer and an ongoing legacy of the Soroptimist Audrey Collins who swam a total of 125 miles where she unearthed many of the Appeal will ensure proper U13 League Trophy for 2017 to between them. The money has imprisonments and injustices by training for nurses in war zones the winning team – Harpenden kept coming in and has risen to visiting the prisons. now and in the future. £350 was Cricket Club. Amy Price, the £19,300 which will be given to Theresa described the war crimes presented to the Appeal. Herts Ladies Captain gave an three local charities, St Margaret’s trials in Sierra Leone where child inspirational talk about how Hospice, Taunton Foodbank soldiers were drugged and cases playing cricket and leading the and MIND, Taunton and West of mass murder, rape and other team is in her life-blood. Somerset. crimes against humanity. In the 30 years since the Swimathon started over £630,000 has been raised and given to 78 local Somerset charities.

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Would you like to see your news SI San Fernando joined the in the next magazine? Please send Mayor of San Fernando to SI St Austell staged a Charity your Club News to Soroptimist@ host the Light It Up Blue event Fashion show at M&Co in Bodmin written-image.com, putting either SI Newbury Member Dr. Billie for Autism Awareness and for The Invictus Trust a charity Club News or Celebrations in Thirlaway, 100 years old on 1st Acceptance. The event included for young people with mental the subject box. September, 2017 celebrated chalk art for autistic children and health problems. The photo shows How to get published... with the Mayor and Mayoress their families. and performances Club members Maggie Hamilton, Keep your report concise so of Newbury and all her fellow by the National Centre for Persons Pat Wakeford, Barbara Trenerry, that we can include as many Soroptimists on 31st August. with Disabilities Ensemble and Catherine Hannaford, Ann as possible – follow the way a band, The Trebles of T&T. The Truscott, Shirley Clemo. these reports have been written mother of an autistic child who and look at the typical words attends workshops at the Club published around 80-100 in each performed a skit in which she story. Please do not send long made an impassioned appeal reports - there is not enough against discrimination, and room for them! advocated for the rights of If you have several reports, please autistics to be legislated by the send them in separate emails. SI Newbury Members, Dr. Billie Trinidad and Tobago government. Photos Thirlaway and Mrs. Elizabeth Your photos are very important Kay, being presented with their SI Stockton on Tees has been and we aim to include a photo Certificates of 50 years of being awarded a Mayor’s Civic Award with every report. a Soroptimist by President Jen for service to the local community. However, we can only use high Simpson of SI London Chilterns on President Caroline Allred and resolution, good quality photos – 31st August, 2017. Treasurer Mauveen Brown were small photos taken on a standard presented with the award by mobile phone will probably be the Mayor, Councillor Maurice too small – iPhone and Samsung SI South East Region report that Perry, recognising their support phones are usually fine if they are Jane Webb, Carol Infanti, Jane of victims of trafficking, women’s set to a high quality photo. Barnes and Jan Doyle are forming refuge, local schools, asylum There is no fee. a Relay Team for the Regional seekers and providing suppers for [email protected] Presidency in the South East. a physically handicapped club.

SI South West & Channel Islands Regional Meeting in March SI Paisley raised £1500 for welcomed three excellent speakers: Judith Lewis SIGBI Director of charities supporting mental health Finance, who is pictured in the centre of this photo with Daphne and homeless people at their Dowsing, Regional President and Margaret Parkinson, Vice President. recent Bridge Lunch. Alison Hernandez the Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon and After a soup and sandwich lunch, Cornwall and Amy Peak, who started a charity to help women in the members got down to the serious Syrian Refuge Camps with sanitary protection. business of playing, with prizes for 13 new members attended a New Members Briefing lead by Kay the highest scoring players. Turner, a Past Regional President. MAY 2018 23 STEM: Science,Technology, Engineering and Mathematics

SI Bournemouth is celebrating the success of its SI Drogheda has encouraged girls to become Sixth Annual STEM Challenge. involved in science and engineering careers, 32 teams of Year 8 and Year 9 girls from presenting a ‘STEM for First Year Girls’ event 11 schools created a solution to help people early in the new school year. in the poorest parts of the world. Each team SI Central Birmingham has contributed 140 students from six local schools and four researched, developed and built a project for funding for an exciting new Science and Space enthusiastic presenters, each an expert in her presentation to a team of judges. After three Project for students at the Queen Alexandra field, combined to give the girls an experience to heats, the Finals and Prizegiving Evening at College (QAC) in Birmingham. The funds were remember and they were attentive and engaged. Bournemouth University was attended by Her part of the Valerie Evans Legacy. QAC has 230 Comments included: “This is problem solving Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant of Dorset as well as students with varying types and degrees of with cosmic implications,” “The WOW moment sponsors, guests, family and friends. disabilities and provides education for over 18s. was discovering that bricks to build structures on Local, national and international companies The funds enabled QAC to purchase other planets were developed in Drogheda” and gave invaluable support in providing judges, books, DVDs, science equipment and science “I look forward to STEM Club now”. venues and sponsorship. The Club was delighted presentations. Students have enjoyed visits to the This half-day STEM experience is a different to welcome Ann Garvie, SI International Big Bang Fair and to the Thinktank in Millennium and new approach and other ROI Clubs are President 2013-15, to the judging panel. Point in Birmingham. The Thinktank visited QAC planning a similar event. SI Drogheda is already Projects tackle issues such as water filtration to present their Electrifying Science Workshop organising the September event! and transportation, shelter, sanitation, safer teaching students about electricity. food, improved health, solar power and recycling It has been a great experience for the students and human rights for all. and one that the College would like to continue. Examples include a rope ferry to help transport Thanks to the funding, over 170 students have people and goods across water, a hand sanitiser, benefited from this project during 2017/8. The face visor and water purifier to help reduce the Fundraising Manager and Project Co-ordinator spread of disease, a flat pack cot raised off the from QAC came to the Club meeting in March ground but stable on uneven surfaces and a and gave a wonderful presentation. water tank made from recycled water bottle bricks including filtration from activated carbon charcoal from coconut shell. All production SI Warrington held a half-day STEM Event for elements are from sustainable/recycled materials 66 girls from Great Sankey High School (Years 9 which can be locally sourced. and 10), to show students coming up to GCSE All girls are entered for a nationally accredited subject choices how women can take up jobs in CREST Award from the British Science the STEM professions. Dr Margaret Emsley of SI Association with 100% achievement to date. Ashton, former SIGBI Federation President and a civil engineer, was the lead speaker. The event, hosted by United Utilities plc, A small and not even yet formed new Club, joined by Jaguar Land Rover, Liverpool Clinical Salisbury Satellite Group has been running Laboratories, National Nuclear Laboratory, ambitious PA projects. Their inaugural STEM Arcadis and Fujitsu plc – showcased the kinds of involved three teams, who brought innovative jobs on offer. project ideas for improving life in the developing Based on SI Crosby’s successful STEM world, to be judged by local female STEM event model using a “speed-dating” format, professionals in April. £600 sponsorship from student groups rotated between the company Gilo Industries and Wiltshire College, enabled presentations in which the speakers also cash prizes; Peter Aymes, Managing Director of explained how they had got their jobs – through Apsley Engineering, a local engineering firm, work placement, apprenticeship or graduate SI Blackburn STEM ambassadors presented manufactured the beautiful winners’ trophy. entry routes. a programme to Year 7 pupils at a local high Louise Oswald of Gilo Industries spoke of SI Warrington’s Jackie Alexander said, “the school, Darwen Vale, awarding a trophy to the the importance of encouraging more girls to students were energised by female role models winning team. This followed a similar event last study STEM subjects, Esther Gordon-Smith of and surprised at the breadth of professional year which proved very successful. Highways England, Assistant Project Manager possibilities and the fact that a university degree The objective was to educate, empower and A303, talked about her career in engineering, is not the only way into exciting jobs. enable girls from all backgrounds to aspire to Judges were Helen Harrison, Deputy Head of Examples of student feedback were “STEM careers they may not have previously considered. Construction at Wiltshire College, Rebecca to me is an open door of opportunities whether Head of Science, Mrs Townson, was delighted Ingram, Aerospace Design Engineer at Gilo you are a boy or a girl”; “I’ve learnt about with the reaction of the girls to the presentation Industries and Fiona Butcher Fellow at DSTL. the different routes I can take to achieve a job which it is hoped will become an annual event. The Mayor of Salisbury presented the award I love and not to close my eyes to different The photo shows “The Winners”, as they had to The MSSL Filtering team from St Edmund’s opportunities”. We definitely felt we succeeded prophetically styled themselves, with SI Blackburn School: Emily Millman, Jess Softley, Charley in widening the career horizons of the Member Anne Jackson. Softley, Tabitha Munday and Lauren Lamberth. attendees.” 24 MAY 2018 Me!