Soroptimist International of Europe:
Soroptimist International is a worldwide organisation of some 93,000 women from management and the professions. It represents a global voice for women through Awareness, Advocacy and Action.
Programme Focus 2007-2011
Every four years the SI Board revises the Programme Focus for all Soroptimists. The Programme Focus 2007-2011 was approved by the Soroptimist International Board and Programme Voting Delegates at the SI Board Meeting in Glasgow 2007.
Mission:
Through international partnerships and a global network of members, Soroptimists inspire action and create opportunities to transform the lives of women and girls by: advocating equity and equality; creating safe and healthy environments; increasing access to education; developing leadership and practical skills for a sustainable future.
Goals:
Soroptimists will ensure that women and girls
• enjoy equity and equality
• live in safe and healthy environments
• have access to education
• have leadership and practical skills
Objectives:
1. Eliminate poverty and gender discrimination through ensuring women’s full social and economic rights (ESD)
2. End human trafficking and all forms of violence against women and girls (HRSW)
3. Ensure access to health care for women and girls (H)
4. Support programmes and policies that eliminate HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis and other major diseases (H)
5. Improve access to clean water, sanitation and essential food resources (ENV)
6. Mitigate the effects of climate change and integrate sustainability into personal choices and government policies and programmes (ENV)
7. Meet the needs of women and girls during and after armed conflicts and disasters (IGU)
8. Promote peaceful conflict resolution, inter-cultural and inter-racial tolerance and condemn genocide and terrorism (IGU)
9. Ensure equal access to education and training for women and girls throughout their lifespan (ED)
10. Assure women’s advancement in management, politics and decision making (ESD)
Glossary:
ESD – Economic and Social Development
ED – Education
ENV – Environment
H – Health
HRSW – Human Rights and Status of Women
IGU – International Goodwill and Understanding
Approved by Soroptimist International Board and Programme Voting Delegates at SI Board Meeting in Glasgow 2007.
Websites:
Soroptimist International
Soroptimist International of Europe
Water is a women’s issue that we can easily link to all our six programme areas.
Gertraud Pichler: Liaison Women for Water Partnership website