SI Logan Year 10 Leadership Day.

SI Logan held it’s 13th annual Year 10 Leadership Day in May 2019. The event is provided as a full day conference targetted to students within the Year 10 level. 

On UN International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, I had the rare opportunity to discuss briefly with The Honourable Prime Minister of Malaysia Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad the needs of women and youth from hardcore poor communities and to explain what we need from the Government.

Story by Federation President Anusha Santhirasthipam

Soroptimist International of Western Australia was delighted to host SISWP President Anusha Santhirasthipam and Programme Coordinator 2 Dixie Brown to attend a weekend of celebration, friendship and learning in Perth in late August. A major event was a high tea held at the University Club of Western Australia for the presentation of the 2019 Stella Giles Award for Achievement and the celebration of SI Perth’s 70th birthday.

Article written by Vida Corbett, Treasurer, Soroptimist International of Western Australia

It is crucial that we leave no one behind. Hence, a "Whole Of Nation Approach" is needed in all our member countries if we want to accelerate progress on the SDGs. I was actively involved in the recent Malaysia SDG Summit 2019 officiated by Hon. Prime Minister Malaysia Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad that was co-organised by the United Nations and Ministry of Economic Affairs Malaysia.

Story by Federation President Anusha Santhirasthipam

SISWP President Anusha Santhirasthipam recently attended and presented at World Bank event, officiated by Dato Seri Dr Wan Azizah Dr Wan Ismail, the Hon. Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia. Anusha was invited to provide inputs on what more we need to do to close the gender gaps, tackle all forms of discrimination and workplace disparities to attract, support and retain women in employment, entrepreneurship and in key decision-making positions in all sectors. As Soroptimists we must play our role to monitor and feedback the Gender Equality Action Plans in every member country.

The International Day of Older Persons on the 1st October presents an opportunity to highlight the important contributions that older people make to society and raise awareness of the opportunities and challenges of aging in today’s world. SISWP President Anusha was invited to participate in a Longevity Economy Forum officiated by Malaysia's Deputy Health Minister Dr Lee Boon Chye, who is a cardiologist by profession.

Article by Federation President Anusha Santhirasthipam

Today I wish to honour and celebrate the leaders and members of my Soroptimist service club #SIPJ #SIPetalingJaya and Singapore's first Mandarin speaking Soroptimist club #SISingaporeOrchid #SISO who are both member clubs of the Federation of #soroptimistsouthwestpacific.

Blog written by Ralda Forzin, member of SISWP

Climate Change was the subject of both a plenary session and a workshop which was held in the main conference room due to the high levels of interest. Speakers came from different countries (Kenya, Malaysia, the Netherlands) as well as diverse backgrounds and expertise (economics, education, advocacy, politics, activism). Each speaker approached the issue from a different viewpoint, but all were agreed on one thing. Climate change is real and its greatest impact is on women. We are in crisis. The need for both advocacy and action is urgent.

The crescendo of women’s voices rose up to greet you as you travelled down the escalator to the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, for the 21st Soroptimist Convention opening ceremony. Outside a representative from each of the 125 countries in attendance were standing proudly holding their country flag, they stood lining the red carpet awaiting the arrival of Her Majesty the Queen of Malaysia.

One of the first projects by Soroptimist in 1921 was the 'Save the Redwoods' – the great ancient trees which were being felled. They lobbied the legislature, took on powerful lumber companies, and won the support of the public. Today nearly 100 years later at the launch of the 21st Soroptimist Convention, Soroptimists planted rainforest trees in a reforestoration area of Kuala Lumpur.