Aims & Objects of Soroptimism

Soroptimist International is a worldwide organisation for women in management and the professions, a global voice for women through Awareness, Advocacy & Action and its objects shall be to strive for:

• The advancement of the status of women
• High ethical standards
• Human rights for all
• Equality, Development & Peace: through international goodwill & understanding

Soroptimist International is committed to:

• Service to local, national and international communities
• Active participation in decision making at all levels

Working Together To Change Lives

As the incoming Sunderland Soroptimist International President in the year of our 70th charter, I am honoured to be following in the footsteps of so many eminent Presidents. I welcome in friendship all visitors to our web page and to our Club. We are a busy Club and enjoy fund raising and service in the community, while also including a good social life with fun and friendship.

In the early years of our charter, the lives of women were very different to that of today. Women had not long been able to vote, they did not have the independence and freedom that we enjoy today, but they were able to make differences in local areas and in the wider world.

As women today, we do of course have other challenges with many of us enjoying demanding careers, while also caring for family and home. Juggling priorities is a constant part of our lives, finding the time to care for and help others can itself be a challenge.

This year, along with my fellow Soroptimists, I am looking forward to being able to make a difference in the lives of those in my local community with service work and fund raising for the Salvation Army.

Our aim also is to help those in the wider world to try to improve lives in the developing world by trade not aid. We are to raise funds for Shared Interest who loan at competitive rates to farmers and producers in the developing world, to help establish themselves in the Fair Trade world. The social impact of this is also felt in the wider communities, as others in the area can be employed in the ventures. If we can each do a little, together we can make a difference

The Soroptimist International Great Britain & Ireland Conference is in Barbados this year and I am also looking forward to being President in our 70th Year and spending time in friendship with fellow Soroptimists in the Caribbean sunshine.