We have received the following greetings to Conference.
Baroness Eluned Morgan, First Minister of Wales
Federation Presidents
Siew Yong Gnanalingam
SI President 2024-2025
Dear Soroptimists,
It gives me great pleasure to warmly welcome all delegates to the Soroptimist International Great Britain and Ireland (SIGBI) Conference. This annual gathering is a testament to the passion, dedication and unwavering spirit of SIGBI members in advancing the mission of Soroptimist International – to educate, empower and enable all women and girls around the world.
SIGBI continues to inspire with its dynamic projects, strong leadership and impactful advocacy. Your commitment to addressing the challenges women and girls face – whether through education initiatives, health programmes, or climate action – reflects the very best of Soroptimist values in action.
This conference is not only a time for learning and celebration, but also a powerful reminder of what we can achieve when we come together. Let us share ideas, strengthen connections and renew our shared vision for a better, more equal world.
Thank you, SIGBI, for your extraordinary contributions. I look forward to all that we will accomplish together.
Warm regards and in Sisterhood
Siew Yong Gnanalingam
President, Soroptimist International (2024 – 2025)
Mary Muia
SI Africa President
I am delighted to join you at this weeklong SIGBI Birmingham conference 2025. Our global sisterhood, friendship and the desire to make positive impact to the lives of women and girls brings SIAF, SIGBI and all Soroptimists together as a global family.
We have a lot to share and learn from each other, especially the shared visions of empowering women and girls in disadvantaged contexts facing women and girls worldwide. The SIGBI Birmingham conference presents exciting topics that cut across our shared goals to “Educate, Empower and Enable”. I look forward to learning from the experience sharing during the many workshops and entire conference meeting.
SIAF and SIGBI clubs’ partnerships and friendship links for our members continue to thrive from these interactions and sharing of best practices.
Sue Riney
SI Americas President Elect (President from 1 September 2025)
It is an honor to be with all of you this weekend in Birmingham! Our shared mission as Soroptimists is to improve the lives of women and girls, and this singular goal unites us across continents and cultures, whether in SIGBI, SIA, or any club around the globe. We are all bound by this common thread—a collective commitment to creating a world where every woman and girl can reach her full potential. I am excited to listen and learn from all of you, for it is when we share best practices, when we learn from each other’s successes and challenges, when we amplify each other’s voices on international platforms, that we become an unstoppable force! It is through our global collaboration as Soroptimists that we can tackle complex issues with a unified front, leverage diverse perspectives, and extend our reach far beyond what any single club or even Federation could achieve alone. It is in this spirit of partnership and mutual support that we truly embody the “International” in our name. Together, we will continue to build a brighter, more equitable future for women and girls!
All the best,
Sue
Sue Riney
President Elect
Soroptimist International of the Americas, Inc. / LiveYourDream.org
Hafdís Karlsdóttir
SI Europe President
Dear Soroptimist Friends in SIGBI,
For over 100 years, Soroptimists have united globally to empower, support, and advocate for women and girls. We believe in the power of education, leadership, and sisterhood. Our mission is simple but powerful: to be the best of women, doing the best for women.
The programme work we do highlight the powerful impact we continue to make. Each year, Soroptimists lead thousands of projects that educate, empower, and enable opportunities for women and girls through awareness, advocacy and action.
As we honour our past, we also embrace the future. The challenges may change, but the need for Soroptimists remains strong. With renewed purpose and solidarity, we carry forward the spirit of our founders; committed to service, justice, and hope.
Wishing you a wonderful conference conducted in a true Soroptimist spirit!
Hafdís Karlsdóttir
SIE President 2024-2025