I'm a Soroptimist because.....

I once met a Tanzanian lady named Happiness, whose story was one of hardship, courage and hope.

After her husband left her, she suffered abuse from her brothers-in-law. When the local Soroptimist club learned of her situation, members raised funds and built her a simple house. It had no windows or floors, but it gave her safety and a place of her own.

Happiness was proud of her home. She grew vegetables and could send her sons to school, she spoke with determination, gratitude and quiet joy. With so little, she was building a future for her family one vegetable and one school day at a time.

Her story shows what Soroptimists do: educate, empower and enable women and girls to build better lives. Practical support can give women the security, independence and dignity to create brighter futures for their families.

Happiness taught me that true happiness is not always found in comfort or possessions, but in safety, independence and hope for one’s children. Her unfinished house held something more precious than beautiful things: hope.

This is the heart of Soroptimism: educating, empowering and enabling women and girls to transform their lives, families and communities.

What is life without being a Soroptimist?  I can’t tell you how much joy it has brought me to be a member.  To be able to give something back and to truly make a difference to others’ lives is a privilege.

….and along the way I have gained so much too.  The times I’ve had a tough day in work, gone to a Soroptimist meeting, shared the issue and found a solution – well I can’t count.  It’s wonderful to have such a supportive group of women that have your best interests at heart too.

I’ve also been lucky enough to travel around the Soroptimist world – to the other Federation conferences and the International Conventions in Istanbul, Kuala Lumpur, Dublin and Glasgow …..and next year it’s in Prague and I’ve booked!

A huge opportunity for me was being part of the delegation to the Commission on the Status for Women in New York.  There I saw the power of the Soroptimist delegation (the largest delegation apparently) and the impact we have.

I’ve learned a lot too – how to present in front of 1,500 people at a conference, how to lead a group and gain consensus and how to tackle issues I never previously knew anything about.

I’m so proud to be a Soroptimist😊

Being a Soroptimist has changed my life in ways I could never have imagined. I joined with a desire to contribute, to make a difference, and to put my experience and skills at the service of others. What I discovered was much more: a global sisterhood that inspires me, challenges me, and gives me the opportunity to turn my convictions into action.

Through Soroptimist International, I have found my voice on the international stage, particularly at the United Nations. I have had the privilege of advocating for the rights, health, education and empowerment of all women and girls, while connecting with inspiring women from different cultures and backgrounds who share the same determination to create change.

One of the greatest gifts of Soroptimism is that we do not simply help others; we grow through helping others. It has broadened my horizons, strengthened my leadership, and taught me the power of collaboration, diplomacy and perseverance. It has opened doors I never expected to walk through and enabled me to contribute to discussions where the voices of women and girls must be heard.

Perhaps the most meaningful story is not one particular moment, but the realisation that a local commitment can become part of a global movement. A conversation, an advocacy initiative or a voice raised at the United Nations can help influence decisions that affect the lives of countless women and girls.

For me, Soroptimism is not simply membership of an organisation. It is a responsibility, a privilege and a lifelong journey of learning, friendship and service.

I became a Soroptimist in 1974 because I wanted and valued the friendship of likeminded women. I also wanted to make a difference to the lives of women and girls and I got my first opportunity in the 1980s when I represented Soroptimists on a group with other women’s organisations looking at the taxation of married women. It helped pave the way to the Finance Act of 1988 and on 6 April 1990, independent taxation took effect, giving every married person—man or woman—a separate personal allowance and full independence in their tax affairs. Women could no longer be described as their husband’s chattel for non-employment and investment income!

Jane Barrie, Past President SIGBI