The 16 Days of Activism against Gender based Violence takes place between 25 November and 10 December each year. 2021 marks the 30th anniversary of the Global 16 Days Campaign. Inspired by the original vision and history of the Campaign, which focused on raising awareness about violence against women (VAW), and considering the continuing impunity for femicide, this year the Campaign will focus on the issue of “femicide or the gender-related killing of women.” Check out our social media for daily posts!

Region held their first face to face meeting chaired by Regional President Grace Onions. It was great that members from 9 out of our 11 clubs attended. We had an excellent speaker from Population Matters in line with President Grace’s theme ‘Our planet, our future’. Presentations of badge and certificates were made to members who had achieved 25 years service. To mark the Soroptimist centenary then the Candle lighting ceremony followed. A centenary birthday lunch followed and President Grace welcomed 8 new members who were first times at Region. During coffee, Pat Dale gave a presentation on those Soroptimists past and present from the Region who have made a significant contribution at Club, Region, Federation and International levels that we are proud to acknowledge. It was a great day and we were able to thank President Grace for all her efforts to make the past year

Grace, our regional president along with Croydon Climate Action / Friends of the Earth on a little photo shoot a few days ago outside Sainsbury’s to show recyclable and non-recyclable plastics from two households (5 people) in July. If you think it doesn’t look like a lot, please bear in mind that those who took part actively try to avoid plastic in the first place. #plasticfreejuly #plasticpollution. Sainsbury’s press office plan on getting back to them with comments but they had some lovely conversations with lovely people (completely unintended as they were only there to take a photo) and all felt that more impetus from national governments was needed to stop the horrendous mountain of plastics that is generated every minute of every day.

Grace, our Regional President promoting ‘pedal power!

Croydon Soroptimists regularly help the Croydon Refugee Day Centre (CRDC) with donations of clothing or other items as and when they are needed. This year, they have had to call a temporary halt to these donations for logistical reasons and have instead requested new underwear. So with a clear mission, our members quickly raised £100 and along with a voucher from her local Sainsbury’s and items already purchased, Grace, our regional president presented the CRDC with over 30 multi-packs of underwear. With a variety of styles and sizes for women, children and men, that’s over 200 individual items, including socks, vests and pants. We know that little things can make a big difference and under the expert guidance of volunteers at the CRDC, we know that these little things will do just that for many families in need.

On a bright Tuesday in January, a lone Soroptimist started digging 2 holes in the wide border inside the walled garden in Park Hill Park, Croydon. The exact spots had been chosen months ago when the two organic fruit trees to celebrate the centenary of Soroptimist International were chosen – Oullin’s greengage and Herman’s plum. Both are self pollinating, will mature to a medium height (for trees!) and yield delicious fruit in Summer. The following Friday, two Soroptimists sallied forth with the young trees in hand, raising their voices to greet each other as they stood a long way apart. With careful positioning of the root and a little more digging around the edges of each hole, the trees were held in position, the soil was refilled around them and tamped down. A little watering-in later on and two happy Soroptimists, Susan and Grace, went back