{"id":34,"date":"2018-10-20T22:16:21","date_gmt":"2018-10-20T21:16:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/esperance\/?page_id=34"},"modified":"2026-01-11T23:41:00","modified_gmt":"2026-01-11T22:41:00","slug":"read-all-about-it","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/esperance\/read-all-about-it\/","title":{"rendered":"Read All About It!"},"content":{"rendered":"

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\"\"Esperance Soroptimists launches Cedros Mural Activism Project – Trinidad and Tobago Newsday<\/a><\/p>\n

Newsday, Print and Digital, 8th December 2025<\/strong><\/p>\n

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\"\"Ask \u201cHow are things at home?\u201d to uncover conflict, says Bodoe – Trinidad Guardian<\/a><\/p>\n

Trinidad Guardian, 2nd December 2025<\/strong><\/p>\n

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The Southerner, November 2025<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Soroptimist International Esperance continues Period Positivity Project – Trinidad and Tobago Newsday<\/a><\/p>\n

Newsday, 30th October 2025<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Daily Express 6th November 2025<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Soroptimists promote cancer awareness in women<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

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In a concerted effort to address the significant public health challenges posed by the Human\u00a0Papillomavirus (HPV), the Soroptimist International National Association of Trinidad and Tobago (SITT) launched its Cervical Cancer Prevention Campaign under the theme \u201cLet\u2019s Be HPV Heroes. End Cervical Cancer. Get Vaccinated.\u201d This initiative coincided with Cervical Cancer Awareness Month and the global Cervical Cancer Prevention Week.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Cervical cancer remains the third most common cancer among<\/strong> women in Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean, despite being one of the most preventable.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The HPV vaccine, proven safe and effective, can prevent more than 90 per cent of HPV-related cancers when administered at the recommended ages.<\/strong><\/p>\n

SI T&T aims to contribute to the WHO\u2019s international goal of eliminating cervical cancer by increasing vaccination rates. Countries with high HPV vaccination rates, such as Australia and the UK, have seen dramatic reductions in HPV infections and cervical and related cancer rates.<\/strong><\/p>\n

T&T, where vaccination rates currently stand at approximately only 12 per cent, needs\u00a0significant progress.<\/strong><\/p>\n

This ongoing campaign seeks to increase awareness about the HPV vaccine, a critical tool in preventing cervical and other HPV-related cancers, and to promote vaccination among girls and boys aged 9 to 26 years.<\/strong><\/p>\n

As part of the campaign, there were interviews on all the major radio and television stations, with articles and interviews in the three main newspapers.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The\u00a0Soroptimists appreciate their support and the opportunity to advocate for a positive change of attitude in the community.<\/strong><\/p>\n

In addition to traditional media, social media is being extensively used. Posts are regularly displayed on the Facebook pages of the seven clubs, and on the Soroptimist International of T&T page, which is managed by the National Association, their umbrella organisation. Posts are also being displayed on clubs\u2019 Instagram accounts.<\/strong><\/p>\n

An engaging children\u2019s graphic comic book titled\u00a0HPV Heroes:<\/strong> Defenders of the Future\u00a0was designed and printed by the Soroptimists. It targets young people, addressing common questions regarding the vaccine\u2019s safety, effectiveness, and benefits while debunking persistent myths. It was launched at NALIS, and distributed to their branches. Copies are being sent to doctors\u2019 offices and school libraries. It is also available as a flipbook on clubs\u2019 Facebook pages.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Moving forward, Soroptimists are speaking to school PTAs,<\/strong> helping parents to understand the benefits of having their children receive the vaccine, which is free of charge in\u00a0health centres. Clubs would be\u00a0happy to receive invitations to address parents.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Complementing this HPV vaccination initiative, Soroptimist International Esperance conducted two community-based cancer screening and awareness events.<\/strong><\/p>\n

In October last year, a Cervical\u00a0and Breast Cancer Awareness and Screening afternoon was hosted at St John\u2019s Open Bible\u00a0Church in<\/strong> St John\u2019s Village as part of the Club\u2019s Women\u2019s Wellness initiative.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The event featured a presentation by Esperance Soroptimist Dr Shalini Gopeesingh, a\u00a0family medical practitioner, who\u00a0underscored\u00a0the importance of a healthy lifestyle and regular screening in the prevention and early detection\u00a0of both cervical and breast cancers.<\/strong><\/p>\n

In partnership with the Cancer Society of T&T,\u00a0on-site breast examinations and cervical Pap smears were provided to 30 women,\u00a0sponsored by the club. Participants commented on the<\/strong> clarity and\u00a0practicality of the information\u00a0presented.<\/strong><\/p>\n

From its inception, SI Esperance has created awareness of issues related to breast cancer every\u00a0October through social and print media.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Further reinforcing these efforts, members attended a screening session at Pink Hibiscus Breast Health Specialists in Woodbrook.<\/strong><\/p>\n

The session provided recommended diagnostic practices such as breast ultrasounds for women under 40, and combined<\/strong> mammogram and ultrasound examinations for those 40 and over. It underscored the importance of monthly self-examinations in detecting early changes in breast tissue. A breast cancer survivor\u2019s personal account during the event provided additional emphasis on the\u00a0benefits of early detection and intervention.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Collectively, these initiatives represent a coordinated, multi-faceted approach to cancer prevention in women across T&T. Through education, community engagement, and the\u00a0promotion of early intervention strategies, Soroptimist clubs are actively working to reduce the\u00a0incidence of cervical and breast cancers and improve long-term health outcomes for the nation.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

Soroptimists in T&T invite everyone to join the movement and become HPV\u00a0Heroes. Whether by ensuring our children are vaccinated, encouraging family and friends to\u00a0be screened\u00a0or sharing educational materials, we can all play a part in the fight to end cervical\u00a0and breast\u00a0cancer in T&T.<\/strong><\/p>\n

Trinidad Guardian, Print and Digital, 6th April 2025<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

Soroptimist joins push for HPV vaccine<\/strong><\/h3>\n