It is a sunny afternoon as Soroptimists from all over the Federation arrived for the General Meeting in this fabulous building with its magnificent concert hall.
This is a significant opportunity for us to make changes to our organisation and its direction. The auditorium fills up and there is an air of excitement as a sea of red gradually grows – Soroptimists are still in their red outfits from the Red Square (Endometriosis) event this morning.
The two programme resolutions are about issues that are fundamentally important to all of us – the trafficking of women and girls – ie modern day slavery – and women’s health with regard to endometriosis. Sue Biggs, Director of Programme, slickly ran the informed debate and the presenters were passionate about the issues. The resolution on anti-trafficking and Soroptimists taking a lead in their own communities, was carried by 96%.
The resolution on raising awareness of endometriosis was also carried, but with the minimum 75% requited to carry the resolution. The vote was tempered because some members supported the powerful comment made by a doctor, speaking from the floor, that there were other women’s health issues that deserved a higher priority.
Report by Hilary Rowberry – SI South East England Region
As you know, Programme Resolutions no longer form part of the General meeting but because use is made of the Voting Delegates’ key pads it is scheduled immediately prior to the General Meeting. A vote of 75% of the Voting Delegates was required to carry a Resolution.
Resolution 1 – Modern Day Slavery
Soroptimist International of Great Britain and Ireland moves that this Federation takes the lead in campaigning to raise awareness of modern-day slavery. Proposed: SI Dundee and Seconded: SI Crieff
The Resolution was passed:
FOR 96% AGAINST 2% ABSTAINED 2%
Resolution 2 – Endometriosis
Soroptimist International of Great Britain and Ireland moves that Soroptimists alert young women and girls, health providers and the general public to the symptoms of endometriosis and the importance of early diagnosis.
Proposed: Patricia Gatherum, SI Morpeth & District and Seconded: Carol Burn, SI Sunderland
The Resolution was passed:
FOR 75% AGAINST 20% ABSTAINED 5%