Beginning in November 2027 it will be one hundred years since Soroptimism was established in Glasgow - quite an achievement. We are looking forward to reaching this milestone next year, and are currently considering how we might highlight our current work to improve the lives of women and girls, as well as celebrate the work of all the members who have gone before.
Our Club is based in the city of Glasgow and works to improve the lives of women and girls in the city and its suburbs, as well as women and girls nationally and internationally. We do this through a mix of practical action, raising awareness of issues and advocacy work. Members come from a range of backgrounds and experiences, but share a common desire to work together to improve lives.
The club was chartered on 5 December 2010, the result of a merger between two existing clubs - Glasgow West and Glasgow Central. We were later joined by members from Glasgow South. Current members come from Glasgow and the surrounding areas.
We meet on the first and third Wednesday of each month except December, July and August. Meetings alternate between afternoon and evening, and two venues - Ibrox church hall and Glasgow Caledonian University
Meetings are a mix of business, speakers, and some social events. Speakers come from a range of organisations and groups, covering subjects that fit with our aim of supporting women and girls. We also try to educate ourselves on relevant issues affecting them.
Tomorrow's Women Glasgow are an innovative and unique justice centre, who work with women involved in the Justice system and who have very complex needs.
A care plan enables the women to become empowered to improve their life and reduce their offending whilst being supported by appropriate services.
Members have supported the women through the provision of pyjamas, leggings, cookery items, toiletries and gifts at Christmas amongst other things.
Lendwithcare allows us to support women entrepreneurs internationally in countries like Thailand and Ecuador through the loan of small amounts of funds. These small amounts help the women to grow their businesses and through that to support their families, create jobs and help others.
In 2026 we are celebrating 90 years of the two Soroptimist Regions which cover Scotland. This has been marked in various ways by clubs across the country, but as a Club we decided to knit and donate 90 hearts to our local Hospice, provide 90 small toiletries for women refugees and 90 items for the local Foodbank.
Soroptimists in Scotland are celebrating 90 years of their two Regions this year. As well as holding a day conference, Clubs were invited to take part in marking this achievement in a variety of ways. As a Club, we decided to do several small projects, which included making 90 hearts to be given to the Prince and Princess of Wales Hospice in Glasgow.
A heart is given to an end of life patient cared for by the Hospice and a matching heart given to the family. Many hospices around the UK use the hearts to create memories for families. In addition, one member made small lavender bags to be donated to patients.
Members and friends recently met for coffee and home baking to raise funds for Soroptimist charities . As well as enjoyng the delicious home baking, friendship and chat, a raffle was held with a lovely selection of prizes. This event raised £1000 - an amazing total, the bulk of which was donated to Marie Curie
