On 30 January, Julia Search Friendship Link Officer organised and hosted our first virtual Get together for 2025. It was attended by 19 Soroptimists from Friendship clubs in Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Germany and the Netherlands. It was good to see some new faces and to hear of the work clubs are doing on similar projects.
Cassandra shared photos of their Orange the World Day activities: 
- with the mayor of Rijswijk (lady in black),
- the library,
- at the market and the beginning:
- collecting and painting more than 80 shoes to give them a primer and a second layer of orange paint. A lot of fun painting them together with the other ladies.
The mayor was interested because in the last one and a half years, 3 women in Rijswijk were killed by their (ex)husband or (ex)partner. Cassandra had read a book of Daniel Verlaan, a Dutch journalist on (cyber)crime called ‘I know your password’. In this book he also talks about violence against women via socials and mobile phones. It opens one’s eyes!
Carol spoke about a presentation and leaflet produced by Annette Maudsley (Safeguarding) on Technology Facilitated Domestic Abuse.
Julia agreed to forward a copy of the regional newsletter that Jane is temporarily producing. It has articles about the projects Medway and Maidstone are involved with, such as Shoebox Appeal, Fundraising for SI Foundation and Christmas Hampers to Women’s Refuges.
Marie Luise spoke about their 25th anniversary in 2026, when Medway and Maidstone will also be celebrating their 80th anniversary.
Christine from SI Chaguanas spoke about the successful recruitment of 7 new members. Nalini told us about a book they had written called ‘Renew The Future’ for primary age children to learn about renewable energy. It aims to spark curiosity and inspire young readers to explore how they can defend and renew the planet.
It was an excellent and worthwhile meeting with our friendship clubs. Christine said, ‘It is always so rewarding getting together with sister soroptimist from different countries and learning what they are doing and how they are doing it. It reminds us of the bigger picture and gives us encouragement to continue our work.’