Soroptimist International (SI) 22nd Convention held in Dublin, Ireland – 27th – 29th July 2023
The theme – Challenge the Future
16 delegates from our Midland East Region (SIMER) out of an approximate total of 1,700 attended the convention. We enjoyed a full-on programme in a purpose-built glass tower which resembles a Dyson vacuum cleaner. It overlooks the River Liffey at Spencer Dock in Dublin.
S.I. President Maureen Maguire and IPP President Sharon Fisher welcomed the delegates. Sue Perry was Convention Chair. The convention committee and local organising committee did a sterling job.
Every four years, Soroptimist International holds an International convention, the hosting rotates around our five federations. The next one in 2027 which will be 23rd convention, will be hosted by SI of the Americas (SIA).
Introducing Our Five Federations and showcasing our work within each Federations.
Soroptimist International Africa (SIAF) – Empowering women and girls for sustainable development – post covid-19, Drumming campaign in Rwanda & Fighting against cervical cancer.
Soroptimist International of the Americas (SIA) – Live Your Dream, Dream it Be it. – Big Goal – to invest in the dreams of half a million women and girls through access to education by 2031.
Soroptimist International of Europe (SIE) – Covid-19 Response-Safe House & The War Zone Initiative
Soroptimist International of Great Britain and Ireland (SIGBI) – Planting Trees for a Brilliant Future & Toilet Twinning
Soroptimist International South East Asia Pacific (SISEAP) – Malaysian Schools with Soroptimist Support & Disaster Responses
Day 1 Wednesday from 13.30:17.00 – Registration and AGM
Day 2 Thursday Full day Official opening, flag ceremony, roll call opening speeches, greetings and announcements.
3 Keynote Speakers – Mary Robinsion – Women Leaders must step up and lead as never before, Suba Umathevan – breaking boundaries, inspiring change, her jounery towards inclusive leadership and gender equality and Sean Wensley – through a veterinarian’s eyes, securing well-being for animals, people and planet. Including 5 Workshops and A Friendship Evening.
Day 3 Friday – Full day – Invited Speaker Mr Ma Ying Jeou, former President of Republic of China.
3 Keynote speakers – Jim Gamble – Safeguarding, it’s not about the technology, Nicole Ameline – Reduced inequalities – stand up for Human Rights. and Felisa Tibbitts – Transformative education for addressing climate change and global citizenship.
Day 4 Saturday– Full day – Introduction Peace and Security with Keynote speaker – Renata Dwan – women, peace and cyber security securing our future (her mother is a Soroptimist) .
Introduction United Nations – SI United Nations Representatives – addressed SI Delegates for the 1st time, our voices at the United Nations
Advocacy updates – Leigh Ellwood Brown and Beverly Bucur
Launch of SI Foundation – In 2021 Soroptimist International Foundation was formed and gained charitable status in England and Wales, All President appeals are now managed by SI. Foundation benefiting financially from the charitable status
Change of Insignia
Address by Siew Yong Gnanalingam Incoming SI President 2024 – 2025 from a recorded message
Closing Ceremony followed by Convention Gala dinner and Ceili night
Final thoughts, it was an extraordinary experience attending an International convention, which only happens every four years. Feedback from our Region first timers were very encouraging and positive. We were inspired by the quality of the speakers and the overall programme provided. Very insightful and good to see all those great projects organised by clubs around the world helping women and girls. Above all, it was wonderful to hear the United Nations Representatives presenting all the aspects of our involvement for the first time.