We believe no one should go without the basics. Our members provide emergency relief for families in crisis, build the financial skills that guard against future hardship, and campaign for lasting change
Preventing poverty begins with strengthening women’s access to education, skills, and opportunities — a core focus of SIGBI’s mission. When women gain literacy, vocational training, and confidence to participate in local economies, they are better able to secure stable livelihoods and support their families. Community‑based learning, mentoring, and leadership development help create long‑term resilience and independence.
Reducing poverty also requires reliable access to essential services. SIGBI clubs play a vital role here: organising health camps, promoting menstrual and maternal health, supporting safe water initiatives, and raising awareness of social protection schemes. When women and girls can access healthcare, information, and basic resources, they are less vulnerable to crises that push households deeper into hardship.
Finally, poverty prevention depends on inclusive economic growth. SIGBI’s projects — from supporting small enterprises and sustainable agriculture to enabling women’s cooperatives — help create dignified income pathways. By ensuring that marginalised women can participate fully in local markets and community decision‑making, SIGBI helps break cycles of deprivation and builds stronger, more equitable communities.
Soroptimists, working in partnership with volunteers from Bingley Churches, Rotary International and local organisations and friends supervise running the weekly market stall. This involves ordering and receiving the weekly delivery of fresh and frozen food and the monthly delivery of store cupboard items from Inn Churches. In addition, BCK collects food from the local supermarket and the local Organic Shop, which would otherwise go to landfill.
The Club delivered a year‑long series of poverty‑focused initiatives, mobilising members, volunteers, and student partners throughout. Activities included financial literacy sessions for women under the Adult Literacy Drive – The Power of a Second Chance, two rounds of blanket distribution during the cold season, and support for a student‑led Daan Utsav sales carnival. The Club also organised a grain collection for World Food Day, ran its signature Jumble Sale fundraiser, and conducted a newspaper collection drive in partner schools to raise funds for ongoing service work.
Couva, Trinidad hosted a Period Poverty Awareness Initiative under the Theme “Fear without Flow with the girls and caretakers of Ezekiel’s Home for Abandoned Children. 15 Personal Care packages containing sanitary products and essential personal care items were prepared for the girls to supplement their monthly hygiene supplies
One of my daughters usually comes too – she’s a single parent so it’s useful for her to be able to get stuff for the kids – but she couldn’t come today, so I’m picking up two baskets. It’s great that it’s flexible enough to do this.
It feels like at least I’m getting some good food most days which wasn’t how it was before I started using the kitchen
