For 16 Days of Activism starting 25th November to 10th December, Soroptimists everywhere will #OrangetheWorld. The theme for 2020 is “Orange the World: Fund, Respond, Prevent, Collect!”. Each of the 16 days we celebrate marks a step towards women’s rights and a safe space for them.  Soroptimist International believes that women’s rights are human rights and through our work in the communities we work with that objective. SI Peterborough President, Jessica Barton, says: “Advocacy plays such a huge part in what we do, particularly with Covid-19 restricting our fundraising efforts. “Marking these 16 days of activism is our way of creating public awareness about what needs to change, and to prevent it from happening in the first place at local, national, regional and international levels.” Beginning with the International Day for Elimination of Violence Against Women on 25th November, Soroptimists follow UN Days to transform

Soroptimist International Great Britain and Ireland (SIGBI) held its annual conference last week (30th – 31st October 2020). It was the 86th SIGBI Conference, which was broadcast from Belfast – the first virtual conference ever! Held in a different destination each year (usually face-to-face), Conference is a time for Soroptimists to meet friends old and new, and to listen to inspiring speakers. Several SI Peterborough members attended this year’s virtual event, and a couple kindly share their experience below… Rita Bali Of course nothing compares to the atmosphere of a live event. But SIGBI, like all the SI clubs, has adapted. Both Conference days kicked off literally with a wonderful welcome from the Irish dance group, Celtic Storm. The speakers were excellent, talking about subjects that are close to every Soroptimist’s heart; celebrating women’s achievement in law, building slavery-free communities etc. My favourite was the

We’re so pleased to support Peterborough charity No Gain, No Pain UK (NGNP UK) with their fundraising efforts by donating chocolate oranges and hand-knitted covers! Each chocolate orange and their cute hats (knitted by Ann, Moira and Judy) will be sold to raise money to go towards buying syringe drivers (medical pain control devices) for our local area. If you’re in Peterborough and would like to buy one, you can contact NGNP UK direct via their Facebook page here. What is a syringe driver? In short, a syringe driver is a device used in palliative care. It is a box that is attached to the patient by a needle, through which drugs can be administered giving a constant flow of pain relief. Without these devices, patients have to wait for a nurse to attend to administer countless injections every time they are in pain. This

Soroptimist International (SI) Peterborough is looking for new members to join its vibrant club. Specifically, women with enthusiasm and energy – who are interested in friendship and advocacy – to take the work of SI Peterborough forward. Members enjoy affiliation to a 100-year-old international organisation that stands up for women and girls in local communities. Members meet and collaborate with women of all ages and backgrounds to work towards one common goal – to make a difference to the lives of women and girls on a local, national and international level. SI Peterborough President, Jessica Barton, says: “As Soroptimists, we believe sisterhood and bonding is the best way to address the gender-based issues in communities. We believe in educating, empowering and enabling women and girls through advocacy and supporting related charities and projects. “Due to Covid-19, we are meeting via Zoom on the second and