The UN says ‘International Women’s Day 2026 (IWD 2026), under the theme, “Rights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls”, marks a moment to amplify our collective determination. No matter how deeply rooted the sexism or how discouraging the politics, we refuse to step back or abandon our mandate. Instead, we climb together – for the rights and empowerment of all women and girls. This year, IWD 2026 calls for action to dismantle the structural barriers to equal justice: discriminatory laws, weak legal protections, and harmful practices and social norms that erode the rights of women and girls.” https://www.unwomen.org/en/get-involved/international-womens-day

SI Sevenoaks had a successful and lovely time at the new members coffee morning at Sandie’s house on Saturday 17 January. Thanks to Kathy who did the coffees and Wendy who ran the tombola!  Thanks to everyone’s generosity, we raised £65 for West Kent Mind, a really successful morning! There were 7 members and 5 prospective new members. Three ladies have now completed their membership forms and were enrolled at SI Sevenoaks’ club meeting on Tuesday 10 February, Angel Gomes, Jagjeet Kaur, Vanessa Cuthbertson. We have three more ladies that are interested in joining so we are keeping our fingers crossed. It is lovely to see so many younger ladies getting involved. Kathy Jordan SI Sevenoaks

SI Sevenoaks entered a team for the Mayor of Sevenoaks charity quiz on 7th February – we decided to call ourselves “The Soroptimists” rather than “The Optimists” which is our normal team name, hoping to attract some new members!  It was good fun and we didn’t come last, and the Mayor announced that over £2,000 had been raised on the raffle alone for his charities, Sevenoaks Area Youth Trust and Sevenoaks Citizens Advice.  Pictured are team members Tina Fenner, Wendy Metcalf, SI President Margaret Crabtree, guest Liz Dolding, Vicky Tibbits and Margaret Nicholson. Sandie Higgs, SI Sevenoaks

Orange the World – Stop Violence Against Women and Girls SI Sevenoaks had a good turnout for Orange the World on Sunday 25 January at Basil’s Coffee Shop in Sevenoaks Town which included 8 members and 4 prospective new members.  All dressed in Orange with supporting flyers and balloons; we certainly could not be missed. Kathy Jordan Programme Officer  

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas festive season and a joyous peaceful New Year 2026 #christmas #joyous #peaceful #merry #festiveseason #sigbi #2026

“SI Sevenoaks club members enjoyed a happy time at their Christmas party on Tuesday 9th December with some exotic food and fizz, plus some tricky quizzes from club member Margaret Nicholson.  We had a small collection in lieu of sending Christmas cards, and the sum of £45 was raised and forwarded to SIGBI for the Diamond Education Grant.” Club Member Sandie Higgs

SI Sevenoaks and SI Bromley club members Silent March for Orange the World 16 Days of Activism to End Online Violence Against All Women and Girls. #endonlineviolence #shareresources #raiseawareness #soroptimists #VAWG #16daysofactivism #friendship

SI Sevenoaks club members gather with SI Bromley prior to their Silent March for Orange the World 16 Days of Activism to End Online Violence Against All Women and Girls. #Friendship #share resources #raise awareness #endonlineviolence #16daysofactivism #VAWG #soroptimist                        

By understanding online violence, we can take steps to protect ourselves and others. Online violence, such as cyberstalking, threats, and doxxing can escalate harm and create fear or distress. By understanding online violence, we can take steps to protect ourselves and others. #EndOnlineViolence #16DaysOfActivism

Join us for 16 Days of Activism to End Online Violence Against All Women and Girls ✨ From November 25 to December 10, we’re raising awareness, sharing resources, and building a movement for safety online. Everyone has a role to play in ending digital violence. #EndOnlineViolence #16DaysOfActivism