{"id":12,"date":"2010-01-06T18:23:13","date_gmt":"2010-01-06T17:23:13","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/soroptimist-gbi.co.uk\/elmbridge\/?page_id=12"},"modified":"2026-02-26T14:32:43","modified_gmt":"2026-02-26T13:32:43","slug":"latest-news","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/sigbi.org\/weybridge\/presidents-message\/latest-news\/","title":{"rendered":"Latest News from SI Weybridge & District covering Elmbridge"},"content":{"rendered":"

A big welcome to SI Weybridge & District a local Soroptimist Women’s Club covering Elmbridge\u00a0<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

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Walk in the Park on Sunday March 8th, 11am, Painshill, Cobham<\/strong><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Painshill Park Trust has generously supported SI Weybridge & District’s plan to host a “Walk in the Park”<\/strong> in celebration of International Women\u2019s Day<\/strong> on Sunday 8 March<\/strong>. Everyone is welcome – club members, friends and family, members of other clubs, community partners, and anyone in the local community who would enjoy a gentle walk together and the early signs of spring.<\/span><\/h4>\n

Tickets: Entry is subsidised for anyone pre-registered ahead with our group; to register and pay ahead do email soroptimistsweybridge@gmail.com by 6th March<\/span>. Otherwise simply buy a ticket online or on the day. Free entry applies to Painshill Park members, children under 5, and companions supporting disabled visitors. (Please note: National Trust, English Heritage and similar membership cards do not provide entry to Painshill, which is an independent charity.)<\/span><\/h4>\n

Meeting point:<\/strong> Main Entrance, Between Streets, Cobham KT11 1AG. Park and walk over the pedestrian bridge leading to the entrance and meet to the left, close to the entrance to the walled garden. <\/span><\/h4>\n

Arrival time:<\/strong> 10:45\u201311:00am<\/span><\/h4>\n

Walk:<\/strong> 11-12.30am but feel free to take your time or visit later in the day to show support\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n

To mark International Women\u2019s Day, please wear a touch of purple<\/span><\/strong>, pick up a leaflet, and help us celebrate women\u2019s achievements while recognising the challenges that remain.<\/span><\/h4>\n

International Women\u2019s Day 2026 (#IWD26<\/a>)<\/strong>, themed \u201cRights. Justice. Action. For ALL Women and Girls\u201d<\/em>, calls us to stand together with determination. Even when progress feels slow or barriers seem entrenched, we move forward\u2014collectively\u2014towards equality, justice, and empowerment. This year\u2019s theme highlights the urgent need to dismantle discriminatory laws, strengthen legal protections, and challenge harmful norms that undermine the rights of women and girls everywhere.<\/span><\/h4>\n

The Club<\/strong><\/p>\n

The Weybridge and District Soroptimist Club was formed 48 years ago when a group of young local women joined hundreds of established clubs in Europe with a common aim of working together to improve the lives of women and girls through action, advocacy and engagement. Over 72,000 soroptimists located in 5 geographic federations have that common aim today. Whilst women’s rights have progressed in Europe not all countries around the globe are so advanced in terms of gender equality and equity. The activism, community action, global advocacy and\u00a0 charitable support members take continue to challenge the status quo, enable, educate and empower females around the globe. With a voice within the Committee on the Status of Women (CSW 67) at the United National CSW convention each year, club’s project evidence, data and outcomes help inform the UN and governments about the issues females face and the action necessary to enable change, legislation and equity. <\/span><\/p>\n

The club has members from Elmbridge towns and meets monthly near Cobham on the evening. In addition working parties meet on Zoom and in person to progress program action. News of events, activities and plans can be found on the Facebook Page and in Soroptimist News (https:\/\/sigbi.org\/news\/magazines\/) the online magazine for members.<\/span><\/p>\n

Each month on the 25th we also gather informally for friendship and exchange of ideas. In November the 25th is a global day for the Elimination of Violence against Women and the first day of #16days of Activism<\/span><\/strong> a UN initiative which has been pushing forward to end violence worldwide since 1981. We will gather at Cowey Sale to highlight the activism around the world wearing orange and ‘walk and talk’ along the Thames towpath. Read more about this<\/a>?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

International Women’s Day in March each year is another focus for soroptimists and an annual opportunity to impact.<\/span><\/p>\n

Other Projects:<\/span><\/p>\n