Yellow tulips, massed together have a huge impact – – so do women when they work together towards a goal Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) became a crime in 1985 Statutory Maternity Pay was introduced in 1987 In the late 1980s, campaigns focused on women in public life and in sport Since 1976 SI Woking has supported a wide range of projects and charities, including: York Road Project – Teddies for Tragedies – British Red Cross Crossroads – Action for Carers International Women’s Day This year, we walked with our Weybridge Soroptimist sisters in Painshill Park. This year’s theme is ‘Rights, Justice, Action’ for all women and girls.  So we welcome the UK government’s new guidance on reducing the gender pay gap and helping employees experiencing menopause. Women – violence, rights, support ‘An epidemic’ of violence: the women and girls killed by men last year.  Article

Woking Soroptimists have been rising to the challenge of helping women and girls for fifty years. Our Club started in 1976 when women were really building on the achievements since getting the vote in the 1920s. 50 years ago: 1976 was the year the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 came fully into effect – women could get mortgages just like men During the late 1970s the Women’s Liberation Movement held important conferences about women’s rights in relation to child care, equal education and opportunity, equal pay and reproductive rights.  There were headline-catching protests – Reclaim the Night for example – to draw attention to the risks of rape and life-threatening attacks that women face. Since 1976 SI Woking has supported a wide range of projects, including: Parkinson’s Society, Teenage Cancer Trust, Migraine Trust, Health Fair, Rainbow Trust, National Deaf Children’s Society,Woking Alzheimers’ Society, St Peter’s Maternity Unit,

Charity Bridge event This event will raise money for local charities: Link-Able and Women’s Support Centre. Find out more: email or use contact form.   Eikon – helping young people in Surrey Our invited speaker this month was Deborah Oates, an Eikon Garden Clubs volunteers.  She gave us a lively and stimulating talk about local charity Eikon. Deborah focused on the creating of the ‘Hope and Dreams’ garden created by young people in the grounds of Fullbrook School, Addlestone. Supported by Eikon, young people created the garden.  Young people now find a connection with the garden and care for it.  In the process they discover themselves. A success in so many ways! Women ‘of Our Time’ Don’t miss the thought-provoking dinner service display at Watts Gallery.  Women in Send prison created the display about modern women who would interest Mary Watts.  See if you agree

Cervical Cancer Cervical Screening and HPV Vaccination health cards were distributed by Soroptimists during Cervical Cancer Screening Week, 19-24 June 2025     This is such an important topic for women and girls.  Everyone needs to see these latest vaccination figures: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/human-papillomavirus-hpv-vaccine-coverage-estimates-in-england-2023-to-2024 Skittles and Lunch with Shifa “The best event in our year!” During the year Woking Soroptimists help women to attend Shifa to improve their English.  We all enjoy the sessions and there is a lot of laughter – but these meetings have a serious purpose.   When we gather for Skittles and Lunch, things are different, though – pure pleasure! We met in St Andrew’s Church at the end of June and great fun was had by all. We look forward to resuming our English conversation sessions in September. Shifa is currently fundraising to pay for swimming lessons for the women who attend

New Year, New Programme The new Soroptimist year has begun! Celebrating Decades of Dedication at Our May Action Meeting The May Action Meeting brought with it a truly joyful moment: celebrating the remarkable commitment of three of our longstanding members. Rozanne has contributed an incredible 30 years of service to Soroptimist work, Jennie an inspiring 35 years, and Audrey—an outstanding 40 years of dedication! In recognition of her exceptional contributions, Audrey has been made an Honorary Member of SI Woking & District—a fitting tribute to a legacy of service that continues to inspire us all.             Inspiring Start to the Year with Sight for Surrey We began the new Soroptimist year on an inspiring note with guest speaker Justine Jasper, Head of Charity Services at Sight for Surrey. Justine delivered an engaging and informative talk about the wide range of

Annual General Meeting April – A Month of Reflection, Celebration and New Beginnings April always holds a special place in the Soroptimist calendar. As the last month of our year, it invites us to pause, look back, and celebrate all that we’ve achieved together. It’s a time to offer heartfelt thanks and recognition—to the many passionate Soroptimists actively making a difference in our Club and throughout the community. Equally, April marks the beginning of a new chapter. A fresh programme of events and activities awaits, and with it, a renewed commitment to service, friendship, and positive change. At this year’s SI Woking Annual General Meeting, we expressed our gratitude to the outgoing co-presidents and formally welcomed the 2025–26 Leadership Team. Silvia, Fiona and Jennie will steer us through the coming twelve months of the new ‘Community and Communication’ programme . Fun, but serious Following the