1981-1991 Soroptimist Movement 1981 saw the Diamond Jubilee of Soroptimist International.   The Clubs in Southern England commissioned a stained glass window for Guildford Cathedral.  It was dedicated on 6 September 1981.               1984 saw the launch of the Soroptimist International  President’s Biennial Appeal. Clubs around the world contribute to the chosen campaign for two years.  The results are always impressive in terms of the funds raised and results on the ground. The current appeal targets the elimination of female genital mutilation – more about the Road to Equality here  Mission and values Projects and appeals come and go, but the fundamental mission and values of Soroptimist International remain the same: At the SIGBI Federation Conference in 1991, President Jane Dowell of SI Taunton reminded members that the best way for Soroptimists  to reach their goals is to serve

100 years of Soroptimism 1951-1961 Soroptimist Movement International Headquarters The Soroptimist movement began as a network of clubs.  As the years went by, the Clubs were loosely gathered into geographical Federations. But there was no single governing body leading the Association – the headquarters simply changed with each President.  This changed in 1952 when a governing body was established.  Soroptimist International Headquarters are now in Cambridge, UK. National Federation headquarters The Great Britain and Ireland Federation (SIGBI) bought a property in Bayswater Road, London in 1952.  No. 63 became the Federation’s headquarters for many years, as well as residential Club for members living outside London. Eventually, the Federation’s headquarters moved out of London and No 63  became a hotel open to all.   It is still a special place for Soroptimists to stay and meet sisters from other Clubs – and sample the special No. 63

100 years of Soroptimism 1941-1951 Soroptimist Movement Wartime When the 1940s began, the Soroptimist International Association was firmly established worldwide. It had three Federations: America, Europe and Great Britain & Ireland (GB&I). GB&I was created in 1934 and includes Clubs in Commonwealth countries.   Today we have five Federations:  South West Pacific arrived in 1978 and Africa in 2020. 1946 was a milestone :  the Association celebrated its 25th anniversary.   But the chaos and hardships of  World War II brought new challenges.  Many Soroptimist Clubs in Europe had to close. A new Soroptimist tradition was born in 1948:  the Procession of National Flags marks the start of all  Conventions and Conferences.  Our photo from the Barbados convention in 2008 shows what a colourful and uplifting tradition it has become. Peacetime – “Working for the world we want’ When peace came, much in the world had changed. 

January 2021 and the start of a new year.  We hope it will be crowned with success in every respect for everyone. Then and Now – 100 years of Soroptimism The journey began a hundred years ago, just after the First World War and the Spanish flu pandemic. Soroptimism can be hard to pin down.  In the 1940s a Soroptimist said: ‘We don’t know how to define Soroptimism – but we recognise common sense when we see it.’   Perhaps the Queen Mother hit the nail on the head. At  a Royal Garden Party to  which Soroptimists were invited in 1960 (during the London Convention), she is believed to have said “Soroptimist is a giving thing!” 1921-1931 Soroptimist Movement Throughout the second half of the 19th century, women were increasingly active in society.  This trend intensified at the start of the new century.  After the First

Soroptimist International celebrates 100 years of history in 2021. As we go through the year, we will remember how our organisation came to be what it is today. Before Soroptimist International began 2021 is fast approaching.  Time to think about the world just before Soroptimist International started…. Throughout the 19th century, women were increasingly prominent in society.  Governments had begun to pass laws for the first time on social matters such as health.  Women were especially interested in those subjects.  They were also more able to continue their education – women’s colleges opened in the US and UK towards the end of the 19th century.  And many women’s clubs were set up at that time. In the US, they were just about socialising at first. Soon they were also trying to bring about social change. Then as now:  the 20th century saw great upheaval during

Injustice Advent Calendar An Advent Calendar with a big difference – Traidcraft’s special calendar reminds us all of those who need help – and not just at Christmas.  Day 15 is about the Right to Mental Health. You can see how much you know about it and learn more by taking the quiz here. Child poverty Child poverty in parts of the United Kingdom is now so severe that the United Nations Children’s Fund -UNICEF – is coming in to help.  Read more about it in this Daily Telegraph article Women’s organisations highlighting current social problems Two women’s organisations – Young Women’s Trust and the Fawcett Society – have published reports on problems affecting young women in particular. Covid-19 impact on employment of young women Young Women’s Trust and the Institute for Fiscal Studies have published statistics on the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on