In the latest episode of SI Voices, host Hilary Ratcliffe welcomes Bev Bucur, Soroptimist International’s Advocacy Advisor, to discuss why education is one of the organisation’s five pillars of advocacy. Bev explains that education is a powerful driver of equality, empowering women and girls to achieve their potential and create lasting change within their communities. Yet, many still face barriers such as poverty, cultural norms, and lack of resources, especially for periods.

Bev highlights a remarkable project in Cameroon, where her Club supports girls in a remote jungle region. The initiative focuses on changing community mindsets to encourage families to send their daughters to school. Alongside awareness efforts, the project provides school uniforms, sanitary products and access to education that leads to vocational training—giving girls the tools for independence and self-reliance.

Through such projects, Soroptimists around the world work to remove obstacles to education, ensuring that every woman and girl can learn, thrive, and contribute to their communities. 

In the latest SI Voices podcast, host Hilary Ratcliffe speaks with Connie Mutunhu, former President of Soroptimist International Africa Federation (SIAF), about efforts to raise awareness of cervical cancer and expand access to the HPV vaccine for girls across Africa.

Statistics provided by the World Health Organisation (WHO) state that cervical cancer is the second most diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women in Africa. Each year, around 80,000 women are diagnosed and 77,000 die—figures WHO calls unnecessarily high.

To address this crisis, SIAF together with the Soroptimist International Clubs of Nairobi Central and Dubai Gulf (SIE), 'The Room', and the UN Health4Life Fund—has launched 'Let’s Chat', an AI-powered digital tool that connects users with trusted health experts for personalised conversations.

This is a long-term, large-scale public awareness programme. SIAF is working to establish mobile health clinics to reach underserved rural communities, while also producing leaflets in multiple languages and using social media to spread accurate information. Their efforts aim to dispel persistent myths—such as the false belief that the HPV vaccine causes infertility—which discourage families from vaccinating their daughters. Connie highlighted both the progress already made and SIAF’s intention to build partnerships with Soroptimist Clubs outside Africa to strengthen ongoing efforts to prevent cervical cancer. 

In this inspiring podcast episode, Soroptimist International President Siew Yong Gnanalingam shares her deep personal connection to the environment and why protecting Mother Earth is so close to her heart. She reflects on growing up surrounded by nature and how that shaped her values and commitment to sustainability. At home, she takes small but meaningful actions—like reducing plastic use and conserving energy—to live more mindfully. 

As SI President, she has placed climate change at the centre of her advocacy, urging Soroptimists to act locally while thinking globally. One of her key initiatives has been raising awareness about the disproportionate impact of climate change on women and girls. 

She now calls on Soroptimists around the world to help create a powerful legacy by submitting short video clips of the environmental work they are doing. Whether it's tree planting, recycling drives, or renewable energy projects—every contribution counts. The best clips will be featured in a special SI climate action video to be shared on 24 October, the International Day of Climate Action. Full video guidelines and submission details are available on the Soroptimist International website: www.soroptimistinternational.org. Let’s unite for our planet and let the world see what Soroptimists can do! 

In this episode, our host Dawn Marie Lemonds interviews Maria Fornella-Oehninger, SI UN Representative in New York, on social development. 

Maria explains that social development improves well-being by enhancing quality of life, opportunities, and social structures. It promotes education, gender equality, healthcare, and economic growth, aiming for a fair and inclusive society.

Maria elaborates on the barriers to social development and the role that advocacy can play. She also speaks about CSocD63 (the Commission for Social Development). Maria outlines how the commission plays a key role in reviewing and promoting global social policies to improve well-being and achieve sustainable development. 

She also references Soroptimist International's written statement on Social Development which was submitted to the UN Economic and Social Council.

In this episode of SI Voices, Gillie O'Rourke, Chair of Soroptimist International Foundation shares insights on current, past, and upcoming projects that empower women and girls worldwide. Gillie highlights the impact of these initiatives and calls for support through donations to continue driving change. Tune in to hear how you can be part of this mission! 

In the latest SI Voices podcast episode, we highlight the 16 Days of Activism campaign, a world wide initiative to raise awareness of violence against women and girls. 

We speak to Renata Trottmann Probst, a Swiss Soroptimist, SI President Elect and former President of Soroptimist International of Europe (SIE). 

Renata is passionate about the welfare of women and girls, including their safety and wellbeing. In this episode she reflects on what SIE has achieved in helping women and girls who have encountered violence. 

Our host, Dawn Marie Lemonds shares the contribution that Soroptimist International of the Americas (SIA) makes in supporting women and girls so that they can escape from domestic violence. 

The 16 Days of Activism campaign, taking place from 25 November 25 to 10 December, focuses this year on the theme, 'Invest to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls.' In this episode, Renata and Dawn Marie spotlight the efforts of Soroptimists worldwide in raising awareness about violence against women and girls while actively challenging harmful myths and misconceptions that perpetuate such behaviours.

In this episode of SI Voices, we highlight International Day of the Girl Child and feature Alice Paola Pomè, an Italian Soroptimist, engineer, and member of the Soroptimist International Youth Forum. Alice shares her experiences as a woman in STEM, particularly in the male-dominated construction industry. 
This episode focuses on the under-representation of girls in STEM learning—science, technology, engineering, and mathematics—and explores how we can encourage more girls to pursue these paths. Tune in for an inspiring conversation with Alice on breaking barriers in STEM. 

In this episode of SI Voices, host Dawn Marie Lemonds engages with Mary Muia and Shaleen Wanjiru, SI Representatives to the United Nations, to discuss the critical role of women in leading sustainable change amidst the climate crisis. The conversation highlights the disproportionate impact of climate change on women and girls, particularly in Africa, and explores the health and mental health challenges they face. The speakers emphasize the importance of women's leadership in climate action and the need for youth involvement in decision-making processes. They share insights on local and national initiatives aimed at addressing climate change and the significance of community engagement in fostering sustainable practices.

World Day for International Justice is also known as Day of International Criminal Justice or International Justice. This is a day marked around the world on 17 July as a way to recognise the system of international criminal justice.  

In our podcast to mark this day we are looking at a specific aspect of criminal and social justice, the trafficking women and girls. 

Our guest is Linda Witong, Soroptimist International Advocacy Advisor 2024-2025. Linda has served as the President of the Soroptimists of Marin County and Novato and has been a Soroptimist delegate to the UN Commission on the Status of Women from 2013-2024. 

Linda is now retired but she was Deputy District Attorney in the Marin County District Attorney's Office for over 32 years. She is currently a member of the Marin County Human Trafficking Coalition and is receiving training in homicide investigation, human trafficking, child abduction and elder abuse. 

In the first of our SI Voices podcast series for 2024 we review CSW68, the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, or ‘CSW’ event which took place this year in March.  CSW is a key event in Soroptimist International’s calendar as it is a Commission that focuses specifically on promoting gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls. 

This year, a delegation of more than 100 Soroptimists from all continents attended in person, while many more followed events online. 

In this podcast episode we will hear individual perspectives and reflections from Berthe De Vos, Soroptimist International Main Representative to the United Nations in Geneva and Hana Smith, Soroptimist International Global Policy Advisor, who both attended CSW68 in person this year.

Hannah Aguis, SI Advocacy Co-ordinator talks to Katie Tobin, Senior Programme Manager at Women's Environment and Development Organization, about the empowerment of women and girls in the context of climate change. Looking at high-level and grassroots actions and solutions.
Further information on the Feminist Action Nexus for Economic and Climate Justice

In the final episode of SI Voices of 2021, we are joined by Dawn Marie Lemonds and SI President-Elect, Maureen Maguire. They chat about Maureen's life growing up in Northern Ireland, all the way through her Soroptimist career, and the journey that has led her to become the next SI President. 

Find out more about the 'Opening Doors' President Appeal, 2021 - 2023 at our website: https://www.soroptimistinternational.org/openingdoors

Hosted by Sue Riney, in this episode of SI Voices, Sharon Fisher reflects on her 2019-2021 presidency that saw unexpected turns and wonderful achievements in her 'Road to Equality' Appeal. She talks about what it meant for her to lead the organisation's centenary, as well as how she pivoted SI's approach and project work in the midst of a global pandemic.

In this episode of SI Voices, SI President Sharon Fisher is joined by human rights lawyer, Ayushi Kundu from Calcutta, India. Ayushi holds many leadership roles within Soroptimist International at both local and global level, and also is part of the UNESCO NGO Liaison Committee. They discuss the value in having an intergenerational dialogue, as well as empowering young leaders supported by more experienced advocates, progressing together towards a more gender equal and sustainable future.

In this episode of SI Voices, Kathy Kaaf is joined by Sophie Muijrers and Eveline Verbeek, two members of the new Young Soroptimist Club Amsterdam, officially chartered in 2021. They talk about their first club project,  focused on breaking taboos and tackling menstrual poverty in the Netherlands,  sharing what they learnt and their hopes for the future.

In this episode of SI Voices, Dawn Marie Lemonds is joined by President of Soroptimist International of the Americas, Kazuko Morita in Kyoto, Japan. Kazuko shares her Soroptimist journey, led by her passion for promoting gender equity and international goodwill, and reveals her exciting plans for SIA. 

In this episode of SI Voices, host Hilary Ratcliffe talks to Cathy Cottridge, the President of Soroptimist International of Great Britain and Ireland, as they discuss how Soroptimists continue to be at the forefront of change. Together, they also pay tribute to the late SIGBI President, Johanna Raffan,  remembering her steadfast determination to make the world a better place for women and girls. 

In this episode of SI Voices, International President Sharon Fisher talks to Connie Mutunhu, the President of Soroptimist International Africa Federation. They celebrate and reflect on the first year of the Africa Federation in action, and share hopes for what the future for women and girls  looks like. 

In this episode of SI Voices, we chat to Suman Lal, the 2019-2021 President of Soroptimist International of the South West Pacific. Alongside host Liz Batten, Suman discusses the momentous project of 'See Solar,  Cook Solar', as well as the challenges that women and girls face in Fiji and beyond.

Find out more about  the 2013-2015 President's Appeal, 'See Solar, Cook Solar' here: https://www.soroptimistinternational.org/flipbooks/si-see-solar-cook-solar

Hosted by Kathy Kaaf, this episode of SI Voices journeys through the Soroptimist career of  Anna Wszelaczyńska, the 2019-2021 President of Soroptimist International of Europe. Anna talks about how things have changed for women in Poland post-Communism, and shares how the SIE Federation have adapted project work in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

In this episode of SI Voices, host Dawn Marie Lemonds is joined by Dr. Sandra Morgan, Director of the Global Centre for Women and Justice. We know that survivor stories are hugely important, highlighted by the UN's theme this year for the World Day Against in Trafficking in Persons: Victims' Voices Lead the Way. Sandra talks about “ethical storytelling”, which encourages every person and organisation to develop values-based goals that puts the human rights and voice of survivors at the centre of their action.

Read about the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons on our website: https://www.soroptimistinternational.org/human-trafficking-victims-to-survivors-to-overcomers-soroptimists-support-their-voices

Find out more about Sandra and her podcast here: https://endinghumantrafficking.org

Kathy Kaaf is in conversation with Joanne Yeoh, of Soroptimist International of the South West Pacific,  discussing the progressive project ‘Clean Water for Rural Communities’ in Sarawak and Sabah on the island of Borneo, tackling food and water insecurity, and empowering women through skills training and leadership opportunities.
 
Find out more about the project, part of the Women, Water & Leadership 2017-19 President's Appeal at: https://www.soroptimistinternational.org/clean-water-for-rural-communities-in-peninsular-malaysia/

Find out more about The International Year of Fruits and Vegetables, 2021, in the background paper at: http://www.fao.org/documents/card/en/c/cb2395en/

In this episode of SI Voices, we discuss the topic of forced marriage and honour-based violence. Sarb shares her personal experience, and we hear about what she does now campaigning to support other women and girls in the UK, through the organisation she founded in 2015 called True Honour. 

Sarb’s book titled, ‘Shamed: The Honour Killing That Shocked Britain - By the Sister Who Fought for Justice’ can be found online or at most major UK bookstores. Find out more about True Honour on their website: www.truehonour.org.uk

An important topic highlighted in the SI President’s Appeal, more resources on Child, Early and Forced Marriage can be found on the SI website: www.soroptimistinternational.org/campaigns/child-marriage

In this episode of SI Voices, host Sue Riney speaks to SI United Nations Representative and Vice-Chair of NGO Committee on Ageing, Frances Zainoeddin. They talk about how older women are often discriminated against in society and in policy, and offer a way forward where women of all ages are included in the fight for gender equality. 

Check out Frances' article discussing Older Women on the Road to Equality here: https://www.soroptimistinternational.org/older-women-on-the-si-road-to-equality/ 

*Trigger warning - includes discussion of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)*

In this episode of SI Voices, host Kathy Kaaf is joined by Beryl Magoko, a Kenyan filmmaker and  campaigner against FGM.  Beryl shares with us how she used filmmaking as a way to tell her own story and raise awareness of the realities of FGM.