"I am delighted to launch the SI President's Appeal 'Educate To Lead: Nepal' on 10 December, the very day in 1948 when the UN General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
Our President's Appeal addresses human rights issues that follow a disaster. The earthquakes in Nepal were devastating - physically, geographically, psychologically, financially, and economically. The resulting poverty has left women and girls more vulnerable. Human traffickers prey on rural women and deceive them into losing their freedom and human rights. Many have lost their livelihoods and need to find a way to care for themselves and their families.
Women can be change agents too - and it is imperative to have women in leadership positions so they can empower their communities. Education is the key. Education empowers women with new skills and new hope for economic independence. It provides the confidence and ability to stand strong and be partners with men to lead the future. The situation needs our long term commitment to make this difference."
Martina Gredler was appointed SI UN Representative as ELECTED CHAIR OF NGO CSW VIENNA
at the Un headquarters in Vienna.
Soroptimist International is a worldwide service organisation for women who are committed to a world where women and girls together achieve their individual and collective potential, realise aspirations and have an equal voice in creating strong, peaceful communities worldwide.
Soroptimist International at the United Nations (UN)
Soroptimist International is active at all the major UN centres around the world. We hold General Consultative Status with the UN Economic and Social Council, (ECOSOC), official relations with several agencies and technical bodies, and a network of permanent SI representatives at all of the major UN centres.
SI works to ensure that the voices of women and girls around the world are included in international decision making and policy setting. SI experience with 'on the ground' projects all over the world drives the advocacy and lobbying efforts within the international community.
SI representatives also serve as a link to this international community and inform other members of emerging issues, trends, and best practices.
Structure of Soroptimist International
Soroptimist International (SI) is divided into four Federations: SI of the Americas, SI of Europe, SI Great Britain and Ireland and SI South West Pacific. Together, these four Federations have over 80,000 members in over 3,000 Clubs, in 120 countries.
Soroptimist International of the Americas
Headquartered in Philadelphia, PA, comprises 28 regions with more than 34,000 members in approximately 1,360 clubs in 19 countries.
For more information please visit http://www.soroptimist.org
Soroptimist International of Great Britain and Ireland
Headquartered in Cheshire, England, comprises around 10,000 members in 352 clubs in 27 countries.
For more information please visit http://www.sigbi.org
Soroptimist International of Europe
Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, comprises more than 34,000 members in 1,258 clubs in 58 countries.
For more information please visit http://www.soroptimisteurope.org
Soroptimist International of the South West Pacific
Headquartered in Sydney, Australia, comprises more than 2,400 members in 139 clubs in 13 countries.
For more information please visit http://www.siswp.org/
Soroptimist International Vision
Soroptimist International is committed to a world where women and girls together achieve their individual and collective potential, realise aspirations and have an equal voice in creating strong, peaceful communities worldwide.
Soroptimist International Mission
Soroptimists inspire action and create opportunities to transform the lives of women and girls through a global network of members and international partnerships.
