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How important is it to you to make a difference?  During my recent Cultural Exchange visit to Mongolia, I was accompanied by Federation Life Member Lorna Mead, Catherine Evans and Cherrie Power. We visited with the 4 Soroptimists club’s and their members, witnessing firsthand how being a Soroptimist does make that difference. The Mongolian Soroptimists projects meet many of the Federation’s 8 objectives.

Homelessness is at a crisis point in many of our Federation countries and the SI Darkhan Ger Project (a Ger is a Mongolian dwelling ideally suited to Mongolia’s harsh terrain and lifestyle) provides a home to a woman and her family. This year in partnership with other Soroptimist clubs and individual members they were able to present 3 women with a Ger. Providing a shelter and a home where plans and dreams can be made for the future.

After the official presentation of the 3 new Gers, we visited a previous benefactor who was so pleased to invite us to afternoon tea and show us her home. If you ever doubt that your work as a Soroptimist is not making a Difference, look at how proud this woman is, sharing her home and food, and showing us a big bowl of cranberries which she grew, and her vegetable garden. She wanted me to convey her thanks to the members of SI Palmerston North who provided her with the seeds to grow the cranberries and also contributed to the purchase of her Ger. This is why we are Soroptimists, to provide life changing opportunities

The Soroptimist International Convention is over, and still the positive ripples continue. This month SI announces the Visible and Vocal public speaking competition, open to any clubs in Australia and to clubs in one of our Federations non-commonwealth countries, please see the article below for all details. I encourage all eligible clubs to nominate. 

Congratulations to the successful nominees for Federation positions for 2024-2026 Biennium. Your energy, support and dedication to the vision and mission of SISEAP is acknowledged and valued. There are still a couple of positions vacant and I encourage all members to consider applying.

It is now officially spring in the Southern Hemisphere. Spring signals new growth, make this spring a time for Soroptimist clubs to implement their projects for the remainder of the year and into the new year.

Yours in Soroptimist friendship,

Christine Johnstone
President 2022-2024
Soroptimist International South East Asia Pacific

swppresident2022@siswp.org

SISEAP Membership

Soroptimist International is a global movement of women, with members belonging to more than 3,000 clubs in 126 countries/territories, spread over 5 Federations