How long has it been since you reviewed our vision and mission?

Our Vision is that women and girls will achieve their individual and collective potential, realise aspirations and have an equal voice in creating strong, peaceful communities worldwide.

Our Mission is for Soroptimists to transform the lives and status of women and girls through education, empowerment and enabling opportunities.

Do these words inspire you? Do they provide you with the renewed energy and inspiration to continue to be a Soroptimist, they do me. Often when talking to potential members or partners in projects, I will respond that as a Soroptimist my work transforms the lives of women and girls through our project work. At your next club meeting, consider reading the vision and mission statements at the start of the meeting and remember in your project planning to consider the vision and mission objectives and ensure that the project is going to deliver on an aspect from each.

Visibility of our vision has been on fire this month, with social media platforms showcasing the work undertaken by clubs during Environment month. The range of actions has truly amplified our united voice and commitment in recognising the unequal burdens experienced by climate change.

Over 1,600 Soroptimists from across the 5 Federations will be converging in Dublin in the coming weeks for the SI Convention. At this convention we will be reminded of the SI Vision and Mission and the theme of Challenge the Future. One might ask who’s future!, our SISEAP future; the future of SI; or the future of the women and girls we so passionately advocate for? All very thought provoking, we will all come away motivated and inspired as we personally continue our Soroptimist journey.

SI Inner City Sydney, our newest club, held their charter dinner in June whilst SI Melbourne celebrated 75 Years of service, both milestone achievements. The members buoyed with enthusiasm as they embark on projects which follow our vision and mission.

Left: SI Inner City Sydney Charter

Above: SI Melboune Celebrating 75 Years

It is with much pleasure that I make the following announcements:

• The appointment of Michelle Kaur from SI Shah Alam, Malaysia, as the new Governance Convenor for the remainder of this biennium.
• The appointment of Gail Ker from SI Beenleigh, Australia as a new company Director.
• HQ Communications & Administration Assistant Jessica Aylward is taking maternity leave for 6 months, as she welcomes a new addition to her growing family. I had the pleasure to meet with Jess last week and present her with a gift and convey from all members of the Federation our congratulations and very best wishes on the safe delivery of her baby.
• Naomi To has been appointed as a replacement for Jess whilst she is on maternity leave, please say hello to Naomi next time you ring HQ.

This month we will be calling for position holders for the 2024-2026 Biennium. Our clubs cannot complete projects which transform the lives and women and girls without leaders in the Federation to steer the direction, you can be one of those leaders, you are not alone, we work in teams, please consider nominating for one of the positions or being a member of one of the committees.

Right: Jessica Aylward with President Christine

Yours in Soroptimist friendship,

Christine Johnstone
President 2022-2024
Soroptimist International South East Asia Pacific
swppresident2022@siswp.org

We are entering our 2nd month in this Biennium and I can see that everyone on the Federation team is settling into their new roles with gusto!

I wish to say, for any of us who are transitioning into new roles and navigating new tech and systems, it is ok to feel lost for a bit. However, no one is alone in SISEAP. We all work in teams, and we’re here to help each other, to support each other and travel this journey together. Please do contact us if you need assistance in any SISEAP work, whether at club level, national, regional or Federation levels. Our door is always open!

On another note, did you know that June is Environment Month?  This biennium, SISEAP will celebrate and focus on 4 special UN Days. We begin with Environment Month (June), followed by Day of the Girl Child in October, 16 Days of Activism for the elimination of gender based violence in November/December and International Women’s Day in March.  

L-R: SI President Siew Yong, SISEAP President Joanne, SIROM President Lay Ean. 

As part of June's Environment Month celebrations, on 22 June 2024, SI Region of Malaysia celebrated the Sustainable Food Security Project Day at its project in Bentong, 80 km from Kuala Lumpur. I was honoured to be part of the organising committee, who brought together the Malaysia Soroptimists to be involved with the Region project, a project which addresses one of the most pressing global challenges: ensuring sustainable food security. SI International President Siew Yong Gnanalingam also attended together with her Club members.

Sustainable food security is not merely about providing enough food for all; it encompasses the entire food system, including production, distribution, consumption, and waste management. It aims to ensure that everyone has access to nutritious, safe, and sufficient food while maintaining the health of the environment.

As we celebrate Environment Month, let us remember that sustainable food security is a cornerstone of a sustainable future. Together, we can make a difference, one meal at a time.

I believe many other clubs across the Federation have also embarked on their environment project days and I look forward to hearing about the diverse and impactful projects.

Together, we Empower, we Engage and we Elevate more women in South East Asia Pacific.

Joanne Yeoh

SISEAP President, 2024-2026