Soroptimists are a 'global voice for women', we amplify our voices and actions to seek not only to help the victims of social inequalities and human rights abuses but also to address the social, environmental and economic factors that are root causes. Through research, discussion and carefully considered positions, we advocate on major issues of global concern.
Soroptimist International South East Asia Pacific has special consultative status to the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ESCOC) has recognised status as a Non-Government Organisation (NGO) with a broad range of expertise and a comprehensive agenda. This allows our collective efforts and opinions to be shared with a wider community and makes us an effective global voice for women.
Awareness Advocacy Action
Soroptimist members are encouraged to raise their own and others' Awareness of issues of global concern affecting women and girls. Soroptimist Advocate for policy commitments and social changes that will improve the status of women and promote sustainable communities.
Soroptimist Programme Action aims to ensure that women and girls will:
- enjoy equity and equality
- live in safe and healthy environments
- have access to education
- have leadership and practical skills
NGOs like Soroptimist International South East Asia Pacific have been influential in shaping the current global policy framework on women’s empowerment and gender equality, the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, and are effective advocates for the fulfilment of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). They continue to play an important role in holding international and national leaders accountable for the commitments they made in the Platform for Action.
Soroptimist Position on Global Issues
Soroptimist International has developed a series of position statements on various issues of global concern. These have been developed with broad consultation of the membership and represent the collective opinion of the membership on issues of major importance. Full copies of these statements are published in a document titled "Where We Stand". Copies of this can be downloaded from Soroptimist International Where We Stand
In developing position statements, Soroptimist International often supports the principles outlined in such international treaties and conventions as:
- The Sustainable Development Goal (SDGs);
- The Platform for Action for Women;
- The Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, including the Optional Protocol;
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights; - The Convention of the Rights of the Child;
- Agenda 21
Soroptimists are encouraged to become aware of the content of such documents and advocate for implementation of policies and legislation which support the principles contained in these documents.
Educate, Empower, Enable
Through Project work, Soroptimists work at their local and national level on projects which meet the 8 objectives of:
- Education,
- Elimination of violence,
- Economic empowerment,
- Food security, Healthcare,
- Environmental sustainability/water and sanitation,
- Conflict resolution/peace promotion,
- Disaster relief, mitigation and resilience,
the work achieved through these projects provides opportunities to Educate, Empower and Enable women and girls to plan for their future, allows for their economic growth and opens doors to their dreams.
South East Asia Pacific