Soroptimist International of the South East Asia Pacific (SISEAP) Federation President Joanne Yeoh 2024-2026

Joanne Yeoh is our current President for SISEAP 2024-2026, she has been a member of SI Damansara Club since 1998 and has held positions including Club President, Secretary, Region Delegate,  Programme/UN Liaison and Extension Officer. In addition, she is serving in the Region of Malaysia as the Region Extension Convenor and has served as Region President, National Representative of Malaysia and Publicity Convenor. She has also served at the board of Soroptimist International and was the Local Chair in charge of protocol and logistics for the Kuala Lumpur Soroptimist International Convention 2019 .

At the Federation level, she has been the Federation Programme Coordinator, Assistant Membership Convenor (Asia), President Elect and SISEAP Director.

The biennium theme for Joanne's biennium is “Soroptimists Empower Change". It is a powerful concept that encapsulates the idea of Soroptimists taking active roles in driving positive transformation in various aspects of society. It is about recognising the inherent value and potential of Soroptimists and supporting their efforts to create a more equitable and just society for all. It's not just about women's rights; it's about recognizing that when women are empowered, entire communities and societies benefit.

Her vision for the biennium is rooted in three core principles: to empower, to engage, and to elevate.

Empowerment lies at the heart of everything we do. The goals as Soroptimists are to empower women from all walks of life to realize their full potential, pursue their passions, and achieve their dreams.

Engagement is essential to our success as an organisation. We want to create an environment that embraces diversity, celebrates individuality, and fosters belonging for women of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences.

Elevation represents the elevation of voices, our voices in discussions and decisions in making tangible and lasting difference in the lives of women and girls in our community. Whether through advocacy efforts, community outreach programs, or collaborative partnerships, we will strive to effect meaningful change that challenge stereotypes and promote change on a boarder scale. an organization that stands at the forefront of championing women's rights and empowerment.

The biennium logo depicts our Soroptimist lady with her hands to the sky as she soars on wings of eagles. The colours purple, orange and green are not new to us.

The official colour of International Women’s Day is purple for a variety of historical, symbolic, and feminist reasons. It is a colour that represents dignity, power, creativity, and hope.

Orange is the official colour of the United Nations UNiTE campaign and is used as a symbol of a brighter future, free from violence against women and girls.

Green symbolises our connection to Mother Earth and our dependence on its resources. It reminds us of the importance of taking care of the environment and to live sustainably.

Find the 2024-2026 Biennium Toolkit HERE.

With a laser-sharp focus on issues affecting women and girls, Soroptimist International South East Asia Pacific (SISEAP) is one of the strongest women’s organisations in the region.

Women’s rights are human rights, and we are committed to tackling gender discrimination in all that we do.

Soroptimists concentrate their efforts on issues of current global significance. Importantly, our members work within their own communities to identify local needs and opportunities. We follow the formula “think globally, act locally”.  

Consider issues such as domestic violence and other gender-based violence, girls’ access to education, the lack of women in leadership and the gender pay gap, as well as women’s health issues and reproductive rights. These are just some of the topics that highlight gender inequality around the world and therefore drive Soroptimist projects and advocacy campaigns at a local level.

We currently operate in 13 countries across the South East Asia and Pacific region, standing up for women and girls, striving to make a positive difference in their lives. These countries are Australia, Cambodia, Fiji, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Singapore, Thailand.

VISION

MISSION

VALUES

Corporate Responsibility Statement

Diversity Statement

We know our name is a little unusual and can seem hard to pronounce, but once you understand the significance, it all makes perfect sense.

The name Soroptimist comes from two Latin words –soror meaning sister, and optima meaning best. When you put the two together, it’s interpreted as ‘best for women’.

Since the first club started over 100 years ago, Soroptimists have been blazing the way for women’s empowerment, striving to achieve the best for our sisters over the world.

Our emblem is also a compelling reminder of our promise to advance gender equality and eliminate gender bias. The female figure in the centre represents the spirit of womanhood. The oak leaves and acorns (on right), epitomise strength, growth, progress and achievement, while the laurel (on left) is the emblem of victory, typifying friendship and success. Our emblem has been used for many decades, and despite its age, still captures the character of our organisation.

As individuals, we can sometimes feel insignificant, that it's impossible to make a difference on our own, even when we are passionate about a cause. As Soroptimists, we feel the energy and courage that comes from being part of a bigger movement, a global network of women dedicated to the pursuit of gender equality.

It's true there is strength in numbers. With over 72,000 members in 121 countries worldwide, it's no wonder that Soroptimist International is recognised as the global voice for women. Founded in 1921, we have been fighting for women's empowerment for over a century.

Through the work of our members on the ground and through international partnerships, we create awareness of, advocate for and bring action to issues affecting women and girls around the globe.

Our valuable advocacy for human rights and gender equality enables Soroptimist International to participate at all seven United Nations centres around the world. Our Soroptimist representatives to the UN ensure that the voices of women and girls are heard.

Together with other non-government organisations and various UN agencies, we work to bring about changes to make the world a better place now and for future generations.

The UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are 17 interlinked global goals, and the targets within them include commitments for a sustainable future. The SDGs address serious issues affecting women, such as the elimination of gender-based violence, eradicating human trafficking, ensuring access to sexual and reproductive healthcare, expanding economic opportunities for women, and increasing access to water and sanitation.

The SDGs guide Soroptimist action as we transform our world by fighting inequality, tackling climate change and building peaceful communities. '

Find out more about the SDGs here.

With Clubs and members spanning the globe, our international organisation is comprised of five Federations, each with its own administrative and leadership structure. Each Federation has representation on the International Board and takes turns at filling leadership positions and proposing international projects.

Find out more about Soroptimist International and the other Federations here:

• Soroptimist International
• Soroptimist International of Africa
• Soroptimist International of the Americas
• Soroptimist International of Europe
• Soroptimist International of Great Britain and Ireland

We are pleased to introduce SISEAP’s team of directors. All directors are Soroptimist members who volunteer their time in this role.

World War I was a major catalyst for women. They left behind their aprons to do jobs that were usually done by men. Women became part of a valued workforce, gained some independence and earned their own money.

One such woman was Edith Glanville, whose 18-year-old son died on the battlefield. Ahead of her time, she formed an association that aimed to stop all wars. A forceful lady who didn't let convention be a problem, Edith formed a Quota club in Sydney with a team of like-minded women and commenced a round-the-world journey pursuing her ambition to outlaw all wars.В 

Whilst in the United States, Edith attended a Soroptimist meeting. The Americans had formed the first Soroptimist Club in 1921, whilst Britain formed a similar one, and they amalgamated into the Soroptimist International Association.

So impressed by the meeting, Edith returned to Sydney, sent back the Quota charter and formed her band of followers into Soroptimist International Association of Sydney. The fledging Sydney club was claimed by the Federation of Great Britain and Ireland, and its charter finally took place in 1937.

1939 saw Soroptimism arrive on the shores of New Zealand with SI Wellington becoming the first Soroptimist club, followed by SI Christchurch in 1949 and SI Auckland shortly after.

Conversation amongst members was now focused on forming a fourth Federation of Soroptimist International, but it was not until 1967 that a Pacific Federation was seriously considered.В 

1971 saw the first club formed in Fiji, with the charter of SI Suva. More Fijian clubs joined, and clubs continued to be charted across Australia, with clubs in Victoria, Tasmania, Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia.

Finally, in 1978, the fourth Federation was formed - Soroptimist International of the South West Pacific. The inauguration ceremony was held in Adelaide, and it was such a great moment when Soroptimist International President, Hilda Richardson, handed over the Charter of the Federation to Her Excellency Maris King, and invested her with the Insignia of SISWP.

The 1990s saw more expansion and greater cultural diversification with the introduction of clubs in Malaysia, Indonesia, Solomon Islands and Mongolia. These new countries and members created opportunities to support projects whilst building friendships of understanding across cultures. Diverse cultures add a wonderful richness to our organisation, and are a benefit we continue to treasure.

In 2022, with overwhelming enthusiasm from our members, we changed our name to Soroptimist International South East Asia Pacific. Our new name describes more accurately the location of our members and the area we serve.

We presently have clubs in the following 13 countries: Australia, Cambodia, Fiji, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mongolia, Myanmar, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Singapore, Thailand.