SI Voices

In this inspiring podcast episode, Soroptimist International President Siew Yong Gnanalingam shares her deep personal connection to the environment and why protecting Mother Earth is so close to her heart. She reflects on growing up surrounded by nature and how that shaped her values and commitment to sustainability. At home, she takes small but meaningful actions—like reducing plastic use and conserving energy—to live more mindfully. As SI President, she has placed climate change at the centre of her advocacy, urging Soroptimists to act locally while thinking globally. One of her key initiatives has been raising awareness about the disproportionate impact of climate change on women and girls. She now calls on Soroptimists around the world to help create a powerful legacy by submitting short video clips of the environmental work they are doing. Whether it's tree planting, recycling drives, or renewable energy projects—every contribution counts. The best clips will be featured in a special SI climate action video to be shared on 24 October, the International Day of Climate Action. Full video guidelines and submission details are available on the Soroptimist International website: www.soroptimistinternational.org. Let's unite for our planet and let the world see what Soroptimists can do! 

In this episode, our host Dawn Marie Lemonds interviews Maria Fornella-Oehninger, SI UN Representative in New York, on social development. Maria explains that social development improves well-being by enhancing quality of life, opportunities, and social structures. It promotes education, gender equality, healthcare, and economic growth, aiming for a fair and inclusive society.Maria elaborates on the barriers to social development and the role that advocacy can play. She also speaks about CSocD63 (the Commission for Social Development). Maria outlines how the commission plays a key role in reviewing and promoting global social policies to improve well-being and achieve sustainable development. She also references Soroptimist International's written statement on Social Development which was submitted to the UN Economic and Social Council.

In this episode of SI Voices, Gillie O'Rourke, Chair of Soroptimist International Foundation shares insights on current, past, and upcoming projects that empower women and girls worldwide. Gillie highlights the impact of these initiatives and calls for support through donations to continue driving change. Tune in to hear how you can be part of this mission! 

In the latest SI Voices podcast episode, we highlight the 16 Days of Activism campaign, a world wide initiative to raise awareness of violence against women and girls. We speak to Renata Trottmann Probst, a Swiss Soroptimist, SI President Elect and former President of Soroptimist International of Europe (SIE). Renata is passionate about the welfare of women and girls, including their safety and wellbeing. In this episode she reflects on what SIE has achieved in helping women and girls who have encountered violence. Our host, Dawn Marie Lemonds shares the contribution that Soroptimist International of the Americas (SIA) makes in supporting women and girls so that they can escape from domestic violence. The 16 Days of Activism campaign, taking place from 25 November 25 to 10 December, focuses this year on the theme, 'Invest to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls.' In this episode, Renata and Dawn Marie spotlight the efforts of Soroptimists worldwide in raising awareness about violence against women and girls while actively challenging harmful myths and misconceptions that perpetuate such behaviours.

In this episode of SI Voices, we highlight International Day of the Girl Child and feature Alice Paola Pomè, an Italian Soroptimist, engineer, and member of the Soroptimist International Youth Forum. Alice shares her experiences as a woman in STEM, particularly in the male-dominated construction industry. This episode focuses on the under-representation of girls in STEM learning—science, technology, engineering, and mathematics—and explores how we can encourage more girls to pursue these paths. Tune in for an inspiring conversation with Alice on breaking barriers in STEM. 

In this episode of SI Voices, host Dawn Marie Lemonds engages with Mary Muia and Shaleen Wanjiru, SI Representatives to the United Nations, to discuss the critical role of women in leading sustainable change amidst the climate crisis. The conversation highlights the disproportionate impact of climate change on women and girls, particularly in Africa, and explores the health and mental health challenges they face. The speakers emphasize the importance of women's leadership in climate action and the need for youth involvement in decision-making processes. They share insights on local and national initiatives aimed at addressing climate change and the significance of community engagement in fostering sustainable practices.

World Day for International Justice is also known as Day of International Criminal Justice or International Justice. This is a day marked around the world on 17 July as a way to recognise the system of international criminal justice.  In our podcast to mark this day we are looking at a specific aspect of criminal and social justice, the trafficking women and girls. Our guest is Linda Witong, Soroptimist International Advocacy Advisor 2024-2025. Linda has served as the President of the Soroptimists of Marin County and Novato and has been a Soroptimist delegate to the UN Commission on the Status of Women from 2013-2024. Linda is now retired but she was Deputy District Attorney in the Marin County District Attorney's Office for over 32 years. She is currently a member of the Marin County Human Trafficking Coalition and is receiving training in homicide investigation, human trafficking, child abduction and elder abuse. 

In the first of our SI Voices podcast series for 2024 we review CSW68, the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, or ‘CSW' event which took place this year in March.  CSW is a key event in Soroptimist International's calendar as it is a Commission that focuses specifically on promoting gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls. This year, a delegation of more than 100 Soroptimists from all continents attended in person, while many more followed events online. In this podcast episode we will hear individual perspectives and reflections from Berthe De Vos, Soroptimist International Main Representative to the United Nations in Geneva and Hana Smith, Soroptimist International Global Policy Advisor, who both attended CSW68 in person this year.

Hannah Aguis, SI Advocacy Co-ordinator talks to Katie Tobin, Senior Programme Manager at Women's Environment and Development Organization, about the empowerment of women and girls in the context of climate change. Looking at high-level and grassroots actions and solutions. Further information on the Feminist Action Nexus for Economic and Climate Justice

In the final episode of SI Voices of 2021, we are joined by Dawn Marie Lemonds and SI President-Elect, Maureen Maguire. They chat about Maureen's life growing up in Northern Ireland, all the way through her Soroptimist career, and the journey that has led her to become the next SI President. Find out more about the 'Opening Doors' President Appeal, 2021 - 2023 at our website: https://www.soroptimistinternational.org/openingdoors

Hosted by Sue Riney, in this episode of SI Voices, Sharon Fisher reflects on her 2019-2021 presidency that saw unexpected turns and wonderful achievements in her 'Road to Equality' Appeal. She talks about what it meant for her to lead the organisation's centenary, as well as how she pivoted SI's approach and project work in the midst of a global pandemic.

In this episode of SI Voices, SI President Sharon Fisher is joined by human rights lawyer, Ayushi Kundu from Calcutta, India. Ayushi holds many leadership roles within Soroptimist International at both local and global level, and also is part of the UNESCO NGO Liaison Committee. They discuss the value in having an intergenerational dialogue, as well as empowering young leaders supported by more experienced advocates, progressing together towards a more gender equal and sustainable future.

In this episode of SI Voices, Kathy Kaaf is joined by Sophie Muijrers and Eveline Verbeek, two members of the new Young Soroptimist Club Amsterdam, officially chartered in 2021. They talk about their first club project,  focused on breaking taboos and tackling menstrual poverty in the Netherlands,  sharing what they learnt and their hopes for the future.

In this episode of SI Voices, Dawn Marie Lemonds is joined by President of Soroptimist International of the Americas, Kazuko Morita in Kyoto, Japan. Kazuko shares her Soroptimist journey, led by her passion for promoting gender equity and international goodwill, and reveals her exciting plans for SIA. 

In this episode of SI Voices, host Hilary Ratcliffe talks to Cathy Cottridge, the President of Soroptimist International of Great Britain and Ireland, as they discuss how Soroptimists continue to be at the forefront of change. Together, they also pay tribute to the late SIGBI President, Johanna Raffan,  remembering her steadfast determination to make the world a better place for women and girls. 

In this episode of SI Voices, International President Sharon Fisher talks to Connie Mutunhu, the President of Soroptimist International Africa Federation. They celebrate and reflect on the first year of the Africa Federation in action, and share hopes for what the future for women and girls  looks like. 

In this episode of SI Voices, we chat to Suman Lal, the 2019-2021 President of Soroptimist International of the South West Pacific. Alongside host Liz Batten, Suman discusses the momentous project of 'See Solar,  Cook Solar', as well as the challenges that women and girls face in Fiji and beyond.Find out more about  the 2013-2015 President's Appeal, 'See Solar, Cook Solar' here: https://www.soroptimistinternational.org/flipbooks/si-see-solar-cook-solar

Hosted by Kathy Kaaf, this episode of SI Voices journeys through the Soroptimist career of  Anna Wszelaczyńska, the 2019-2021 President of Soroptimist International of Europe. Anna talks about how things have changed for women in Poland post-Communism, and shares how the SIE Federation have adapted project work in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

In this episode of SI Voices, host Dawn Marie Lemonds is joined by Dr. Sandra Morgan, Director of the Global Centre for Women and Justice. We know that survivor stories are hugely important, highlighted by the UN's theme this year for the World Day Against in Trafficking in Persons: Victims' Voices Lead the Way. Sandra talks about “ethical storytelling”, which encourages every person and organisation to develop values-based goals that puts the human rights and voice of survivors at the centre of their action.Read about the World Day Against Trafficking in Persons on our website: https://www.soroptimistinternational.org/human-trafficking-victims-to-survivors-to-overcomers-soroptimists-support-their-voices Find out more about Sandra and her podcast here: https://endinghumantrafficking.org

Kathy Kaaf is in conversation with Joanne Yeoh, of Soroptimist International of the South West Pacific,  discussing the progressive project ‘Clean Water for Rural Communities' in Sarawak and Sabah on the island of Borneo, tackling food and water insecurity, and empowering women through skills training and leadership opportunities. Find out more about the project, part of the Women, Water & Leadership 2017-19 President's Appeal at: https://www.soroptimistinternational.org/clean-water-for-rural-communities-in-peninsular-malaysia/Find out more about The International Year of Fruits and Vegetables, 2021, in the background paper at: http://www.fao.org/documents/card/en/c/cb2395en/

In this episode of SI Voices, we discuss the topic of forced marriage and honour-based violence. Sarb shares her personal experience, and we hear about what she does now campaigning to support other women and girls in the UK, through the organisation she founded in 2015 called True Honour. Sarb's book titled, ‘Shamed: The Honour Killing That Shocked Britain - By the Sister Who Fought for Justice' can be found online or at most major UK bookstores. Find out more about True Honour on their website: www.truehonour.org.ukAn important topic highlighted in the SI President's Appeal, more resources on Child, Early and Forced Marriage can be found on the SI website: www.soroptimistinternational.org/campaigns/child-marriage

In this episode of SI Voices, host Sue Riney speaks to SI United Nations Representative and Vice-Chair of NGO Committee on Ageing, Frances Zainoeddin. They talk about how older women are often discriminated against in society and in policy, and offer a way forward where women of all ages are included in the fight for gender equality. Check out Frances' article discussing Older Women on the Road to Equality here: https://www.soroptimistinternational.org/older-women-on-the-si-road-to-equality/ 

*Trigger warning - includes discussion of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)*In this episode of SI Voices, host Kathy Kaaf is joined by Beryl Magoko, a Kenyan filmmaker and  campaigner against FGM.  Beryl shares with us how she used filmmaking as a way to tell her own story and raise awareness of the realities of FGM.

In this episode of SI Voices, host Dawn Marie Lemonds talks to SI Past President (2017-19) Mariet Verhoef-Cohen about the intrinsic link between women and water. They discuss the importance of women's full participation in policies and programmes, and why investment and the development of leadership skills in women is key to a more sustainable future. 

In this episode of SI Voices, host Hilary Ratcliffe OBE invites Nisha Ghosh of Soroptimist International Pune Metro East, India, to talk about the important issue of domestic violence. Nisha shares her personal story and how that led to her to be an advocate for women's rights, promoting the importance of including men and boys in the conversation about gender equality.

Women's health is a big topic right now, and in this episode of SI Voices, Liz Batten welcomes past Soroptimist International President, Jane Zimmerman from Tasmania, to reflect on Jane's medical career and her time working with the Flying Doctors. More than 10,000 miles apart, they share their experiences during the pandemic and talk about the participation and important role of women in the fight for better, more inclusive health systems.Have you heard about our 100th Birthday Event? Check it out: https://100.soroptimistinternational.org/si100 

Recorded over the weekend between week one and week two of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW65), in this episode of SI Voices, host Francesca Fletcher Williams is joined by SI United Nations Representative, New York, Bette Levy, as they talk advocacy, civil society and Soroptimist action, and the importance of the negotiations during the CSW.Catch up with all the blogs written during CSW at: https://www.soroptimistinternational.org/advocacy/commission-on-the-status-of-women/csw65/

In this episode, host Allie Liu chats to SI President Sharon Fisher on International Women's Day (IWD) about Soroptimist International's 100th year.  Sharon also talks about what IWD means to her, and discusses the events taking place at the 65th Session of Commission on the Status of Women (CSW65).Early bird ticket registration for the SI 100th Birthday Event is to be launched later in March. Please regularly check our website for updates: www.soroptimistinternational.org/members-area/100th-si-birthday-the-big-eventThe Road to Equality President's Appeal: www.soroptimistinternational.org/action/road-to-equalityFind out how to get involved with CSW65:www.soroptimistinternational.org/advocacy/commission-on-the-status-of-women/csw65

In this episode of SI Voices, host Dawn Marie Lemonds and Past SI President 1995-97, Patsy Daniels, take a trip down memory lane, reliving their experiences at the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing. They discuss their personal highlights and the resulting outcome document, the Beijing Platform for Action, still considered the most comprehensive global blueprint for gender equality; paving the way towards #GenerationEquality.To read more from Dawn Marie and Patsy about SI's work at the World Conference in Beijing, please visit: www.soroptimistinternational.org/the-4th-world-conference-on-women-beijing-1995

In this episode of SI Voices, host Sue Riney chats to U.S. Navy Captain, former NASA astronaut and Soroptimist, Heide Stefanyshyn-Piper, about her remarkable life and career highlights. Drawing on Heide's experience in the field, and her current work doing school talks and workshops, they discuss the importance of STEM and STEAM education for girls.

This episode of SI Voices highlights the importance of international service and reveals how SI works alongside the United Nations. Host Hilary Ratcliffe is joined by Linda Witong and Pat Black, as they share how they use their voices and expertise to influence policies and decisions on a global scale. Listen in to find out how SI has made a real impact on the lives of women and girls across the world through our work at the UN.

This episode of SI Voices joins Beverly Bucur, Soroptimist International (SI) Advocacy Director, and Soroptimist Hilary Ratcliffe, OBE. Bev and Hilary talk candidly of their passion, and personal journey's towards becoming Soroptimists - sharing stories of past work at the grassroots level, and reflecting on what compelled them to take on roles at SI at the international level. The conversation explores the fundamentals of advocating in the international arena, and how this work may change as we move towards a post-COVID reality. In conclusion, Bev and Hilary share their belief that every small step can and will make a difference in the lives of women and girls.

This episode of SI Voices welcomes Ayushi Kundu and Olga Sidenko, the Coordinators of the 2019-21 Soroptimist International President's Appeal, the Road to Equality. Sue Riney poses the questions and Ayushi and Olga identify the six topics of the current President's Appeal, talking partnerships, and the latest project working with the Lugari Community Centre, and Youth Leadership Training programme, in Kenya. To find out more about the Road to Equality and its topics and to donate to the Appeal, please visit: https://www.soroptimistinternational.org/action/road-to-equality/Look out for news of the Latest SI President's Appeal project, to be announced on Human Rights Day, 10 December.

In this episode, Soroptimist Liz Batten is joined by Mary Muia, SI United Nations Representative in Nairobi, as they explore the link between Soroptimist International (SI) and the environment, throughout the organisation's 100 years history. Listen in as Mary shares her expertise in developing sustainable solutions to tackle climate change, with women in mind.

*Trigger warning - includes detail of obstetric fistula* In the third episode of SI Voices, Soroptimist Hilary Ratcliffe delves into some tough topics with guests, SI Quadrennial Project Liaison, Alison Sutherland, and past SI President 2007-2009, Margaret Lobo. Focusing on past projects, we discuss how SI is tackling some of the biggest issues women face across the world. We look at the challenges faced whilst rebuilding lives and communities following the Sierra Leone Civil War, and how women who are suffering from obstetric fistula in Ethiopia are empowered to reintergrate into society. Transcript available: https://sivoices.buzzsprout.com/1231769/6065695-tough-women-tough-topics

Have you heard the story of how Soroptimist International was first started? In the second episode of SI Voices, Dawn Marie takes us on a journey that spans across 100 years as we look back at the stories of the very first few Soroptimist clubs and how our organisation then grew internationally. Dawn Marie is joined by SI President, Sharon Fisher, and SI archivist extraordinaire, Lisa Mangiafico.

The SI Voices Podcast series kicks off with an inspired conversation between host, Allie Liu, and Sharon Fisher, the President of Soroptimist International, a worldwide organisation dedicated to achieving equality, and giving a voice to women and girls. Listen in for stories and insight from the 3rd of October 2020, the first day of the countdown to the global organisation's 100th year anniversary!

We're excited to introduce you to our new podcast series, SI Voices, hosted by Soroptimist International. Please join us from the 3rd October as we celebrate 100 years of giving a global voice to women and girls.