Friday 19 December 2008

Believe in the Human Spirit

Inspi​ring speec​h by Prof Eliza​beth Ngugi​ at Sorop​timis​t Inter​natio​nal Frien​dship​ Days 2008,​ Arhus​,​ Denma​rk

sorop​timis​teuro​pe.​org

Find out more about​ Prof Eliza​beth Ngugi​’s missi​on to reduc​e the sprea​d of STD/​HIV/​AIDS throu​gh the socia​l and econo​mic empow​ermen​t of femal​e,​ girl child​ sex worke​rs and HIV/​AIDS orpha​ns in Kenya​.​ 

http:​/​/​www.​kvowr​c.​or.ke

( webcl​ip creat​ed by
Buzzm​edia Netwo​rk )


BELIEVE IN THE HUMAN SPIRIT from Soroptimist Europe on Vimeo.


Wednesday 10 December 2008

VIDEO: The Universal Declaration of Human Rights

VIDEO: The Universal Declaration of Human Rights

(Created by Seth Brau / Produced by Amy Poncher / Music by Rumspringa courtesy Cantora Record)

Tuesday 9 December 2008

International Human Rights Day


Today, the 10th of December 2008, is the 60th Anniversary International Human Rights Day and the International Soroptimist Day.


The United Nations General Assembly first adopted and proclaimed the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on 10th December 1948. In a post-war world scarred by the Holocaust, divided by colonialism and wracked by inequality, a charter setting out the first global and solemn commitment to the inherent dignity and equality of all human beings, regardless of colour, creed or origin. This was a bold and daring undertaking, that Soroptimists always have underlined. 


In 1950 the 10th of December was established as the official commemoration date, and since then, nations and organisations have celebrated the International Human Rights Day around the world. Soroptimist International first designated 10th December as its International Day in 1956, 52 years ago. 


In 1981, SI President Catharine Salt decided to use this important occasion for an International President’s Appeal Day and asked Soroptimists to make a personal sacrifice so that the money could be given to a worthy cause. Today, our members and clubs still are encouraged to raise money for the SI President’s Project. In 2007 Soroptimist International supported the project of the fistula clinic of Dr. Hamlin in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. This year, SI President Margaret Lobo decided to continue this President’s Appeal to provide much needed support to the women and girls of Desta Mender Village at the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital in Ethiopia. 

With our support we will help those women with fistulas who cannot be completely cured and need ongoing medical care. And we encourage independence and improve the morale and self-esteem of the permanent residents of the Fistula Hospital through the self-help rural village Desta Mender.


Our appeal ‘restoring dignity – Securing a future’ and the UN theme for 2008, “Dignity and justice for all of us,” reinforce the vision of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) as a commitment to universal dignity and justice. It is not a luxury or a wish-list. The UDHR and its core values - inherent human dignity, non-discrimination, equality, fairness and universality - apply to everyone, everywhere and always. The Declaration is universal, enduring and vibrant, and it concerns us all.


Since its adoption in 1948, the Declaration has been and continues to be a source of inspiration for national and international efforts to promote and protect human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Secretary General Ban Ki Moon says that “It is our duty to ensure that these Human Rights are a living reality -- that they are known, understood and enjoyed by everyone, everywhere. It is often those who most need their human rights protected, who also need to be informed that the Declaration exists -- and that it exists for them”.


Dear Soroptimists make sure WE respect dignity and equality for everyone by being an

example in our environment.


Mariet Verhoef-Cohen

SI/E President



Thursday 4 December 2008

SI Water Projects in Ghana

BBC World News recently did a article on the desperate need for clean water in Ghana (read article here). The Soroptimists have set up two water projects in Ghana.

One, run by the Soroptimist International club of Kumasi, Ghana:

Providing good water, modern toilets and a bath house for Ayeduase village, near the University of Science and Technology, Kumasi, Ghana, Africa.

And the other, The Dodowa Project, is sited in a small town about 18 kilometres from Accra. To provide a place of convenience to the people of Dodowa town.

photo source: bbc.co.uk







Tuesday 2 December 2008

Project SIerra: A Family And A Future.


2007-2011 SI Quadrennial Project

Project SIerra: A Family And A Future.

Sierra Leone is a country broken by war where the communities are now trying to rebuild their social and physical infrastructures. Project SIerra is a four year partnership between Soroptimist International and “Hope and Homes for children”, a UK based NGO. 


Project SIerra works in urban and rural areas and helps some of the world’s most deprived women and children. The involvement of every Soroptimist member worldwide, working together will help us achieve our goals for Project SIerra. 


See the newsletter of H. Karlsdóttir,

SI/E 1st VP in charge of this project for SI/E.

www.soroptimisteurope.org

www.projectSIerra.org



Quote from SI Union Kenya

"Soroptimist International Union of Kenya wishes to express its gratitude to the whole Soroptimist family for the support we received during the beginning of this year due to post election crisis. We are working hard to support our Government resettle women and children."

---
SI Union of Kenya President, Asha W. Abdulrahman of SI Millimani Club

Monday 1 December 2008

World Aids Day 2008

Today is World Aids Day!

For those who seek information on how we can increase our knowledge of this disease and compassion to those living with AIDSlet today be a day of solidarity and action.

From SOROPTIMIST NEWSLETTER:

UNIFEM and UN-INSTRAW Call for Effective Aid to Gender Equality in the Fight against HIV and AIDS, UN-INSTRAW and the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) called for increased financial support to gender equality and women’s empowerment in the fight against HIV and AIDS at the “Expert Group Consultation on Tracking and Monitoring Gender Equality and HIV in Aid Effectiveness”, that took place at UNINSTRAW Headquarters in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic , on 28–30 May 2008. 

Participants from across the world examined strategies to support nationally led processes of tracking and monitoring progress to reduce HIV infections among women and girls by improving their access to sexual and reproductive health and rights, and reducing the HIV-related violence they face. They emphasized the importance of tracking and monitoring financing for gender equality in the response to the HIV and AIDS pandemic as well as identifying, reviewing, and refining key programme indicators.

Read more:

http://www.soroptimisteurope.org/Portals/0/Content/Documents/Newsroom/HRSW%204th%20Newsletter%202007_2008%20En.pdf

Tuesday 25 November 2008

International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women


25 November 2008 -- 

Today is "International Day to Stop Violence Against Women.".

In December 1999, the 54th session of the United Nations General Assembly adopted Resolution 54/134 declaring November 25th the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. The origins of November 25th go back to 1960, when the three Mirabal sisters from the Dominican Republic were violently assassinated for their political activism. The sisters, known as the "Unforgettable Butterflies," became a symbol of the crisis of violence against women in Latin America. November 25th was the date chosen to commemorate their lives and promote global recognition of gender violence, and has been observed in Latin America since the 1980s.

Violence against women and girls is a problem of pandemic proportions. According to UNIFEM, at least one in three women in the world has suffered from violence; usually by someone known to her. In many societies, the legal system and community attitudes add to the trauma. 

Source: UNIFEM

The Soroptimists I/E are involved in a couple of projects. Here are some of the links: http://www.un.org/Depts/dhl/violence/ http://www.soroptimisteurope.org/Portals/0/Content/Documents/Newsroom/HRSW%204th%20Newsletter%202007_2008%20En.pdf http://www.femalesinfront.eu/default.asp?view=front〈=gb

This is an appeal to those who haven’t yet signed on to:

· Ask 3 people to visit

 SayNOtoViolence.org and add their names

· Include a link to SayNOtoViolence.org

as part of your e-mail signature

· Talk about the campaign in your blog

and in discussion forums

· Text SayNOtoViolence.org to everyone

on your mobile phone address book

· Get and use the Campaign Toolkit

Let’s make our voices heard loud and clear!

www.saynotoviolence.org


Thursday 20 November 2008

Quote:

“Thank you [SI/E] so much for all you do on behalf of others while striving to prevent hate!”
— comment left on the SI/E myspace.com/soroptimist_europe

Express it: Kamil Pinarci comment on SI/E video

Kamil PINARCI commented on the video "Soroptimist International: Friendship Days 2008":

"Wonderful subject!
Racism and prejudice is the most primitive form of human behavior.
It creates walls between human societies and human beings from all around the world.
It hinders development and understanding and blockage to solution of many problems.
The day we were able to reach the levels of all human beings created equal the day all women and men, and all children will be able to express their rich creativity without fear and social opportunity we will be a really civilized society."

Wednesday 19 November 2008

NO TOLERANCE OF INTOLERANCE!

Video: Soroptimist Friendship Days 2008

Soroptimist International Friendship Days 2008 celebrated from September 19th - 21st 2008 in Aarhus, Denmark. The theme of the meeting was No Tolerance of Intolerance. Besides this, one important purpose was also to establish an inspiring forum for new friendships across borders and across Soroptimist clubs.

The programme inspired Soroptimists from Denmark, Europe, Africa, indeed from all over the world, to join in and meet other Soroptimists.

The programme included a series of lectures on Saturday as an entry to vivid discussions on the theme. Not to forget the opening reception at Aarhus Townhall, gala dinner and a guided city tour. Sunday evening closed the official part of the programme with home hospitality hosted by Soroptimist members of the two Denmark clubs.

Sunday 16 November 2008

Our Planet!

It’s all we have ever had and it’s pretty

much all we have got left.

Yet we already consume more than our planet

can sustainable provide and by 2050 we will

need the output 2 Earth, if we are going to

continue living as we do now.

Sadly, this is not science-fiction. This is

science-fact.

Read the SI/E Eco-Newsletter here

Got Water?

Water is a right, not a privilege!
Please sign the petition to adopt
article 31
Everyone has the right to clean and accessible water, adequate for the health and well-being of the individual and family, and no one shall be deprived of such access or quality of water due to individual economic circumstance.

Friday 14 November 2008

Eliminate Violence

25 November 2008, Internationally recognised day for the need to eliminate violence against women.

In 10 days time it is the International Day for recognition to Eliminate Violence against women. There are some projects that the Soroptimists I/E are involved in. Here are some of the links:

http://www.un.org/Depts/dhl/violence/

http://www.soroptimisteurope.org/Portals/0/Content/Documents/Newsroom/HRSW%204th%20Newsletter%202007_2008%20En.pdf

http://www.femalesinfront.eu/default.asp?view=front&lang=gb

Wednesday 12 November 2008

Launch of PACE Human Rights Prize

The PACE has called for nominations for the first annual 

Human Rights Prize, which will reward outstanding civil 

society action in the defence of human rights in Europe. 


Individuals and NGOs can be nominated for the prize,

which will be selected by a panel to be elected before 

the end of the year. 


The first Prize will be awarded at a ceremony in Strasbourg

during  the summer plenary session. 


For more information, see the Human Rights Prize website


or read the SI/E article here

SI/E Facebook

Become our friend on the Soroptimist International of Europe


Sunday 9 November 2008

Spread the Soroptimist buzz!

Spread the buzz about the Soroptimist International of Europe, as an inspired non-profit organization working together, to make the world a better place for women and children.
Get inspired, read the message here:


Become our Friend on Myspace!

www.myspace.com/soroptimist_europe

Saturday 8 November 2008

Soroptimist Parlent: Les Projets



Video in French / en Français
Women of the Soroptimists International talk passionately about their current projects.



www.soroptimisteurope.org


Thursday 6 November 2008

VIDEO: Soroptimists Speak: The Projects

Soroptimists International talk passionately about their current projects: 

-Water Projects: create possibilities for women and children to educate themselves, create economical development 
-Primary Education 
-Fighting trafficking 
-Protecting Orphans 

www.soroptimisteurope.org

Tuesday 4 November 2008

Take Action!

Join the European Women’s Lobby 50/50 Campaign for the

European Parliament Elections in June 2009


http://www.5050democracy.eu/


The people of Europe will elect the next European Parliament in June 2009. Currently 70% of the Members of the European Parliament are men. 

Soroptimists are invited to participate in the 50/50 Campaign of the European Women’s Lobby by:


- signing the EWL petition

- action using the model lobbying letter to ask the political parties in your country to take gender equality into account when they draft candidate lists for the elections.


In 2008, men occupy 82% of parliamentary seats in the world and 77% in average in the European Union. In June 2009, Europeans will elect a new European Parliament and a new European Commission will be designated. These elected and nominated persons are going to shape our future in Europe. The ‘50/50 Campaign for Democracy’ urges decision-makers, political parties, civil society, trade unions and all European voters to act for a more gender balanced family picture of Europe in 2009.


To read the entire article and how to join click: HERE


No Modern European Democracy without Gender Equality!


Thursday 30 October 2008

Registration for 19th SI EUROPE Congress 2009

19th Congress European Soroptimist International of Europe
Amsterdam, The Netherlands
10 - 12 July 2009

All Congress participants must register in advance of the Congress. 

Full registration includes 
• Congress Pack including the Congress Programme and other documents 
• name badge permitting access to the Opening Ceremony and all sessions 
• teas/coffees during breaks 
• lunches on Friday and Saturday inclusive 
Day registration includes 
• Congress Pack including the Congress Programme and other documents 
• day name badge permitting access to the sessions of the day of registration 
• teas/coffees during breaks on the day of registration 
• lunch on the day of registration, if applicable 
Accompanying guests may register for all social events through the Registration Form. 
Soroptimists who wish to register for the 
Thursday night or the Regatta only, may only register through the website.

For more information, click here or visit the SI/E site.




Saturday 25 October 2008

“Friendship is always a sweet responsibility, never an opportunity.” – Kahlil Gibran

Call for: Soroptimist PEACE PRIZE

The Third Soroptimist Peace Prize will be awarded during the Congress 2009 to

A woman or a group of women undertaking outstanding projects to promote peace”.


For more details click here, and find out where the nominations can be sent to.


Nomination deadline: December 31st 2008.


Previous awardees are Journalist Vera Bohle at the Congess in Vienna 2005 and Chief Prosecutor Carla del Ponte in Lugano 2007, on UN Peace Day.



2005 Peace Prize presented by Heidrun Konrad to Vera. Bohle


Friday 24 October 2008

SI/E Togo Health Centre


With help from Soroptimist International Europe clubs in Switzerland and Italy and the Village Chief, the Clubs of Togo embarked on fund raising to finance a health centre.
Inaugurated in 2006, it is composed of a maternity unit with rooms for primary health care for more than ten villages together with staff accommodation.

As soon as the project started the problem of water occurred. But, happily, drilling was financed and the water has provided great opportunities for: 

'Water for the widows' biological garden, clean water for the surrounding population, replacement of the manual pump by solar or electrical equipment and medical and surgical workshops at the health centre.

Happy United Nations Day!


Today (October 24th, 2008) is:

United Nations Day and World Development Information Day

“We will be judged in the future on the actions we take today — on results. On this United Nations Day, let us rededicate ourselves to achieving them.”

Ban Ki-moon, Secretary-General

In 1947 the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution declaring that October 24 “shall be henceforth officially called United Nations Day and shall be devoted to making known to the peoples of the world the aims and achievements of the UN, and to gaining their support for the work of the United Nations”. UN Day is now marked in the 189 UN Member States, large and small, throughout the world.

 The UN is an essential instrument through which multilateral processes can be brought to bear to contribute to the solutions to global problems. A United Nations Day programme offers an opportunity to groups and individuals to acquaint themselves with the activities and the accomplishments of the UN – and to address the challenges we face together as the world moves into a new century.

So, Happy Day!


Wednesday 22 October 2008

SAY NO TO VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN

Soroptimist International is a launch partner for the vital UNIFEM global Internet based advocacy campaign which will run until November 25th 2008, the internationally recognised day to eliminate violence against women.

Add your name to the "virtual book", click on the link to bring an end to Violence against Women:


At the conclusion of the campaign, UNIFEM will hand over the signatures to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon

25 November: International Day "Elimination of
violence against Women"

Thursday 16 October 2008

World Food Day - October 16 2008

www.soroptimisteurope.org

WORLD FOOD DAY - October 16 2008

Enabling world food security in light of the impact of climate change may be one of the biggest challenges humanity faces in this century. Rising prices have plunged an approximately 75 million people below the hunger threshold, bringing the estimated number of undernourished people worldwide to 923 million in 2007.

Soroptimist International of Europe supports the United Nations’ initiatives through its individual and organisation members globally, and acts at the local level in the over fifty countries represented by its members as well as in collaboration with other nongovernmental organisations.

The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations celebrates World Food Day every year on October 16, the day on which the Organisation was founded in 1945.

“Rarely has World Food Day assumed greater meaning than at the present time, as rapidly rising food prices risk increasing the number of hungry people”, notes FAO’s Chief of World Food Day events, Sidaty Aidara.


Food Security: “The Challenge of Climate Change and Bio-Energy is the theme of this year’s World Food Day”. 


With the number of undernourished people currently estimated at more than 923 million, high food prices are not only putting at greater risk the hungry but those also on the brink of poverty. Of those, about 900 million live in developing countries, the very countries expected to be most affected by climate change. World Food Day activities aim at expanding global awareness in an effort to reduce the effects of increasingly severe climate patterns on agriculture and the impact of bio-fuels on food production.


The effect of the current World Food Security Crises is reflected in the noticeably reduced availability and the high prices of basic foods around the world. Climate change impacted by environmental conditions exacerbated by technological thrusts continues to impact food production, world prices and distribution. Compounded by growing populations and the adaptation of environmentally unfriendly developmental activities and consumption choices, many developed countries continue to harvest the bulk and richer portions of the world’s food resources.

The search for alternatives to carbon-based fuel is desirable. But when this search leads to the destabilisation of societies because of the reduction and diversion of healthy food supply, then that search becomes distorted. Most of the crops associated with bio-fuel production have been traditionally used as food.


SI/E encourages more research in non-threatening ways to the quality of life for all people. Research in Solar Energy with the active participation of developed and lesser developed countries in active partnerships for shared technology, and involving private and public sectors is one alternative that UN organisations like the FAO could facilitate for incremental applications of crisis fee results. Furthermore SI/E encourages the United Nations through its related groups like the FAO to continue its role as clearinghouse for technical, data sharing, multilateral discussion that seek to identify solutions for the concerns and challenges impacting food security and treat this crisis with urgency at all levels.


Gertraud PICHLER

Programme Coordinator for Environment

Soroptimists International for Europe

Wednesday 15 October 2008

SI/E The Link Magaz​ine - Issue​ 211

Dear Soroptimists and friends,


After 12 years of loyal service, Marie Jeanne Bosia decided to resign as Chief Editor of our magazine The Link. The September number will be the last issue that has been published by Marie Jeanne Bosia as Chief Editor and we would like everyone to have the possibility to read this number of The Link to honour Marie Jeanne for all the hard work she has performed. We have uploaded the English and the French version of The Link onto the website so you can also mail it to other (Soroptimist) friends and members.


We are grateful for all the initiatives Marie Jeanne has taken to make The Link into the magazine it is today. We know this is an immense and time consuming task. The December number of The Link will be issued before Christmas as planned.


We wish you all a lot of reading pleasure.


Warm regards,


SI/E

Thursday 9 October 2008

WECF film on Safe Sanitation

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WcjFryjDTd8

www.soroptimisteurope.org
Also, see our Soroptimist go for Water projects

"Access to Safe Sanitation in the EU - a right for all"

The United Nations have declared 2008 the "International Year of Sanitation". More than 20 million Europeans depend on unsafe sanitation such as pit latrines, soak aways and drains, which result in high morbidity, even mortality, especially among children. 

The right to safe and affordable water and sanitation is one of the main missions of WECF, "Women in Europe for a Common Future". Water cannot be considered a commodity. It is a basic human right, recognized by 24 countries, recently also by Belgium, the United Kingdom and the Netherlands. That's why drinking water sources need to be protected from pollution. 

In Romania, small children still die from blue baby syndrome, caused by high levels of nitrates and human faecal bacteria in well water. These pollutants infiltrate into the ground water from the pit latrines. Many inhabitants in Garla Mare and Prislop have difficulties feeding their families. In years of bad harvest they do not have enough to eat and sanitation is understandably not a priority for them, especially if the only available alternative is expensive. 

In the village of Sulitsa in Bulgaria, there is no central sewage. The people in the village used septic pits from where the toilet water infiltrates into the soil. WECF and its Bulgarian member "Earth Forever" built safe dry urine separating toilet and waste water facilities for schools and the cultural club and 2 households in these villages. This new technology is low cost and allows toilets to be built indoors with safe treatment of the faecal and waste water. 

"Women in Europe for a Common Future" mobilizes women to find affordable solutions to the environmental health problems in their communities, and encourages women to participate in decision-making. This film shows that modern low cost approaches and active citizens' participation can provide an immediate solution to the health and environmental problems related to sanitation in rural areas Eastern Europe. But much more is needed. 

WECF believes that it should be the right for Each EU citizen to have access to safe and affordable sanitation. So far, for 20 million people in the European Union that right has not been fulfilled. 

WECF calls on the Council of Ministers and the European Commission to make safe and affordable sanitation for all citizens of the European Union a key priority. Additional funding and effort are needed, and an action plan by which -- at the latest by 2015 -- all the 20 million people currently using unsafe latrines have been provided with safer solutions.