SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL OF THE SOUTH WEST PACIFIC

SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL OF THE SOUTH WEST PACIFIC PROSPECTIVE MEMBER INFORMATION PACK Soroptimist International of the South West Pacific Address: G1/11A Lachlan Street (entrance via Sam Sing Street) WATERLOO NSW 2017 AUSTRALIA Postal Address: PO Box 746, SURRY HILLS NSW 2010 AUSTRALIA Telephone: + 61 2 8096 6072 Email : Website: Facebook: hq@siswp.org www.siswp.org Soroptimist South West Pacific Version 1 September 2018 Page 1

1. WHO WE ARE A. A Global Network Soroptimist International is a global movement of women, with members belonging to more than 3,000 clubs in 126 countries/territories, spread over four (4) Federations. Members of Clubs represent a wide range of occupations, talents and interests. Through international partnerships and a global network of members, Soroptimists inspire action and create opportunities to transform the lives of women and girls: by advocating for equity and equality; creating safe and healthy environments; increasing access to education; and developing leadership and practical skills for a sustainable future. 2. VISION B. A Global Voice for Women Soroptimist International is a Global Voice for Women working through awareness advocacy and action to educate, enable and empower women to promote human rights for all, equality, development and peace. The organisation works together with other non-government organisations (NGOs) and various United Nations agencies to bring about changes to make the world a better place for this and future generations. C. What does Soroptimist mean? The name Soroptimist was coined from the Latin soror meaning sister, and optima meaning best. Soroptimist is perhaps best interpreted as the best for women. From the founding of the first Soroptimist Club in Oakland, California in 1921, through to the present day where over 3000 Clubs are flourishing throughout the world, Soroptimists have continued to strive to achieve the best for women in every sphere of their lives. The essence of the Soroptimist model is simple: educate women and girls today to create the leaders of tomorrow. To achieve this, we educate women and girls with skills, we empower them with the confidence to use those skills and we work in the wider community to enable opportunities which will result in improved lives for women, girls and communities worldwide. Soroptimist International is a vibrant, dynamic organisation for today s professional and business women. We are committed to a world where women and girls together achieve their individual and collective potential, realise aspirations and have an equal voice in creating strong, peaceful communities worldwide. Version 1 September 2018 Page 2

3. MISSION Soroptimist s inspire action and create opportunities to transform the lives of women and girls through a global network of members and international partnerships. 4. VALUES Human Rights for all Global Peace and International Goodwill Advancing Women s Potential Integrity and democratic decision making Volunteering, diversity and friendship. 5. PRINCIPLES The Principles of Soroptimism are to strive for:- (a) The advancement of the status of women; (b) High ethical standards (c) Human rights for all (d) Equality, development and peace; and (e) The advancement of international understanding, goodwill and peace. 5. SOROPTIMIST EMBLEM The female figure depicts the spirit of womanhood. The oak leaves and acorns (on the right), epitomise the strength, growth, progress and achievements of the organisation. The laurel (front left) is the emblem of victory typifying friendship and success. Version 1 September 2018 Page 3

SI Australia SI Cambodia SI Fiji SI Hong Kong SI Indonesia SI Malaysia SI Mongolia SI New Zealand SI Papua New Guinea SI Samoa SI Singapore SI Thailand STRUCTURAL CHART OF SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL SI of the Americas SI Europe SI Great Britain & Ireland SI South West Pacific Soroptimist International of the South West Pacific Regions Clubs Version 1 September 2018 Page 4

7. LIST OF CLUBS There are around 3,000 Soroptimist Clubs in 126 countries and territories around the world. Each Country is allocated one (1) of the four (4) Federations, as follows: SI Americas SI Europe SI Great Britain & Ireland SI South West Pacific Argentina Albania Germany Morocco Anguilla Sierra Leone Australia Bolivia Armenia Ghana Netherlands Bangladesh Sri Lanka Cambodia Brazil Austria Guinea Norway Barbados St Vincent & The Grenadines Fiji Canada Belgium Haiti Poland Cameroon Tanzania Hong Kong Chile Benin Hungary Portugal Grenada Trinidad & Tobago Indonesia Colombia Bosnia & Herzegovina Iceland Romania Guernsey Turks & Caicos Islands Malaysia Ecuador Bulgaria Israel Russia India Uganda Mongolia Guam Burkina Faso Ivory Coast Rwanda Isle of Man United Kingdom of Great Britain New Zealand Japan Croatia Kenya San Marino Jamaica Zimbabwe Papua New Guinea Mexico Curacao & Sint Kosovo Senegal Jersey Samoa Panama Cyprus Kuwait Serbia Malawi Singapore Paraguay Czech Republic Latvia Slovakia Malta Solomon Islands Peru Denmark Liechtenstein Slovenia Mauritius Thailand Philippines Dominican Republic Lithuania Spain Nepal Puerto Rico Egypt Luxembourg Sweden Nigeria South Korea Estonia Madagascar Switzerland Pakistan Taiwan Finland Mali Togo Republic of Ireland United States of America France Moldova Tunisia South Africa Venezuela Georgia Monaco Turkey Seychelles Ukraine United Arab Emirates Version 1 September 2018 Page 5

8. HISTORY OF SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL The first Soroptimist Club was founded in Oakland, California in 1921. At the same time in England, a similar type of club a Venture Club was set up. The American s formed the first Soroptimist Club, whilst Britain formed a similar one. In 1921 they amalgamated into Soroptimist International Association. A third Federation, Great Britain and Ireland, was formed in 1934. The fourth Federation, South West Pacific (SISWP), was formed in 1978 with Clubs from three (3) countries Australia, New Zealand and Fiji. 9. SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL LINKS WITH THE UNITED NATIONS Soroptimist International words with the United Nations in partnership in fulfilling the 17 Sustainable Development Goals set by the UN. Soroptimist International has General Consultative Status with ECOSOC and its agencies. This gives Soroptimist International power to raise agent items, advise and advocate for policy change. Soroptimist International s General Consultative Status with ECOSOC gives us official links with UNESCO, ILO, UNIDO, FAO. Soroptimist International is a non-government organisation (NGO) and is part of the Conference of NGOs (CONGO). Soroptimist International of the South West Pacific has Special Consultative Status (Category 2) with ECOSO. Any Soroptimist member can become a permanent volunteer Representative (provided you can get to New York, Geneva, Vienna, Paris, Rome or Nairobi. 10. SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL OF THE SOUTH WEST PACIFIC FEDERATION (SISWP) SISWP is a non-profit organisation made up of 128 Clubs. SISWP is an Australian Registered Company Limited by Guarantee. SISWP Headquarters is located in Sydney, Australia. The Federation is managed by a Board of Directors. SISWP Directors:- President; President-Elect; Version 1 September 2018 Page 6

Programme Director; Constitution Convenor; Membership Convenor; Finance Convenor; Six (6) National Representatives. The Federation of the South West Pacific includes the following 13 countries:- Australia Cambodia Fiji Hong Kong Indonesia Malaysia Mongolia New Zealand Papua New Guinea; Samoa; Singapore; Solomon Islands; Thailand. 11. MEMBERSHIP A. Eligibility for membership To qualify for membership of Soroptimist International, a woman should be working in, retired from, or embarking upon, a career in a profession or business, or in an occupation or comparable status or responsibility. This category allows eligibility to all women to join Soroptimist International Clubs. Membership offers opportunities for personal growth and development as well as international travel and friendships. B. Benefits of Membership Carry out project work in local, national and international communities; Make new friends; Attend Club activities and meetings; Travel and meet with Clubs in other countries. Attend Region activities and meetings; Increase awareness of Soroptimism; Attend Federation Biennial Conference, or International Conventions; Participate in exchange visits with Clubs in other countries; Version 1 September 2018 Page 7

Suggest and implement new projects; Enjoy social outings with other Soroptimists; Make a difference to the lives of women and girls; Make a difference in your community; Extend your personal network. To join Soroptimist International, you can locate a Club near you, through the SISWP website and local directories. In the alternative, you can express your interest by completing the Membership Enquiry form on the SISWP website. If you are not able to locate a Club near you, you can still become a valuable member of a Soroptimist International Club, by becoming an Online Member. Online Members contribute to projects, attend regular meetings and advocate for change. Support us via social media follow us on Facebook and Twitter and by attending Soroptimist Events. C. Membership Contacts SISWP Headquarters Email: hq@siswp.org SISWP Membership Convenor: Email: swpmembership@siswp.org SISWP Assistant Membership Convenor (Asia) Email: swpmembershipasia@siswp.org SISWP Assistant Membership Convenor (Australia) Email: swpmembershipaustralia@siswp.org SISWP Assistant Membership Convenor (NZ & South Pacific) Email: swpmembershipnzpacific@siswp.org 12. SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL SOUTH WEST PACIFIC CLUBS Clubs are managed in accordance with the Club Constitution, By-Laws and Guidelines. Clubs are autonomous, and thus make independent decisions about their activities based on the programme themes adopted by Soroptimist International. A. New Project Ideas As a new member, you may have new ideas for projects to suggest to your Club. Version 1 September 2018 Page 8

No conditions dictate as to how a project is chosen, as long as it fits into one (1) of our programme objectives. If you are passionate about a project, then membership to Soroptimist International Clubs gives you the opportunity to realise your project ideas. B. Club Positions C. Fees The business of the Club is conducted by the Executive Committee which is comprised of officers and convenors of the Club plus any other member:- Officers President; President-Elect; Immediate Past President; Secretary; Treasurer and Members. To assist with the running of the organisation, all members pay fees to the Club. Some of the money goes to the following:- Capitation Fees Fees paid on behalf of each member to cover administration costs of Club, Region, Soroptimist International of the South West Pacific and Soroptimist International. 13. SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL REGIONS A group of Clubs in the same geographical area is grouped together to form a Region. This allows for co-operation and co-ordination of Soroptimist Clubs in that Region. Each Club is supported by the Region. The Region is managed by elected officers and two (2) delegates from each Club. 14. PROGRAMME/PROJECTS Soroptimist International is a women s service organisation which provides exciting opportunities to be of service to others and take part in projects through Awareness, Advocacy and Action. These projects are carried out at Club, Region, Federation and International levels. Soroptimist International of South West Pacific focuses its projects to improve the lives of women and girls through education, empowerment and enabling opportunities, through:- Version 1 September 2018 Page 9

Education Elimination of violence Economic empowerment Food security Healthcare Environmental sustainability/water and sanitation Conflict resolution/peace promotion Disaster mitigation and relief. 15. PROJECTS These handful of projects showcase the diversity of projects carried out in our Federation. A. Club Projects Project: SPOT SI Petaling-Jaya Soroptimist Puberty Organizing Toolkit (SPOT) fulfills the gaps in Malaysia s sexual health and education for your people, especially young girls on the cusp of puberty. Malaysia data from 2012 states that there are more than 18,600 cases of underage pregnancies per year and 50.4% of respondent s admitted to having sex before the age of 14. This has also resulted in an increase of baby dumping and unsafe abortions. By providing modules in a correct and age appropriate manner, through workshops, videos, social media and diaries, it seeks to fill the gap between what children should know and their actual knowledge. Project: PhotoVoice SI Region of South Queensland Domestic Violence education can take many forms and the Photo Voice books aim to educate about the effects of domestic violence through visual arts. Project: Life Skills4 Youth SI Damansara This project aimed to bridge the gap between disadvantaged young women and their more advantaged peers. This was achieved by providing them with soft skills to improve their work readiness, work based learning opportunities and mentoring girls into technical opportunities. Project: Sewing Circle for Migrant Women SI Gold Coast This project transformed the lives of African refugee women and has enable them to acquire not only specific skills but increased confidence, improved language and the establishment of a support group. Project: Cycle for Cycles SI Damansara, SI Singapore, SI Phnom Phen & SI Melba This joint project acted through fundraising to provide cycles to facilitate the work of Village Malaria Workers who are the front line in the fight against the disease in Cambodia. Version 1 September 2018 Page 10

Project: Fiji Disaster Relief - Cyclone Winston SI Townsville Category 5 Cyclone Winston devastated Fiji on 20 February 2016. 90% of the population of Fiji were affected by the Cyclone and some 150,000.00 were left homeless. As many victims were in urgent need of shelter, assistance was provided in physically building shelters for families and ensuring villages had access to water and appropriate sanitation facilities. Project: Murihiku Young Parents Learning Centre SI Invercargill This project ensures that teenage mothers have access to the best possible opportunity to achieve future employment by providing mentoring and advocacy. B. Federation Projects Each Biennium, Clubs in SISWP are invited to support proposals for a period within our Federation. Some of the most recent Federation Projects include:- 2002 2004 Halt Family Violence An initiative by Soroptimist International of Lae (Papua New Guinea) addressed the serious problem of domestic violence in this area of Papua New Guinea. Other non-government agencies (NGOs) and governments supported the development of a centre at the hospital, to assist women and children, survivors of domestic violence. 2004 2006 Halt Family Violence The above project was extended and developed to include education of villagers on the issues of domestic violence, lobbying of Government to introduce legislation identifying domestic violence as a crime, and training of local leaders to ensure that domestic violence legislation was understood and that perpetrators were prosecuted. 2006 2012 Hands Across Borders Initiated by SI Dusit (Thailand) and fully endorsed by the Sampolvoun community, the project provided water filtration systems, new latrines, hospital supplies and medicines to assist in the eradication of many preventable diseases and to help alleviate extreme poverty and malnutrition. For just $22 (AUD) per year, a Cambodian child can gain access to better healthcare and a better education. In 2010, as a direct result of this initiative, a new Club in a new country was charted SI of Phnom Penh. 2010 2016 Birthing in the Pacific Supporting the improved training of midwives and birthing attendants in Papua New Guinea where maternity and infant mortality rates are very high. The Birthing in the Pacific project was initiated to reduce the maternal mortality rate in Papua New Guinea by training and equipping midwives and birthing attendants. The project commenced with research into the Version 1 September 2018 Page 11

maternal health in Papua New Guinea. SISWP held discussions with National Health Department and strategies were put in place to reduce the high mortality rate. Birthing in the Pacific started as a pilot programme in one (1) hospital and was accepted by the PNG National Health Department. The main focus of the Birthing in Pacific project was on education, specifically the up-scaling of health clinicians working in midwifery area. Birthing in the Pacific was chosen as Soroptimist International President s Appeal in 2011-2013. 2016 2020 Sanctuary Shelter for Women This project was initiated by SI Ba Club of Fiji The project will see the Federation build emergency shelter for women and children, who are victims of violence and natural disasters. The shelters will provide a safe home, a place to heal and a place to rebuild their lives, and be up-skilled and empowered. C. International Quadrennial Projects (1975 2011) Every four (4) years, between 1975 and 2011, Federations had a rotational opportunity to present a project for the ensuing Quadrennial. Such global activities for Soroptimist International required financial support by Clubs. The projects were always in partnership with an established Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) or United Nations Agency. Examples of these projects:- S.I.A.M. Soroptimist International Aids Mediation 1995-1999 Partner: Population and Community Development Association Project: Aimed at preventing young women from entering the sex industry and running the risk of contracting HIV/AIDS in 10 villages in Northern Thailand. Income-generating schemes were established to allow the young women, from poor, minimally educated families, to stay in their villages. Girls had been either sold by their parents or entered into the Sex Industry to help their families and assist younger siblings in continuing their education. SI Limbs for Life (1999-2003) Partner: International Committee of the Red Cross Assist victims of landmines; help them to become mobile again and reintegrate them into society; enable children to return to school and play once more like all the other children the world over; allow women to again lead a viable family-life by supplying artificial limbs and promoting the victims physical and psychological recovery. Three countries were targeted: Afghanistan, Angola and Georgia. SI Members were encouraged to lobby local governments to sign and ratify the Ottawa Treaty banning the development, use, production, stockpiling and transfer of anti-personal mines (APMs). Version 1 September 2018 Page 12

Project Independence Women Survivors of War (2003 2007) Partner: Women for Women International. Supporting 2000 women affected by war in Afghanistan, Bosnia and Rwanda to find ways and means to support themselves and their children. Project Sierra (2007 2011) Partner: Hope and Homes for Children. The project aims were to:- Improve the health, self-esteem and life changes of thousands of women and children living in abject poverty; Promote stability in a post conflict society by integrating the most vulnerable children and young women into family and community life Provide education, training and small business and life skills support so that families can become self-sufficient and support their families. Build capacity of local childcare professionals and create models of excellence. D. International President s Appeal On December 10, the UN Day to remember International Human Rights and our International Day, the SI President invites all Soroptimists to join her in making a personal sacrifice and donating the money to an International Fund to be used to help women and children in extreme poverty. The specific project to receive the money each year is selected by the President. Roll Back Malaria 2005 Providing insect repellent, mosquito nets, health and nutrition training to families of Ze in Benin, Africa, to help reduce the incidence of Malaria. Project Punjab 2006 In conjunction with Oxfam, helping girls into school, training teachers in women s issues and child friendly teaching techniques, constructing classrooms, raising awareness about equal aces to education for boys and girls. Restoring Dignity 2007-2008 Supporting the Desta Mender Village for young Ethiopian women patients of the Adis Ababa Fistula hospital who cannot be cured and need constant medical attention. Providing them with education and work-skills to enable them to live a productive life despite their ongoing medical needs. Version 1 September 2018 Page 13

Hope and Dreams for Everyone 2009 2011 An anti-trafficking project run by SI Norway with Clubs from Moldova and based in Moldova. Children received like skills education. Vulnerable young girls receive personal reintegration assistance and help with continuing education. Birthing in the Pacific 2011-2013 Birthing in the Pacific was chosen as the Soroptimist International President s Appeal by then SI President-Elect, Alice Wells. Until 2014, Soroptimist Clubs (3000) from all around the world were included in the project. Approximately USD$500,000.00 was raised to support the project. See Solar Cook Solar 2013-2015 The Soroptimist International President s Appeal supported seven (7) projects from across three (3) continents Asia, Africa and Australia (Oceania) with a focus of providing solar cooking and solar lighting. Educate to Lead Nepal 2015-2017 The Soroptimist International President s Appeal completed projects in Nepal with focus on empowering the lives of women and girls through education, empowerment and enabling opportunities. The project impacted on the lives of 1000 women and girls in Nepal. Water for Women 2017-2019 This appeal supports the projects that educate, empower and enable women and girls ensuring that they have the capacity, experience and education needed to manage water resources and gain careers in water related professions. Rosaline Miller SISWP Membership Convenor Email swpmembership@siswp.org Version 1 September 2018 Page 14