SI Voices

As her biennium comes to an end on 31 December, Soroptimist International President Siew Yong Gnanalingam shares a heartfelt farewell and thank you to Soroptimists around the world. In this special podcast episode, she reflects on her journey as President, the countries she has travelled to, the inspiring Soroptimists and partners she has met, and the lessons she has learned along the way. It is a...

In this powerful episode of SI Voices , Soroptimist International speaks with Dr. Kay Linnell OBE and Barbara Jeremiah, two remarkable advocates who played a pivotal role in supporting sub-postmasters devastated by the Horizon Post Office scandal. They share how they helped victims unite, challenge wrongful convictions, and seek justice after enduring financial ruin, shattered reputations, and lif...

In the latest episode of SI Voices, host Hilary Ratcliffe welcomes Bev Bucur, Soroptimist International’s Advocacy Advisor, to discuss why education is one of the organisation’s five pillars of advocacy. Bev explains that education is a powerful driver of equality, empowering women and girls to achieve their potential and create lasting change within their communities. Yet, many still face barrier...

In the latest SI Voices podcast, host Hilary Ratcliffe speaks with Connie Mutunhu, former President of Soroptimist International Africa Federation (SIAF), about efforts to raise awareness of cervical cancer and expand access to the HPV vaccine for girls across Africa. Statistics provided by the World Health Organisation (WHO) state that cervical cancer is the second most diagnosed cancer and the s...

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 con...

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...

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...

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, technolo...

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 chall...

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, Sor...

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...

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...

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 ex...

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&apos...

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...

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 & L...

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’...