Soroptimist International of Europe spends more than four million euros each year on its projects. Each president of SI/E organises a Federation Theme for projects during her term of office. Here are the general themes of SI/E in the past years:
2007-2011: Soroptimists Go for Water
In line with the UN Millennium Development Goal to halve the number of people living without clean drinking water and basic sanitation by 2015, the SI/E President Mariet Verhoef-Cohen has chosen water as her theme. SIE President-Elect Eliane Lagasse has decided to continue with this theme during her term of office from 2009-2011. (see www.soroptimistsgoforwater.nl)
2005-2007: Women Building Peace through Local Heritage
This project repeated the aims of the previous President’s project, but put the emphasis on local heritage. Two further Peace Marathons took place in Rwanda, and the event has now been fully integrated into the international marathon circuit. The next SI/E Peace Marathon in Kigali, Rwanda, will take place on May 11, 2008 (see www.kigalimarathon.com)
2003-2005: Women Building Peace
A Soroptimist Peace Prize was awarded to women with outstanding merits in conflict resolution. A Peace Book summarising some of the 100 Peace Projects was published. The so-called Soroptimist Peace Charters were signed by more than 1,800 personalities. SI/E also organised a Peace Marathon in Rwanda to promote reconciliation among people to help the victims of the genocide. In addition, thousands of Peace Dolls were produced or sponsored as tokens of friendship or a means of fundraising.
2001-2003: Education – The Key to Progress
1999-2001: Into the XXI Century with Youth
1997-1999: Child and Violence
1995-1997: Multiculturalism
Union Projects
Some Unions of SI/E have their own national projects.
Single Club/Club Projects
Most Single Clubs and Clubs of SI/E have their own projects