Reaching the end of the past intense and rich years, I started to think about how it had all begun.
Before taking up our duties two years ago, Carolien and I spoke about what we envisioned for Soroptimist International of Europe. It was about unity – working together to progress further and be stronger, and not just concerning what we expected to face….
 |
Working together has been a pleasure. The intense work towards achieving Soroptimist Development Goal 3 (SDG 3) ‘Membership Development’ with the members of the Extension Committee, and Mara Constantino (Special Assignment New Generation), embodied Soroptimist’s spirit. It brought together diverse points of view and was rich in lessons.
Going further meant showing the way, working closely with Unions and Single Clubs, listening to them, and offering practical, tailor-made tools to overcome challenges. It meant bringing together promising female leaders at our Growth Academies held in Kortrijk (June 2022) and Athens (February 2023). It also entailed expanding eClubs from three to seven and taking the first steps to implementing a new associate member status with those unions interested.
Going the extra mile meant providing quality tools that can be used by everyone, in programmes, advocacy and communications. Thanks to the combined efforts of other SDG committees, the tools developed meant we could get the word out, and therefore recruit and retain!
I wish the next team the same pleasure in working together for all Soroptimists!
Dominique Babel,
SIE Vice President 2021-2023 / SI France
As our 2021-2023 biennium is coming to an end…
The first face-to-face Enlarged Board meeting, held in Geneva on 16th October 2021, marked the start of our 2021-2023 biennium. The journey ended as picturesquely as it started, this time in Bratislava for our last face-to-face meeting, which took place just a couple of months ago on 20th October 2023.
Over the past two years, we saw Soroptimist projects gain momentum again as the effects of the pandemic gradually decreased. After the Russian invasion in February 2022, the SIE Board, under the lead of President Carolien Demey and in collaboration with Unions and Single Clubs, accomplished significant milestones through initiatives such as Women in War Zone, our Orange Days Campaign (supported by UN Women Geneva), and relief efforts for the Earthquake Disaster in Türkiye. This was made possible by the proactive support of our President and the financial contributions and solidarity of SIE Unions and Clubs.
We have made enormous progress towards Soroptimist Development Goal 5 (SDG 5) ‘We stand up for education’, focusing on developing DNA in leadership, mentoring and scholarship through various activities:
- Investing in education: “Education Package ”
- Holding three SIE Leadership Academies (LA):
- Allocating SIE scholarship grants and scholarships for refugees
- Hosting online meetings with former scholarship grantees
- Offering mentoring programmes with the participants of SIE virtual LA -Türkiye and SIE LA-France
- Planning mentoring programmes with the participants of SIE LA Bulgaria and Italy to reach young candidate members.
My wish for the future lies in the continuation of these projects, to foster solidarity and trust among our members and to Stand Up for Women!
To Anne-Marie Vreman, Alexandra Koutsoukelis, and Christina Duwe, working and being part of a team with you has been a great pleasure for me, thank you!
I extend my sincere appreciation to President Carolien Demey for her unwavering support, gratitude to all members of the Enlarged Board, and thanks to the SIE HQ Members for their kindness, patience and support. To the Governors and Soroptimists, I thank you for your vital cooperation.
Nilgün Pakkan
SIE Vice President 2021-2023 / SI Turkey
Curious to see who is on our new Board 2024-2025?