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READ THE SIGNS

This November, discover how Soroptimists are putting prevention at the heart of efforts to end violence against women and girls.

FOCUS ON

Soroptimists Focus on Prevention

READ THE SIGNS is Soroptimist International of Europe’s campaign for the 16 Days of Activism (25 November–10 December), raising awareness of violence against women and girls and the importance of prevention.

Inspired by the Istanbul Convention, this year’s focus is on challenging gender stereotypes, promoting equality and addressing the attitudes that can lead to violence. Through awareness-raising, education and advocacy, Soroptimists encourage women and those around them to recognise early warning signs of abuse, while calling for the effective implementation of the Convention’s prevention measures.

Together, let us challenge stereotypes, strengthen prevention and #BeTheVoiceForWomensRights.

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Empowering Women. Shaping the Future.

We are a global network with a global voice for women.

We are nearly 30,000 professional women across Europe, the Middle East, and the Caribbean who work together to educate, empower and enable women and girls.

Since 1921, Soroptimists have been powerful advocates for women’s and girls’ rights, launching thousands of impactful projects that improve lives and deliver concrete, lasting change in communities around the world.

Soroptimists are women in professions and business who work together at local, national and international levels to educate, empower and enable women and girls with an aim to improving their lives.

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Members' Testimonials

I became a Soroptimist to promote the potential of women in our society. Empowering and enabling them to believe in themselves, to grow and be part of the change needed to achieve gender equality. The organisation has given me the opportunity to build relationships with strong women and learn from them. Also to create an impact on local, national and global levels for other women, through impactful projects and collaborations.

Tania GomezSI Aalst (Belgique)

I’m a Soroptimist because I have always had a fire inside me to fight for gender equality. It’s exciting to be part of an organisation that allows me to realise projects with great social impact. Soroptimist became an extended international family to me. Everywhere I go, I look for a Soroptimist club to meet my sister, share good times and learn from their experiences!

Elena PinettiSI Milano Net Lead (Italy)

I’m a feminist driven by a strong sense of justice. Joining Soroptimist allowed me to turn that passion into action, fighting inequality and building meaningful impact, together with women across the world. It introduced me to extraordinary women from diverse walks of life. Their experiences and perspectives have been a powerful source of growth and inspiration.

Sara Quomori TanziSI EmpowerNet Milano (Italy)

I became a Soroptimist because I wanted to be a part of a global voice for the empowerment of women. I believe that together we can do much more to make them strong and influential members of modern society.

Tamta TebidzeSI Batumi (Georgia)

I joined Soroptimist International of Europe because I wanted to put my feminism into practice. SIE offers a great framework for that, with an infrastructure consisting of experience, like-minded women and practical tools.

Saar van VeelenSI Young Soroptimist Amsterdam (Kingdom of the Netherlands and Suriname)

At 29, I returned to Turku, the city where I had studied, only to find that all my friends had moved away. Starting a new job in a team where I was the only woman, I felt a strong need for female companionship, which led me to join the Soroptimist organisation. Over the years, I have discovered a deep passion for the Soroptimist focus areas, particularly in empowering younger women and attracting women to the technology industry. This journey has been incredibly fulfilling, allowing me to contribute to meaningful causes and support the growth and development of women in tech.

Saija Kuusisto-LancasterSI Turku (Finland)

I became a Soroptimist to empower women and girls, support gender equality, and make a positive impact in my community. Being part of a global network of like-minded women inspires me every day.

Meltem KinranSI Ankara (Türkiye)

Volunteering is a cornerstone of my life, enabling me to connect with women worldwide and balance the male-dominated industries I navigate. This reinforces my commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Supporting and learning from others fuels my dedication to building a more inclusive future.

Nicole ImfeldSI Trier (Germany)

Coming from a country without a tradition of women’s advocacy, I wanted to be part of a movement that gives women a voice. Soroptimist offers a unique platform for advocacy, impactful projects, and advancing equality — all while connecting with inspiring women from all walks of life and building friendships with like-minded women worldwide to create lasting change.

Mihaela AqueliusSI Hässleholm (Sweden)

For me, being a Soroptimist means working together in a strong network for the rights of women and girls - locally and worldwide. As a network of committed women, we have a powerful voice. The global network opens up new perspectives and is a great benefit in my life.

Manuela NitscheSI München MMII (Germany)

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