Why did I chose the environment as a theme? Because as Soroptimists, I believe our individual and collective responsibility as an organisation is to ensure sustainable development and to protect our planet. Working for a healthier environment is also in line with the various water themes of my predecessors. In past years, Soroptimists have proved to be highly creative in realising projects that serve their communities – by creating gardens, building sanitation facilities, drilling wells etc. But we must recognise that resources are scarce and not properly conserved. ‘Working for a healthy environment’ addresses the longer term issue and our engagement and responsibility as world citizens.
Each and every project counts
I am very pleased how you received and understood the seriousness and necessity to help our planet to a cleaner and greener environment – especially for coming generations. We can be so very proud of all the projects Soroptimist clubs have been implementing during the last two years. It doesn’t matter if it is a small or big one because each and every project that makes the environment more healthy and sustainable counts. I have had the privilege to visit several environ- ment projects and environmental events, among other places in Rwanda, Benin, Portugal and Italy. When I attend the SI Future African Federation Meeting in Madagascar in March 2016, I will have the pleasure to visit the overall winner of the Best Practice Award 2015, the School Biogas Station project.
The need to create a global policy
Women form a disproportionately large share of the poor in countries all over the world. Women in the rural areas of developing countries are highly dependent on local natural resources for their livelihood, because it is usually their responsibility to secure water, food and energy for cooking and heating. The effects of climate change can lead to conflicts in which women and girls often are the victims of violence. Droughts, irregular rainfall and deforestation all make it harder for women to secure these resources.
The impacts of climate change have increased within the last two years and have also had an influence on areas that are normally not affected, for instance, by heavy rainfall that has caused terrible flooding and greater pollution.
Lamine Baba Cissé, chargé de mission au ministère de l’Education nationale
Women form a disproportionately large share of the poor in countries all over the world. Women in the rural areas of developing countries are highly dependent on local natural resources for their livelihood, because it is usually their responsibility to secure water, food and energy for cooking and heating. The effects of climate change can lead to conflicts in which women and girls often are the victims of violence. Droughts, irregular rainfall and deforestation all make it harder for women to secure these resources.
Women form a disproportionately large share of the poor in countries all over the world. Women in the rural areas of developing countries are highly dependent on local natural resources for their livelihood, because it is usually their responsibility to secure water, food and energy for cooking and heating. The effects of climate change can lead to conflicts in which women and girls often are the victims of violence. Droughts, irregular rainfall and deforestation all make it harder for women to secure these resources.
Gender equality is also linked
I hope everyone will remember that the biennium theme was perfectly in line with UNEP’s programme not only by addressing environmental issues, but also by demonstrating that gender equality for women and girls is indissolubly linked to a healthy sustainable environment. Going green is not just a choice, but an imperative. As Soroptimists and citizens of the world, I hope you will con- tinue to take responsibility in imple- menting good environmental projects because a sustainable and well-protected environment improves the lives of women and girls and facilitates access to education and empowerment.
Thank you for your enthusiasm and hard work. Your environmental projects have made a big difference for the lives of women and girls. Finally, Let’s talk, work and act green in our daily lives!