Dear Soroptimists,
As we begin a new year, I would like to extend my warmest wishes to each of you. May the year ahead bring you health, strength, and renewed confidence in the value of our shared commitment. I am honoured to address you at the start of this new chapter and to work with you as President of Soroptimist International of Europe.
We enter this year at a time of considerable global and societal unrest. Across Europe and beyond, women’s rights are under pressure, democratic values are being challenged, and hard-won progress can no longer be taken for granted. In such times, Soroptimist’s role is both clear and essential. Our strategy provides direction and focus, centred on three enduring priorities: increasing our impact, strengthening our visibility, and growing our membership. These priorities reflect not only what we do, but who we are — a committed, professional community determined to make a difference for women and girls.
A key milestone this year will be our Empowerment Days in late January, which will bring together leaders and participants from across our Federation. These days are designed to build shared understanding of our strategic direction, to strengthen leadership and alignment, and to support each other in turning values into action.
Another important moment will be International Women’s Day. Our claim, “Why it matters”, speaks for itself. It matters now more than ever that Soroptimist is THE voice for women’s rights — informed, credible, and consistent — at a time when equality is increasingly contested.
Our commitment to advocacy will also be visible through our participation in the Commission on the Status of Women. Alongside those attending in person, we will for the first time have a strong virtual group of participants, enabling wider involvement across our Unions. Please watch out for related webinars and briefings, which will allow many more members to follow and engage with the discussions.
Crucially, participation is only the beginning. All participants will be asked to share their experiences within their Unions and to develop an action plan on how the knowledge gained and the Agreed Conclusions can be applied nationally and locally.
Another valuable opportunity to meet in person will be the Governors’ Meeting in Riga, taking place from 23rd to the 25th of October. I very much look forward to meeting many of you there and to continuing our exchange face-to-face.
Soroptimist’s strength lies in informed engagement, solidarity, advocacy, and action. As we move into this new year, let us remain united, confident, and purposeful — and continue to make our collective voice heard where it matters most.
With warm wishes for the year ahead,
Sabine Reimann
SIE President 2026-2027