I am proud to accept the chain of office as President of the National Association of Soroptimist International Republic of Ireland. This chain carries a substantial history dating from 1966 when the Divisional Union of Soroptimist International of Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland (founded in 1932) decided to split because of the onerous workload of managing 32 clubs!  It was at this point we became the National Association of Soroptimist International Republic of Ireland.  A substantial number of our clubs existed as part the Divisional Union.

The 86th SIGBI Federation Virtual Conference has finished and I applaud the organisers who have had to move from the traditional format to a totally new method of Conference presentation in a matter of months. It was an outstanding conference. 

I wish to thank my friends, the members of SI Wexford, who nominated me 2 years ago for this position.  I am honoured and humbled to know they believed I could follow the footsteps of previous National Presidents.  A member of SI Wexford since 2012, I have worked with my club in promoting the principles of Soroptimism through our involvement in Programme Action, advocacy, friendship and raising awareness of issues affecting women and girls.  

I wish to thank President Catherine and the outgoing members of the National Executive for leading us in into uncharted waters with the advent of the Covid-19 pandemic.  How our ways of doing business have changed in a few short months.

Stay Connected
My theme for the year is ‘Stay Connected’.  During the summer as I reflected on a theme for my year I began to understand my  most important objective would be to encourage clubs to continue functioning, club members to look out  for one another and keep our focus on programme action.   As the current extremely strict Covid-19 restrictions continue we are getting used to the new normal.   Unfortunately, this is not going to finish in the immediate future.

My objective is well underway.  I would like to compliment each club for successfully mastering technology and holding their ‘online’ AGM and meetings.   Please continue to have your club meetings – it is important we maintain contact with one another and keep the focus on plans for programme action. It is important also to keep up the social contact – many clubs have ‘social online gatherings’ e.g. afternoon tea etc.   I know we all miss the ‘face to face’ contact and it will be great when we can meet again – it will happen!

In the meantime, take advantage of the Soroptimist  websites and the links  to view the Soroptimist activity at United Nations and the  many online webinars available – Soroptimist Internationals webinars based on the International President’s appeal ‘The Road to Equality’ have been attended by members from across the globe who log in despite the big time differences.
 
www.soroptimistinternationl.org    www.sigbi.org  www.nwci.ie    www.unwomen.org

Mary Kerr,
National President Soroptimist International Republic of Ireland

I am the new President of Soroptimist International of Great Britain & Ireland Federation. What a privilege and honour it is to be the President especially in our 100th year.

My theme for the year is “Believe to Achieve”.  This has been my mantra in my 45 years in education, every child has the potential to do great things. We must give them every opportunity to achieve their aspirations. Let me tell you a short story – Mark was a very good runner and on Sport’s Day he took part in the Marathon – twice round the school field. At the age of 10 he was running the final leg of the field on his own. What potential! In discussion with his parents we arranged for him to join a local Running Club. His final achievement was to represent Great Britain in the Olympics – from small beginnings and a belief that he could achieve. Our chance to Educate, Enable and Empower girls has never been more important.

We must “Build Back Better” if we are to have bright future. Our work with the 17 Sustainable Goals must influence all our Programme work, our focus must be to redress the balance for women and girls around the globe. Gender related violence placing women and girls at risk has escalated since March. It does not help that many women continue to be confined with their abusers, whilst resources and support services are redirected. (read Johanna M Raffan's full article >>)

These amazing women will be ‘Celebrated’ by publishing their biographies on Wikipedia,  clearly noting prominently in the piece that they are/were members of Soroptimist International. 

Clubs from ROI have made suggestions for past and present members to join this elite group; Five have reached  the shortlist and we are delighted to show them below:

Judith Ironside, SI Ennis & District, is among the women selected for the second month of this promotion. 

Anne Kavanagh, SI Dublin, who is among the women selected for the third month of the centenary list.