Project Five-O

Soroptimist International became a member of Project Five-O when it was established in 1980 as a partnership of five international women’s organisations. Its aim was to help women in poor economic circumstances in developing countries by training them to acquire the necessary income-generating skills to alleviate poverty and improve their status.

After many years of deliberation and concerns expressed by Federations and clubs the SI Board made a decision in 2008 to withdraw from the FIVE-0 partnership. The reason for this decision included strains on financial and personnel resources.

Following this mandate International President Margaret Lobo prepared an exit strategy which included a proposal and discussion paper for the other FIVE-0 partners. One of SI’s main concerns was that money raised for projects (almost totally donated by SI) should only be used for projects.

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At the Annual International FIVE-0 Meeting on 27–28 February 2009, frank, open and positive conversations took place and the following conclusions were determined:

• SI is no longer a member of FIVE-O.

• SI is no longer a fund raising partner for FIVE-0: consequently donations will no longer be processed by Federations and SI.

• Remaining funds, approximately $100,000 USD will go to projects–primarily to existing projects’ support.

• SI encourages clubs and UN Reps to continue collaborative partnerships with other organizations including our Five-O partners.

• The SI Project Five-OLiaison will communicate with the clubs involved in FIVE-0 projects to ensure that the projects continue.

• SI clubs participating in local Five-0 projects are urged to continue their support.

• The following organizations will continue with Project FIVE-0 and retain the name Project FIVE-0: Business and Professional Women International, and International Council of Women. They are in the process of seeking other partners.

• The following organizations have also left Project FIVE-0 in addition to SI: Zonta International (effective June 2008) and International Federation of University Women (effective 28 February 2009)

• Soroptimist International will continue to provide transition support and assistance to the new leadership until the end of 2009 if necessary.

For an update on current projects or other inquiries please contact Elizabeth Hughes, SI Project FIVE-0 Liaison at project.five-o@soroptimistinternational.org