b'100 year anniversary The Soroptimist response to Disaster Relief was highlighted as we heard from Japanese In 2021 Soroptimist International (SI) celebratedSoroptimists who gave a moving thank you its Bright Past, Brilliant Future across the globevideo for support shown following the Tsunami through Club, Region, Union, and Federation causing so much devastation and loss of events, culminating in a global celebrationlife. Soroptimists were told of a subsequent hosted by Soroptimist International.project that focused on educating girls who had lost their parents, ensuring they were able to With thousands joining us online, for many, thiscomplete their high school education. was the first time the history of SI had beenWe heard of the housing challenges faced seen and the remarkable stories heard. The workby women, and how a club began investing achieved in the run up to the event - gatheringin housing at its inception in 1926; now and recording so many special moments, willcommencing a $60 million housing project, now be available for future generations to come. built by women for women, with over 100 units The global event opened with a traditionalof affordable housing in Vancouver, a place candle ceremony live in a studio in Seattle,so many women find themselves at risk of Washington, and members joined us virtuallyhomelessness, due to rising rents.from all five Federations, sharing photographs and videos, lighting their own candles and raising a glass to celebrate 100 years.We heard from Linabelle Villarica in the Philippines, who spoke of the leadership she had learned, and it was fun to see Past SIE President, Renata Trottmann Probst, travel through time as a Soroptimist! The creativity brought forward by many was excellent.We introduced past SI Presidents and welcomed our incoming President, Maureen Maguire. We revisited Quadrennial Projects and each of our SI Presidents Appeals, hearing from the Presidents of the time, and others, seeing the stories through their own eyes - a wonderful tribute to their legacy!Friends and dignitaries from far and wide shared video greetings - from partners to non-governmental organisations, to United Nations officials, and those from the political world, and more. All Federation Presidents delivered important messages, and shared celebratory activity taking place within their Federation to mark this significant occasion. Inspiring keynote speakers joined us by video, or in person, providing context on key themes and significant issues affecting women and girls. Kim Bogucki spoke on the prison system and the challenges faced by women incarcerated. We heard from the Union of Italy and the Philippines Region where country-wide projects help women navigate the justice system in innovative ways. soroptimistinternational.org 15'