Dear Soroptimists and friends,

This is my final President’s Post: a personal message to you all.

The 2015 – 2017 biennium  is now over and the 2017 – 2019 biennium starts under the competent and dedicated leadership of Mariet Verhoef – Cohen.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the SI Board of Directors, the officers, staff, and post-holders for your dedication over the past two years. Together we have achieved a lot. It has been a successful biennium in our five key strategic priorities:

Advocacy

The team of UN Representatives has been strengthened in numbers and resources, and we have raised our profile at events and been a global voice for women through our written and oral statements.

Convention

We celebrated a successful 2015 Convention and planning for the 2019 Convention is well in hand.

Communications

The launch of a mobile and tablet friendly website to enhance our social media presence.

President’s Appeal – “Educate to Lead: Nepal”

It has surpassed our goal of funds to be raised and the numbers of women and girls educated, empowered or enabled through education, economic empowerment or leadership development.

Strategic Leadership

All manuals have been completed, the asset of the headquarters has been realised, the Centennial Celebrations Committee work has been completed, the Board has approved a Strategic Plan for 2016 -2019,  a restructure of the size and composition of the Board will commence 1 January 2018, and the SI Board has agreed to the strategic use of our resources. Our succession planning has been excellent with all posts filled in time for mentoring.

Soroptimist International is well placed to thrive.

I have met with Soroptimists around the world, been humbled by your friendship and hospitality, and am grateful for your willingness to serve our mission to transform the lives and status of women and girls.

My heartfelt thanks to you all.

Yvonne

Photo: SI President-Elect, Mariet Verhoef-Cohen 2017 – 2019 and SI President, Yvonne Simpson 2015 – 2017