“When we bring our expertise and resources together, we become a powerful force for progress”. UN Women
Soroptimist International is delighted to announce its membership of Women for Water Partnership (WfWP). Joining the partnership together with other influential organisations such as International Federation of Business and Professional Women (BPW), Women Environmental Programme (WEP), our own Soroptimist International of Europe and The Women and Labour Market Foundation, WfWP offers a unique partnership of women’s organisations and networks, uniting women in leadership.
SI in Action: In a funding partnership with SI New Zealand South Region, SI Lautoka, Fiji, provided a 5,300 litre water tank to Vuda District Primary School, resulting in a cleaner and healthier school environment through constant supply of drinking water and water to washrooms.
All 27 member organisations are rooted in society and are active in the areas of water, sanitation, sustainable development and women’s participation. WfWP’s vision is a water secure world in which women are heard and empowered to exercise their full potential to achieve equitable and sustainable development. WfWP’s mission is to position women as active leaders, experts, partners and agents of change to realise access to safe water for all – including gender responsive sanitation – for all use; thus contributing to all SDG’s, especially goal 5 (gender equality) & 6 (water).
With a vision to support women and girls to achieve their individual and collective potential, Soroptimist International transforms lives through its network of over 75,000 volunteer club members, in 133 countries and territories. Working at a local, national and international level, SI educates, empowers and enables opportunities for women and girls in order that they may realise aspirations, and have an equal voice in creating strong, peaceful communities worldwide.
SI in Action: SI Chennai provided safe and hygienic water to a school and village. One of the best reverse osmosis unit of 250 liters capacity of stainless steel with uv filter and ozonisation was installed in the government high school in Manjambakkam.
Yvonne Simpson, Soroptimist International President 2015-2017, proposed that SI join WfWP as a Partner. SI President Yvonne explains: “It is a natural fit for SI to be in partnership with other like-minded organisations which also serve the same Mission to transform the lives and status of women and girls, and embrace the Soroptimist theme of ‘Educate to Lead’. Together we strengthen our global voice for women in our work to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, especially to progress gender equality which intersects across all SDGs. The partnership brings added value to both organisations and therefore increases the capacity to advocate for more women in STEM careers : more scientists, engineers and leaders in technology. We need women in management; skilled women who will shape the future. Water and sanitation are recognised as critical factors that will impact on humanity in the future. SI and WfWP aim to have women in leadership roles to ensure women’s needs are addressed”.