Soroptimist Workplace Campaign to End Domestic Violence

The Soroptimist Workplace Campaign to End Domestic Violence is an ongoing effort to raise awareness about a little addressed domestic violence issue: domestic violence as a workplace concern. The federation provides information and materials for clubs to use to participate in the program. The materials include copy-ready hot-line cards with the recommendation that clubs distribute them in women’s rest rooms in a workplace setting. The campaign takes place on November 25th, the International Day to Eliminate Violence against Women. SIA also offers Domestic Violence Workplace Guidelines, containing information and instructions for members and clubs to implement domestic violence policies in their workplaces.

Disaster Relief Fund

This fund provides grants to clubs and regions for relief work that benefits women and girls in areas affected by a natural disaster or acts of war. For the one year anniversary of the Tsunami disaster, SIA distributed $130,000 in disaster relief funds to The Center for Women’s Development and Research in India, Project Sri Lanka and Madre/INFORM Sri Lanka. Following Hurricane Katrina Soroptimist donated $10,000 to the American Red Cross and awarded the Louisiana Coalition against Domestic Violence an additional $10,000. After Hurricane Wilma, Soroptimist granted SI Naples, FL, USA $19,500 to aid PACE, a center for at-risk girls.

Making a Difference for Women

The region level winner goes on to compete at the federation level. The federation level woman receives $5000 donation to her favourite charitable organization and the winner will be invited to accept her award at the SIA biennial convention or other federation meeting.

Project Sierra: a Family and a Future

Our new Quadrennial Project from 2007 to 2011, Project Sierra: a Family and a Future, was launched at Convention in July 2007. The project will support women caring for children in extreme poverty and provide a caring secure family home for children who are alone or at risk of abandonment. Project location: Sierra Leone, West Africa. Our partner: Hope and Homes for Children.
For more information, visit the Quadrennial Project web site at
www.soroptimistinternational.org/html/quadrennial_project.html.

Project Independence

Project Independence: Women Survivors of War partners Soroptimist International with Women for Women International to help women in Rwanda, Afghanistan and Bosnia rebuild their lives following war and civil conflict. The project includes financial assistance, job and skills training and microcredit loans. For more information, visit the Project Independence web site at www.womenforwomen.org/projectindependence.

Project Five-O

This project was adopted by the International Board in 1980, and focuses on providing vocational training and employment for women in developing countries. Soroptimist International is one of five project partners, along with the International Federation of University Women, the International Council of Women, the International Federation of Business and Professional Women, and Zonta International.

December 10th Appeal

Every year, the Soroptimist International president appeals to all Soroptimists to make a small sacrifice and donate funds saved to a specially designated project that will assist women.

The President's Appeal for 2007 is Restorning Dignity. To help those women with fistulas who cannot be completely cured and need ongoing medical care. To encourage independence and improve the morale and self-esteem of the permanent residents of the Addis Ababa Fistula Hospital through the self-help rural village “Desta Mender". A fistula is an unnatural tear or hole between two organs. Obstructed labour can cause a fistula to the birth passage, bladder and sometimes, the rectum. As a result a woman leaks urine constantly. Fistula injuries are worse than death as the women experience rejection, separation, loneliness and shame. For more information, visit the President’s Annual December 10 Appeal.

Information, applications and instructions about the projects are available in the library of the member’s only section of the Soroptimist web site. To login go to www.soroptimist.org; click on Member Login (on the left); your username is your email address; your password is your member number which is a 6-digit number that can be found on your magazine label.

• Designing a club Mentoring Program
• Shelters: Beginning a Life without Violence
• Domestic Violence Action Projects: Strategies for Communities without Shelters
• Trafficking: Assisting Victims and Advocating for Change

SIA Materials

• Women’s Opportunity Awards Materials
• Violet Richardson Award Applications and Brochures

SI Materials

• Where We Stand: The Soroptimist Position
• A Global Voice for Women Brochure
• December 10th Appeal Brochure
• Project Independence Video/CD
• 2003-2007 Programme Focus Brochure
• Project Independence Brochure
• Building a Better World for Women Brochure