Soroptimist International of the

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Soroptimist International of the

South West and Channel Islands Region
 

 

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United Nations - Economic and Social Council  (ECOSOC)

In 1950 Soroptimist International joined the roster of organisations making a useful contribution to ECOSOC work and entitled to submit reports to Council meetings.

By 1984 we attained Category 1 Consultative status, the only women's service organisation to do so.

It is through work at Club level that we maintain our national and international influence.
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Soroptimist International has direct access to the United Nations and has permanent representatives in New York, Geneva, Vienna and Paris (12 in all).

  

 

    
     
We have accreditation with:
  • UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)
  • UN Environment Programme (UNEP)
  • UN Development Organisation (UNIDO)
  • UN Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) 
  • Food and Agricultural Organisation (FAO)
  • International Labour Organisation (ILO) Special List
  • World Health Organisation (WHO) - Official Relations
We were elected a member of the NGO Council for 1998 - 2001 which makes decisions concerning the basic orientation of UNESCO for 2000 - 2010.

 
We are represented on many NGO Committees including
  • The Status of Women Commission
  • The Human Rights Commission

Soroptimist International has worked with UN International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) on many projects using both funds and expertise. For example: provision of medical boats for the Maldives, and arranging safe water for villages in Senegal.

Soroptimist International, as a principal NGO at the United Nations, was instrumental in campaigning for the abolition of landmines - which resulted in the Ottawa Treaty, signed by over 100 countries.

Project Five-O

This is a co-operative venture between 5 international women's organisations to provide vocational training for women and girls in poor economic circumstances in developing countries.
Members are:

  • Soroptimist International

  • International Council of Women
  • International Federation of Business and Professional Women
  • International Federation of University Women
  • Zonta International
Approved local projects receive initial and follow-up funding and aim at self-sufficiency within 5 years.
There have been successful local projects in Bangladesh, Brazil, India, Madagascar, Mexico, Nepal, Nigeria, the Philippines, Senegal, South Africa, Thailand, Western Samoa and Zimbabwe.

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