Soroptimist International of the

Soroptimist International of the

		Soroptimist International of the South West and Channel Islands Region

Programme Action

	Through partnerships, with a global network of members and using AWARENESS, ADVOCACY and ACTION Soroptimists work together at local, national and international level to create a better world for all by helping to improve the lives of women and children.


	At International level quadrennial themes are developed:

	2004 - 2007 Project Independence - Women Survivors of War	In partnership with Women for Women International, Soroptimists supported women in war-torn areas of Afghanistan, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Rwanda by raising $1.6 million. As well as training and developing new skills, women received financial support, which provided a family income during retraining, and grants toward setting up new businesses. Clubs in the region organized and participated in Women Walking for Women events. Individual Soroptimists were also matched with women on the programme, and then corresponded with them during their training.



	2007 -2011 Project Sierra	Project Sierra is a four year partnership between Soroptimist International and Hope and Homes for Children, which aims to raise over £1 million to transform the lives in Sierra Leone of some of the most deprived women and children in the world. Each of Project Sierra’s three elements – Young Mother Support, Children Living Alone and Integrated Child and Family Support - are pilot projects which will become replicable models of excellence in child protection and childcare. They will be shared with other NGOs in Sierra Leone and other developing and post-conflict countries. This will ensure that Project Sierra will benefit generations yet to come. www.projectSIerra.org


	Our Region South West and Channel Islands (SWCI) is part of Soroptimist International of Great Britain & Ireland (SIGBI) and as a Region we have worked together on a variety of projects proposed by incoming Regional Presidents.
	Last year we were raising awareness and funds for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, an organization particularly relevant in our coastal region. The picture shows our then President in action.
	In the UK clubs are working on the UKPAC flagship project against violence towards women and children, which includes addressing the issues of domestic abuse, rape, slavery, female genital mutilation, support for women’s refuges and providing safe houses for victims of sex trafficking. “Words Whisper, Actions Shout” 73^rd SIGBI conference theme at Harrogate 2007 Sue Heyes Regional Programme Action Chairman and UKPAC representative The UKPAC is a sub-committee of SIGBI www.soroptimist-ukpac.org