Soroptimist International South West Pacific

10 December is Human Rights Day.  We renew our commitment to upholding the universal principles of dignity, equality, and justice, recognizing that gender equality is fundamental to realizing human rights. Education, a powerful enabler of equality, remains out of reach for millions of women and girls worldwide. According to the 2024 UNESCAP report, limited access to education disproportionately affects women and perpetuates cycles of poverty and inequality, particularly in regions where cultural and systemic barriers restrict girls’ schooling.

Globally, over 129 million girls are out of school, according to the UN. The gender gap in education fuels disparities in employment opportunities, wages, and political representation. In the Asia-Pacific region, the intersection of poverty, rural living, and discrimination worsens this divide. Without urgent investment in education, we risk entrenching inequality for generations.

At the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on the Beijing+30 Review held in Bangkok from 19-21 November 2024, I had the privilege to represent Soroptimist International during the round table session titled : Advancing women’s economic empowerment through employment, decent work, social protection and entrepreneurship.

In its intervention statement, Soroptimist International highlighted its mission to empower girls through educational opportunities, vital to enabling them to pursue their ambitions – the first step towards women’s liberation.  Education is not only a fundamental human right but also a tool for breaking the cycle of poverty and fostering sustainable development.

“Educating a girl brings lifelong benefits: in adulthood, she is more likely to become financially independent, raise healthier children, gain community respect and seek help, if in an abusive relationship. So, we advocate for gender equality in schools to give girls an equal opportunity to succeed.

While the world has made significant strides in bridging the gender gap in education, crucial work remains to be done, especially in advancing this goal across the Global South. The high dropout rate among girls remains a critical issue, with many facing early marriage and increased risks of violence and abuse.

In 2019, one in five women married before 18. Raising the legal marriage age and keeping girls in school longer are key to reducing child marriage, exploitation and violence. A multifaceted approach is essential: policies should support retention, allowing girls to repeat a grade, if needed. Cultural perceptions of girls must shift, with Governments playing a key role in challenging gender stereotypes through campaigns, media and education. Building more schools in rural areas, ensuring such facilities as toilets, and employing more female teachers can make schools safer and more accessible for girls.”

Today, let us pledge to advocate for inclusive and equitable education systems.

✨ As we celebrate the joys of the season, let us carry forward the spirit of hope and renewal into the new year. May 2025 bring opportunities to empower, engage, and elevate ourselves and those around us. Together, let’s create a brighter and more inclusive future. Cheers to a year filled with happiness, growth, and success!

Joanne Yeoh

SISEAP President, 2024-2026

president.joanne@siseap.org

For years, we’ve celebrated October as Membership Month, but after thoughtful review, the Membership Team recognized that April presents a better opportunity to spark growth. By focusing on membership in April, clubs will have more time throughout the year to engage potential new members and expand our network.

That said, this October brings an exciting opportunity for Soroptimist International with the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) being held in Samoa. This event has given our Federation Membership Team a unique moment to reignite the spirit of SI Samoa. We owe a huge thanks to the 2022–2024 Federation Membership Team, led by Yvonne Simpson, for their incredible work in identifying dynamic, passionate women in Samoa who are poised to lead the club’s revitalization.

With global attention on Samoa’s efforts to strengthen community resilience, promote gender equality, and tackle critical issues like healthcare access, the timing couldn’t be more perfect. Adding to the significance is the visit of Soroptimist International President Siew Yong Gnanalingam to the SI Samoa Club, where she will officially launch SI Samoa’s latest groundbreaking initiative, the Savaii Mobile Clinic Project. This project aims to provide crucial healthcare services to remote areas, embodying our mission to improve lives.

For nearly 50 years, SI Samoa has been a beacon of hope, making a profound difference in the lives of women and girls through projects that champion health, education, and well-being. A few highlights include:

• School Scholarships – Empowering girls through education
• Water Tank Projects – Bringing clean water to communities in need
• Prosthetic Limbs for Amputees – Restoring independence and dignity
• Health Education Programs – Preventing illness and promoting wellness
• Support for the Children’s Ward at the local hospital
• The Twins and Triplets Support Program – Providing care and essentials during those critical early years of life

As SI Samoa proudly showcases its innovative project, led by a new wave of vibrant members, I am confident that we can grow the club’s membership and strengthen its impact even further. This is a golden opportunity for new potential members in Samoa to join our global movement – a movement of women dedicated to driving meaningful change.

Membership is the heartbeat of Soroptimist International. Through the power and passion of our members, we continue to empower women and girls, advocate for positive change, and create a lasting impact in our communities. The retention of our valued members is crucial to sustaining the important work we do. Whether you’ve just joined or have been with us for years, your contribution matters, and together, we are creating a ripple effect that transforms lives.

I encourage each of you to stay engaged, stay inspired, and continue on this incredible journey with us. Let’s also extend our reach by inviting others who share our vision. By growing our membership, we ensure that Soroptimist International remains a dynamic and impactful force for good.

Together, we are unstoppable!

Joanne Yeoh

SISEAP President, 2024-2026

swppresident2020@siswp.org

As we reflect on our achievements and look towards the future, it has become increasingly clear that enhancing our branding and visibility is vital to SISEAP’s continued success and growth. Despite its long history, SI is still not as well-known to the general public compared to other large international NGOs, hence the quote “SI is the best kept secret”.

Branding is more than just a logo or a tagline—it's the story we tell about who we are, what we stand for, and the impact we make. A strong brand helps us connect with the public, attract new members, and inspire donors to support our mission. It also ensures that when people think about gender equality and the empowerment of women, Soroptimist International is the first name that comes to mind.

In today's digital age, our brand is shaped largely by how we present ourselves online, particularly on social media. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn are not just tools for communication; they are powerful engines for engagement and advocacy. By leveraging these platforms effectively, we can reach a broader audience, share our stories more compellingly, and mobilize support on a larger scale.

Here are some of the ways you can help :

1. Be active and engaged:

• If you haven't already, follow our official SISEAP accounts on social media. Like, share, and comment on posts to help boost our visibility.
• Be active on your own region or club facebook or instagram.Social media is a great way to share the amazing work you're doing in your local communities. By showcasing your efforts, you contribute to the global narrative of our impact.
• Based on statistics compiled by the Communications Team, Facebook is the most popular social media platform in Australia (60% of users), Indonesia (45%), Malaysia (44%), New Zealand (58%).
• If possible, post press releases to the print media on projects, events and focus articles such as the latest article of the Edge Options (Malaysia) featuring our SI President, Siew Yong Gnanalingam “the first Asian President of Soroptimist International”

2. Use Consistent Branding:

When posting about Soroptimist activities, use our official logos, hashtags, and messaging guidelines. This consistency strengthens our brand and makes our presence more recognizable.

Access to SISEAP branding: 

3. Invite Others to Join:

Encourage friends, family, and colleagues to follow our social media pages and learn more about the work we do. Personal recommendations are powerful tools for expanding our network.

4. Participate in Online Campaigns:

We will be launching several online campaigns in the coming months. Your participation is crucial to their success. By engaging with these campaigns, you help amplify our voice and the important issues we address.

Together, we can enhance the visibility of Soroptimist International and ensure that our mission resonates with people around the world. Let’s work together to make our brand as powerful and impactful as the work we do.

Joanne Yeoh

SISEAP President, 2024-2026

swppresident2020@siswp.org