Act Now!

The following are examples of the many ways local Soroptimist clubs are working to improve the lives of women and girls in local communities:

To combat poverty among single mothers, Soroptimists in Ibarra, Ecuador, created a skill development program for single mothers of children with disabilities. The program, which targeted 12 single mothers of physically disabled children, taught participants how to manufacture uniforms for doctors and nurses and provided small business development training to the women.

Recognizing that education is the key to economic independence, club members in Curitiba, Brazil, partnered with the Foundation for Social Action to generate work and income for women and girls in low-income areas. Women were taught to make handmade crafts and goods from recycled rubber, and then use the crafts to generate income.

The club in Lucena City, Philippines, implemented a project to renovate the Girl's Crisis Center, which provides shelter to 20 young girls, ages 3 to 14, who were abandoned by their parents. Many of the girls were homeless and begging on the streets, while others were victims of physical and sexual abuse. The club refurbished household furniture, and purchased new mattresses, bedding, clothing, hygiene supplies and computers for the facility.

In response to the need for better support services for domestic violence victims and their families, a Soroptimist club in Kagoshima, Japan, established a counseling center for victims of physical battering and emotional abuse. The center provides vital emotional counseling, as well as legal and criminal justice support services to victims of abuse.

To help disadvantaged girls in Taipei, Taiwan, strive for success, Soroptimists developed an after school tutoring program. The program emphasized math and English-language skills, and was offered to adolescent girls from aboriginal and low-income families. The classes provided skills training and development, and helped spark interest and excitement about education among the girls.

To combat the cycle of violence, the Soroptimist club in Solano, California, helped more than 50 children of domestic violence survivors foster communication and improve self esteem. In order to teach the children about healthy relationships and personal safety, the club brought in a board certified art therapist to a local domestic violence shelter. Art therapy, reading, writing and poetry were used to empower children and prevent aggression, build self-esteem and reduce stress.

Get Involved