About Us
About Us
Soroptimist International is a global movement of over 65000 women, with members belonging to more than 3,000 clubs in 120 countries/territories across five federations.
Members of Clubs represent a wide range of occupations, talents and interests. The theme “Soroptimists – Educate to lead” with a focus to “Educate, Empower, Enable” provides opportunities for members to improve the lives of women and girls worldwide.
Through international partnerships and a global network of members, Soroptimists inspire action and create opportunities to transform the lives of women and girls by advocating for equity and equality; creating safe and healthy environments; increasing access to education; and developing leadership and practical skills for a sustainable future.
For further information about the Soroptimist movement visit the website for the Federation of South East Asia and Pacific: https://siseap.org
The Soroptimist International Brisbane Water club meets monthly on the NSW Central Coast and has been active in community service in the local area since 2006. We currently have a membership of 25 women dedicated to implementing initiatives and advocacy to improve the lives of women and girls.
In 2020, we partnered with third year social work students at the University of Newcastle, Ourimbah Campus, under the tutelage of Associate Professor Wendy Foote, to design the seven-week ASPIRE program to support girls who may have low self-esteem, come from socially disadvantaged backgrounds, or who may be disengaged from learning. The program has since been extensively trialled at Wadalba Community School by counsellors from YFC Care. Our aim is to introduce this program to all local secondary schools and to provide financial support to the value of $500 per year to Central Coast public schools for its implementation.
As well as The Aspire Program, our current programs include:
- Providing support to The Glen for Women, a local Aboriginal drug and alcohol Rehabilitation Centre
- Providing personal care packs for patients in mental health units at Gosford and Wyong Hospital
- Advocating with local politicians on issues involving women, including coercive control legislation and housing for older women
- Implementing a personal carbon footprint program encouraging a greater awareness of environmental issues
- Participating in the 16 Days of Activism against Domestic Violence activities.