IT IS a global volunteer movement which works together to help change the lives of women and girls. With around 72,000 members in 121 countries, their aim is to educate, empower and offer opportunities.
Dating back to 1921, the first Women’s Soroptimist Club began in the Ivy Room of the Oakland Hotel, Oakland, California.
Five years later the first Glasgow club formed and it has been making a difference to the lives and futures of women for 95 years.
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Their three main strands of raising awareness and advocacy still ring true today and while the causes may have changed as women’s place in the world has developed throughout those decades, the essence of what they do remains the same.
Later this year a virtual celebration will mark the milestone with online events planned in October.
Club members with donations of pots to help projects in the city
However, it is the members on the ground in towns and cities across the country who provide support and raise awareness of issues affecting women today.
The Glasgow City branch of the Soroptimists, formed in 2010 when three city clubs merged, is still going strong and during the pandemic found itself having to adapt but still reach out.
One initiative close to the members’ hearts is their involvement with Tomorrow’s Women Glasgow (TWG), a service which supports women in the criminal justice system.
“During the pandemic women were still being released from prison and coming into society, trying to build a life,” said Glasgow president Margaret Mowat. “However, in the pandemic it was difficult for them and through our support of TWG were were able to help with personal essential packs for someone - it could be as simple as a pair of pyjamas. It is the personal touch that matters and our members feel very connected to the project.
“It is through our advocacy role, though, where we can make a difference in helping to bring about change. Alternatives to prison has been the subject of many reports and how women are supported when they come out of jail. We compiled our own report on how we thought women could be helped and on several occasions have had meetings with Scottish Government justice ministers. It is at that kind of level we can raise these ongoing issues.”
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The club has been closely involved in the United Nations 16 Days of Activism campaign highlighting violence against women. Adopting the UN colour of orange, their lobbying has seen the Hydro venue illuminated in past years and this year they hope other buildings in the city could be lit up as well.
The SSE Hydro lit up in orange to mark 16 Days of Activism
Secretary Liz Jamieson explained how the 42 members adapted through lockdown and connected through Zoom for meetings and coffee mornings.
“For some of our members it has been a lonely and isolating time and we looked into Zoom meetings and people have bee able to come together for business meetings and a chat,” said Mrs Jamieson. “The pandemic has also affected our public fund raising events but we have still managed to raise some funds with online initiatives.”
Soroptimists are also involved in the climate change crisis and intend to plant trees to mark their centenary.
Mrs Mowat added: “We already have a tree with a plaque in Pollok Park but we are speaking to Glasgow City Council about another opportunity. We will also be planting a tree in Horatio’s Garden at the Spinal Unit of the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital a facility for patients and former patients to make use of.”
The Glasgow garden is one of many in hospital grounds funded by the charity set up in memory of Horatio Chapple. The 17-year-old was on a science trip with The British Exploring Society to Svalbard when he was killed when a polar bear attacked his camp. He acted with unfaltering courage and lost his life yet bided time for his friends to escape.
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