As her biennium comes to an end on 31 December, Soroptimist International President Siew Yong Gnanalingam shares a heartfelt farewell and thank you to Soroptimists around the world. In this special podcast episode, she reflects on her journey as President, the countries she has travelled to, the inspiring Soroptimists and partners she has met, and the lessons she has learned along the way. It is a warm and thoughtful look back at two years of service, connection and global impact.

In this powerful episode of SI Voices, Soroptimist International speaks with Dr. Kay Linnell OBE and Barbara Jeremiah, two remarkable advocates who played a pivotal role in supporting sub-postmasters devastated by the Horizon Post Office scandal. They share how they helped victims unite, challenge wrongful convictions, and seek justice after enduring financial ruin, shattered reputations, and life-changing criminal charges. As dedicated Soroptimists, both felt compelled to advocate and act, u...

In the latest episode of SI Voices, host Hilary Ratcliffe welcomes Bev Bucur, Soroptimist International’s Advocacy Advisor, to discuss why education is one of the organisation’s five pillars of advocacy. Bev explains that education is a powerful driver of equality, empowering women and girls to achieve their potential and create lasting change within their communities. Yet, many still face barriers such as poverty, cultural norms, and lack of resources, especially for periods. Bev highlights...

In the latest SI Voices podcast, host Hilary Ratcliffe speaks with Connie Mutunhu, former President of Soroptimist International Africa Federation (SIAF), about efforts to raise awareness of cervical cancer and expand access to the HPV vaccine for girls across Africa. Statistics provided by the World Health Organisation (WHO) state that cervical cancer is the second most diagnosed cancer and the second leading cause of cancer deaths among women in Africa. Each year, around 80,000 women are di...

In this inspiring podcast episode, Soroptimist International President Siew Yong Gnanalingam shares her deep personal connection to the environment and why protecting Mother Earth is so close to her heart. She reflects on growing up surrounded by nature and how that shaped her values and commitment to sustainability. At home, she takes small but meaningful actions—like reducing plastic use and conserving energy—to live more mindfully. As SI President, she has placed climate change at th...

In this episode, our host Dawn Marie Lemonds interviews Maria Fornella-Oehninger, SI UN Representative in New York, on social development. Maria explains that social development improves well-being by enhancing quality of life, opportunities, and social structures. It promotes education, gender equality, healthcare, and economic growth, aiming for a fair and inclusive society. Maria elaborates on the barriers to social development and the role that advocacy can play. She also speaks abo...

In this episode of SI Voices, Gillie O'Rourke, Chair of Soroptimist International Foundation shares insights on current, past, and upcoming projects that empower women and girls worldwide. Gillie highlights the impact of these initiatives and calls for support through donations to continue driving change. Tune in to hear how you can be part of this mission!

In the latest SI Voices podcast episode, we highlight the 16 Days of Activism campaign, a world wide initiative to raise awareness of violence against women and girls. We speak to Renata Trottmann Probst, a Swiss Soroptimist, SI President Elect and former President of Soroptimist International of Europe (SIE). Renata is passionate about the welfare of women and girls, including their safety and wellbeing. In this episode she reflects on what SIE has achieved in helping women and ...

In this episode of SI Voices, we highlight International Day of the Girl Child and feature Alice Paola Pomè, an Italian Soroptimist, engineer, and member of the Soroptimist International Youth Forum. Alice shares her experiences as a woman in STEM, particularly in the male-dominated construction industry. This episode focuses on the under-representation of girls in STEM learning—science, technology, engineering, and mathematics—and explores how we can encourage more girls to pursue thes...

In this episode of SI Voices, host Dawn Marie Lemonds engages with Mary Muia and Shaleen Wanjiru, SI Representatives to the United Nations, to discuss the critical role of women in leading sustainable change amidst the climate crisis. The conversation highlights the disproportionate impact of climate change on women and girls, particularly in Africa, and explores the health and mental health challenges they face. The speakers emphasize the importance of women's leadership in climate action an...