SI Voices

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 the centre of her advocacy, urging Soroptimists to act locally while thinking globally. One of her key initiatives has been raising awareness about the disproportionate impact of climate change on women and girls.  She now calls on Soroptimists around the world to help create a powerful legacy by submitting short video clips of the environmental work they are doing. Whether it's tree planting, recycling drives, or renewable energy projects—every contribution counts. The best clips will be featured in a special SI climate action video to be shared on 24 October, the International Day of Climate Action. Full video guidelines and submission details are available on the Soroptimist International website: www.soroptimistinternational.org. Let’s unite for our planet and let the world see what Soroptimists can do!

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 about CSocD63 (the Commission for Social Development). Maria outlines how the commission plays a key role in reviewing and promoting global social policies to improve well-being and achieve sustainable development.  She also references Soroptimist International's written statement on Social Development which was submitted to the UN Economic and Social Council.

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 girls who have encountered violence.  Our host, Dawn Marie Lemonds shares the contribution that Soroptimist International of the Americas (SIA) makes in supporting women and girls so that they can escape from domestic violence.  The 16 Days of Activism campaign, taking place from 25 November 25 to 10 December, focuses this year on the theme, 'Invest to Prevent Violence Against Women and Girls.' In this episode, Renata and Dawn Marie spotlight the efforts of Soroptimists worldwide in raising awareness about violence against women and girls while actively challenging harmful myths and misconceptions that perpetuate such behaviours.

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 these paths. Tune in for an inspiring conversation with Alice on breaking barriers in STEM.