SI Voices

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 a remarkable project in Cameroon, where her Club supports girls in a remote jungle region. The initiative focuses on changing community mindsets to encourage families to send their daughters to school. Alongside awareness efforts, the project provides school uniforms, sanitary products and access to education that leads to vocational training—giving girls the tools for independence and self-reliance. Through such projects, Soroptimists around the world work to remove obstacles to education, ensuring that every woman and girl can learn, thrive, and contribute to their communities.

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 diagnosed and 77,000 die—figures WHO calls unnecessarily high. To address this crisis, SIAF together with the Soroptimist International Clubs of Nairobi Central and Dubai Gulf (SIE), 'The Room', and the UN Health4Life Fund—has launched 'Let’s Chat', an AI-powered digital tool that connects users with trusted health experts for personalised conversations. This is a long-term, large-scale public awareness programme. SIAF is working to establish mobile health clinics to reach underserved rural communities, while also producing leaflets in multiple languages and using social media to spread accurate information. Their efforts aim to dispel persistent myths—such as the false belief that the HPV vaccine causes infertility—which discourage families from vaccinating their daughters. Connie highlighted both the progress already made and SIAF’s intention to build partnerships with Soroptimist Clubs outside Africa to strengthen ongoing efforts to prevent cervical cancer.

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!