SI Voices artwork

SI Voices

41 episodes - English - Latest episode: almost 2 years ago - ★★★★★ - 6 ratings

SI Voices is a series of podcasts and webinars delivered by Soroptimist International, a global organisation with a network of more than 70,000 members in 121 countries around the world. SI Voices is a space to promote the voices of women and girls.

Society & Culture History women human rights sdgs women's rights equality gender equality girls' rights feminism
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Episodes

Gender and Climate: In Conversation with Katie Tobin

May 05, 2022 13:00 - 18 minutes - 12.9 MB

Hannah Aguis, SI Advocacy Co-ordinator talks to Katie Tobin, Senior Programme Manager at Women's Environment and Development Organization, about the empowerment of women and girls in the context of climate change. Looking at high-level and grassroots actions and solutions. Further information on the Feminist Action Nexus for Economic and Climate Justice

Opening Doors to a Bright Future: In Conversation with SI President-Elect, Maureen Maguire

December 20, 2021 11:00 - 21 minutes - 14.7 MB

In the final episode of SI Voices of 2021, we are joined by Dawn Marie Lemonds and SI President-Elect, Maureen Maguire. They chat about Maureen's life growing up in Northern Ireland, all the way through her Soroptimist career, and the journey that has led her to become the next SI President.  Find out more about the 'Opening Doors' President Appeal, 2021 - 2023 at our website: https://www.soroptimistinternational.org/openingdoors

SI President Sharon Fisher: Reflections on the Road to Equality 2019 - 2021

December 06, 2021 14:00 - 15 minutes - 11 MB

Hosted by Sue Riney, in this episode of SI Voices, Sharon Fisher reflects on her 2019-2021 presidency that saw unexpected turns and wonderful achievements in her 'Road to Equality' Appeal. She talks about what it meant for her to lead the organisation's centenary, as well as how she pivoted SI's approach and project work in the midst of a global pandemic.

SI President Sharon Fisher: Reflections on the Road to Equality 2019 - 2021

December 06, 2021 14:00 - 15 minutes - 11 MB

Hosted by Sue Riney, in this episode of SI Voices, Sharon Fisher reflects on her 2019-2021 presidency that saw unexpected turns and wonderful achievements in her 'Road to Equality' Appeal. She talks about what it meant for her to lead the organisation's centenary, as well as how she pivoted SI's approach and project work in the midst of a global pandemic.

An Intergenerational Conversation: Making Space for Youth Leaders

November 17, 2021 15:00 - 9 minutes - 6.75 MB

In this episode of SI Voices, SI President Sharon Fisher is joined by human rights lawyer, Ayushi Kundu from Calcutta, India. Ayushi holds many leadership roles within Soroptimist International at both local and global level, and also is part of the UNESCO NGO Liaison Committee. They discuss the value in having an intergenerational dialogue, as well as empowering young leaders supported by more experienced advocates, progressing together towards a more gender equal and sustainable future.

Understanding Menstrual Poverty with Young Soroptimists

November 10, 2021 10:00 - 14 minutes - 10 MB

In this episode of SI Voices, Kathy Kaaf is joined by Sophie Muijrers and Eveline Verbeek, two members of the new Young Soroptimist Club Amsterdam, officially chartered in 2021. They talk about their first club project,  focused on breaking taboos and tackling menstrual poverty in the Netherlands,  sharing what they learnt and their hopes for the future.

Understanding Menstrual Poverty with the Young Soroptimist Club Amsterdam

November 10, 2021 10:00 - 14 minutes - 10 MB

In this episode of SI Voices, Kathy Kaaf is joined by Sophie Muijrers and Eveline Verbeek, two members of the new Young Soroptimist Club Amsterdam, officially chartered in 2021. They talk about their first club project,  focused on breaking taboos and tackling menstrual poverty in the Netherlands,  sharing what they learnt and their hopes for the future.

Meet the Presidents: Kazuko Morita of SIA

October 19, 2021 11:00 - 15 minutes - 10.8 MB

In this episode of SI Voices, Dawn Marie Lemonds is joined by President of Soroptimist International of the Americas, Kazuko Morita in Kyoto, Japan. Kazuko shares her Soroptimist journey, led by her passion for promoting gender equity and international goodwill, and reveals her exciting plans for SIA. 

Meet the Presidents: Cathy Cottridge of SIGBI

September 27, 2021 12:00 - 15 minutes - 10.8 MB

In this episode of SI Voices, host Hilary Ratcliffe talks to Cathy Cottridge, the President of Soroptimist International of Great Britain and Ireland, as they discuss how Soroptimists continue to be at the forefront of change. Together, they also pay tribute to the late SIGBI President, Johanna Raffan,  remembering her steadfast determination to make the world a better place for women and girls. 

Meet the Presidents: Connie Mutunhu of SIAF

September 14, 2021 12:00 - 15 minutes - 10.8 MB

In this episode of SI Voices, International President Sharon Fisher talks to Connie Mutunhu, the President of Soroptimist International Africa Federation. They celebrate and reflect on the first year of the Africa Federation in action, and share hopes for what the future for women and girls  looks like. 

Meet the Presidents: Suman Lal of SISWP

August 25, 2021 15:00 - 10 minutes - 7 MB

In this episode of SI Voices, we chat to Suman Lal, the 2019-2021 President of Soroptimist International of the South West Pacific. Alongside host Liz Batten, Suman discusses the momentous project of 'See Solar,  Cook Solar', as well as the challenges that women and girls face in Fiji and beyond. Find out more about  the 2013-2015 President's Appeal, 'See Solar, Cook Solar' here: https://www.soroptimistinternational.org/flipbooks/si-see-solar-cook-solar

Meet the Presidents: Anna Wszelaczyńska of SIE

August 13, 2021 13:00 - 15 minutes - 10.4 MB

Hosted by Kathy Kaaf, this episode of SI Voices journeys through the Soroptimist career of  Anna Wszelaczyńska, the 2019-2021 President of Soroptimist International of Europe. Anna talks about how things have changed for women in Poland post-Communism, and shares how the SIE Federation have adapted project work in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Ending Human Trafficking: Victims' Voices Lead the Way

August 04, 2021 14:00 - 20 minutes - 13.9 MB

In this episode of SI Voices, host Dawn Marie Lemonds is joined by Dr. Sandra Morgan, Director of the Global Centre for Women and Justice. We know that survivor stories are hugely important, highlighted by the UN's theme this year for the World Day Against in Trafficking in Persons: Victims' Voices Lead the Way. Sandra talks about “ethical storytelling”, which encourages every person and organisation to develop values-based goals that puts the human rights and voice of survivors at the centr...

Zero Hunger: Tackling Food and Water Insecurity in Sarawak & Sabah, Malaysia

July 14, 2021 14:00 - 17 minutes - 12.2 MB

Kathy Kaaf is in conversation with Joanne Yeoh, of Soroptimist International of the South West Pacific,  discussing the progressive project ‘Clean Water for Rural Communities’ in Sarawak and Sabah on the island of Borneo, tackling food and water insecurity, and empowering women through skills training and leadership opportunities.   Find out more about the project, part of the Women, Water & Leadership 2017-19 President's Appeal at: https://www.soroptimistinternational.org/clean-water-for-ru...

Zero Hunger: Tackling food and water insecurity in rural villages in Peninsular Malaysia

July 14, 2021 14:00 - 17 minutes - 12.2 MB

Kathy Kaaf is in conversation with Joanne Yeoh, of Soroptimist International of the South West Pacific,  discussing the progressive project ‘Clean Water for Rural Communities’ in Sarawak and Sabah on the island of Borneo, tackling food and water insecurity, and empowering women through skills training and leadership opportunities. Find out more about the project, part of the Women, Water & Leadership 2017-19 President's Appeal at: https://www.soroptimistinternational.org/clean-water-for-rur...

Ending Forced Marriage on the Road to Equality

June 22, 2021 12:00 - 18 minutes - 12.8 MB

In this episode of SI Voices, we discuss the topic of forced marriage and honour-based violence. Sarb shares her personal experience, and we hear about what she does now campaigning to support other women and girls in the UK, through the organisation she founded in 2015 called True Honour.  Sarb’s book titled, ‘Shamed: The Honour Killing That Shocked Britain - By the Sister Who Fought for Justice’ can be found online or at most major UK bookstores. Find out more about True Honour on their w...

The Rights of Older Women with Frances Zainoeddin

June 08, 2021 09:00 - 17 minutes - 11.9 MB

In this episode of SI Voices, host Sue Riney speaks to SI United Nations Representative and Vice-Chair of NGO Committee on Ageing, Frances Zainoeddin. They talk about how older women are often discriminated against in society and in policy, and offer a way forward where women of all ages are included in the fight for gender equality.  Check out Frances' article discussing Older Women on the Road to Equality here: https://www.soroptimistinternational.org/older-women-on-the-si-road-to-equalit...

The Rights of Older Women with Frances Zainoeddin

June 08, 2021 09:00 - 17 minutes - 11.9 MB

In this episode of SI Voices, host Sue Riney speaks to SI United Nations Representative and Vice-Chair of NGO Committee on Ageing, Frances Zainoeddin. They talk about how older women are often discriminated against in society and in policy, and offer a way forward where women of all ages are included in the fight for gender equality.  Check out Frances' article discussing Older Women on the Road to Equality here: https://www.soroptimistinternational.org/older-women-on-the-si-road-to-equalit...

Raising Awareness on FGM: In Conversation with Beryl Magoko

May 24, 2021 13:00 - 15 minutes - 10.9 MB

*Trigger warning - includes discussion of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM)* In this episode of SI Voices, host Kathy Kaaf is joined by Beryl Magoko, a Kenyan filmmaker and  campaigner against FGM.  Beryl shares with us how she used filmmaking as a way to tell her own story and raise awareness of the realities of FGM.

Women, Water, and Leadership: In Conversation with SI Past President, Mariet Verhoef-Cohen

May 11, 2021 10:00 - 19 minutes - 13.6 MB

In this episode of SI Voices, host Dawn Marie Lemonds talks to SI Past President (2017-19) Mariet Verhoef-Cohen about the intrinsic link between women and water. They discuss the importance of women's full participation in policies and programmes, and why investment and the development of leadership skills in women is key to a more sustainable future. 

The Hidden Pandemic: Tackling the Issue of Domestic Violence with Nisha Ghosh

April 26, 2021 10:00 - 16 minutes - 11.1 MB

In this episode of SI Voices, host Hilary Ratcliffe OBE invites Nisha Ghosh of Soroptimist International Pune Metro East, India, to talk about the important issue of domestic violence. Nisha shares her personal story and how that led to her to be an advocate for women's rights, promoting the importance of including men and boys in the conversation about gender equality.

Women and Health: In Conversation with Past International President, Jane Zimmerman

April 19, 2021 12:00 - 16 minutes - 11.4 MB

Women's health is a big topic right now, and in this episode of SI Voices, Liz Batten welcomes past Soroptimist International President, Jane Zimmerman from Tasmania, to reflect on Jane's medical career and her time working with the Flying Doctors. More than 10,000 miles apart, they share their experiences during the pandemic and talk about the participation and important role of women in the fight for better, more inclusive health systems. Have you heard about our 100th Birthday Event? Che...

CSW65: In Conversation with Bette Levy, SI United Nations New York Representative

March 25, 2021 15:00 - 28 minutes - 19.7 MB

Recorded over the weekend between week one and week two of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW65), in this episode of SI Voices, host Francesca Fletcher Williams is joined by SI United Nations Representative, New York, Bette Levy, as they talk advocacy, civil society and Soroptimist action, and the importance of the negotiations during the CSW. Catch up with all the blogs written during CSW at: https://www.soroptimistinternational.org/advocacy/commission-on-the-status-of-women/csw65/

SI President Sharon Fisher Announces the Soroptimist International 100th Birthday Event

March 08, 2021 13:00 - 14 minutes - 9.86 MB

In this episode, host Allie Liu chats to SI President Sharon Fisher on International Women's Day (IWD) about Soroptimist International's 100th year.  Sharon also talks about what IWD means to her, and discusses the events taking place at the 65th Session of Commission on the Status of Women (CSW65). Early bird ticket registration for the SI 100th Birthday Event is to be launched later in March. Please regularly check our website for updates: www.soroptimistinternational.org/members-area/100...

Soroptimists at the Fourth World Conference on Women, Beijing 1995, with Patsy Daniels

February 23, 2021 15:00 - 29 minutes - 20 MB

In this episode of SI Voices, host Dawn Marie Lemonds and Past SI President 1995-97, Patsy Daniels, take a trip down memory lane, reliving their experiences at the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing. They discuss their personal highlights and the resulting outcome document, the Beijing Platform for Action, still considered the most comprehensive global blueprint for gender equality; paving the way towards #GenerationEquality. To read more from Dawn Marie and Patsy about SI's work a...

In conversation with Heide Stefanyshyn-Piper: STEM Education for Girls

January 27, 2021 10:00 - 24 minutes - 16.8 MB

In this episode of SI Voices, host Sue Riney chats to U.S. Navy Captain, former NASA astronaut and Soroptimist, Heide Stefanyshyn-Piper, about her remarkable life and career highlights. Drawing on Heide's experience in the field, and her current work doing school talks and workshops, they discuss the importance of STEM and STEAM education for girls. 

STEM Education for Girls: In conversation with Heide Stefanyshyn-Piper

January 27, 2021 10:00 - 24 minutes - 16.8 MB

In this episode of SI Voices, host Sue Riney chats to U.S. Navy Captain, former NASA astronaut and Soroptimist, Heide Stefanyshyn-Piper, about her remarkable life and career highlights. Drawing on Heide's experience in the field, and her current work doing school talks and workshops, they discuss the importance of STEM and STEAM education for girls. 

Soroptimist International at the United Nations

January 12, 2021 11:00 - 16 minutes - 11.7 MB

This episode of SI Voices highlights the importance of international service and reveals how SI works alongside the United Nations. Host Hilary Ratcliffe is joined by SI Advocacy Advisors for 2020 - 2021, Linda Witong and Pat Black, as they share their personal stories of using their voices and expertise to help influence policies and decisions. Listen in to find out how SI has made a real impact on the lives of women and girls across the world through our work at the UN. To find out more a...

Every Action Makes a Difference

December 18, 2020 11:00 - 24 minutes - 17 MB

This episode of SI Voices joins Beverly Bucur, Soroptimist International (SI) Advocacy Director, and Soroptimist Hilary Ratcliffe, OBE. Bev and Hilary talk candidly of their passion, and personal journey's towards becoming Soroptimists - sharing stories of past work at the grassroots level, and reflecting on what compelled them to take on roles at SI at the international level. The conversation explores the fundamentals of advocating in the international arena, and how this work may change a...

Every Action Makes a Difference: In Conversation with Bev Bucur

December 18, 2020 11:00 - 24 minutes - 17 MB

This episode of SI Voices joins Beverly Bucur, Soroptimist International (SI) Advocacy Director, and Soroptimist Hilary Ratcliffe, OBE. Bev and Hilary talk candidly of their passion, and personal journey's towards becoming Soroptimists - sharing stories of past work at the grassroots level, and reflecting on what compelled them to take on roles at SI at the international level. The conversation explores the fundamentals of advocating in the international arena, and how this work may change a...

The Next Steps on the Road to Equality

December 07, 2020 15:00 - 18 minutes - 12.8 MB

This episode of SI Voices welcomes Ayushi Kundu and Olga Sidenko, the Coordinators of the 2019-21 Soroptimist International President's Appeal, the Road to Equality. Sue Riney poses the questions and Ayushi and Olga identify the six topics of the current President's Appeal, talking partnerships, and the latest project working with the Lugari Community Centre, and Youth Leadership Training programme, in Kenya. To  find out more about the Road to Equality and its topics and to donate to the Ap...

SI President's Appeal: The Next Steps on the Road to Equality

December 07, 2020 15:00 - 18 minutes - 12.8 MB

This episode of SI Voices welcomes Ayushi Kundu and Olga Sidenko, the Coordinators of the 2019-21 Soroptimist International President's Appeal, the Road to Equality. Sue Riney poses the questions and Ayushi and Olga identify the six topics of the current President's Appeal, talking partnerships, and the latest project working with the Lugari Community Centre, and Youth Leadership Training programme, in Kenya. To  find out more about the Road to Equality and its topics and to donate to the Ap...

Soroptimist Pioneers: Suzanne Noël and Jeannine Jacquemin

November 23, 2020 15:00 - 15 minutes - 10.9 MB

In this episode we join Kathy Kaaf, as she takes us through the life stories of two pioneering Soroptimists, Suzanne Noël and Jeannine Jacquemin, both French Medical Doctors. Kathy is joined by guests, President of Soroptimist International of Europe 2017-2019, Renata Trottman Probst, and past Soroptimist InternationaI President, Marie-Jeanne Bosia-Berberat, who help chronicle the legacy of these two change-making, and highly regarded Soroptimists in Europe.

Women Creating a Greener, Sustainable Future: In Conversation with Mary Muia

November 09, 2020 12:00 - 14 minutes - 10.1 MB

In this episode, Soroptimist Liz Batten is joined by Mary Muia, SI United Nations Representative in Nairobi, as they explore the link between Soroptimist International (SI) and the environment, throughout the organisation's 100 years history. Listen in as Mary shares her expertise in developing sustainable solutions to tackle climate change, with women in mind.  More information @ https://www.soroptimistinternational.org/its-in-the-trees/

Women Creating a Greener, Sustainable Future

November 09, 2020 12:00 - 14 minutes - 10.1 MB

In this episode, Soroptimist Liz Batten is joined by Mary Muia, SI United Nations Representative in Nairobi, as they explore the link between Soroptimist International (SI) and the environment, throughout the organisation's 100 years history. Listen in as Mary shares her expertise in developing sustainable solutions to tackle climate change, with women in mind.  More information @ https://www.soroptimistinternational.org/its-in-the-trees/

Tough Women, Tough Topics: In Conversation With Alison Sutherland & Margaret Lobo

October 23, 2020 08:00 - 19 minutes - 13.1 MB

*Trigger warning - includes detail of obstetric fistula* In the third episode of SI Voices, Soroptimist Hilary Ratcliffe delves into some tough topics with guests, SI Quadrennial Project Liaison, Alison Sutherland, and past SI President 2007-2009, Margaret Lobo. Focusing on past projects, we discuss how SI is tackling some of the biggest issues women face across the world. We look at the challenges faced whilst rebuilding lives and communities following the Sierra Leone Civil War, and how ...

Tough Women, Tough Topics

October 23, 2020 08:00 - 19 minutes - 13.1 MB

*Trigger warning - includes detail of obstetric fistula* In the third episode of SI Voices, Soroptimist Hilary Ratcliffe delves into some tough topics with guests, SI Quadrennial Project Liaison, Alison Sutherland, and past SI President 2007-2009, Margaret Lobo. Focusing on past projects, we discuss how SI is tackling some of the biggest issues women face across the world. We look at the challenges faced whilst rebuilding lives and communities following the Sierra Leone Civil War, and how ...

Soroptimist International Since 1921

October 16, 2020 13:00 - 19 minutes - 13.7 MB

Have you heard the story of how Soroptimist International was first started? In the second episode of SI Voices, Dawn Marie takes us on a journey that spans across 100 years as we look back at the stories of the very first few Soroptimist clubs and how our organisation then grew internationally. Dawn Marie is joined by SI President, Sharon Fisher, and SI archivist extraordinaire, Lisa Mangiafico. 

In Conversation with SI President Sharon Fisher

October 02, 2020 18:00 - 10 minutes - 7.11 MB

The SI Voices Podcast series kicks off with an inspired conversation between host, Allie Liu, and Sharon Fisher, the President of Soroptimist International, a worldwide organisation dedicated to achieving equality, and giving a voice to women and girls. Listen in for stories and insight from the 3rd of October 2020, the first day of the countdown to the global organisation's 100th year anniversary!

SI Voices - In Conversation with SI President Sharon Fisher

October 02, 2020 18:00 - 10 minutes - 7.11 MB

The SI Voices Podcast series kicks off with an inspired conversation between host, Allie Liu, and Sharon Fisher, the President of Soroptimist International, a worldwide organisation dedicated to achieving equality, and giving a voice to women and girls. Listen in for stories and insight from the 3rd of October 2020, the first day of the countdown to the global organisation's 100th year anniversary!

Welcome to SI Voices

August 20, 2020 16:00 - 2 minutes - 1.68 MB

We're excited to introduce you to our new podcast series, SI Voices, hosted by Soroptimist International. Please join us from the 3rd October as we celebrate 100 years of giving a global voice to women and girls.