Programme Director’s Message
Rhetoric into Reality: Programme Focus 2007-2011
All those of you who were able to attend the International Convention in Glasgow will know that we have a new challenge in our programme action work. We now have a mission to transform the lives of women and girls. Members have been consulted and the presentation at Convention saw months of discussion come to fruition. The new statements encompass our traditional ideals but are for today’s Soroptimists.
The goals are:
Soroptimists will ensure that women and girls will:
- Enjoy equity and equality.
- Live in safe and health environments.
- Have access to education.
- Have leadership and practical skills.
All the delegates wanted to “keep it simple” and limit the objectives. The focus for the future does just that. It is a lighter framework on one piece of paper. Objectives are down from 32 to 10. Fewer objectives do not mean less action but enable more focussed action. So let’s go for it!
There is so much to do. We are a powerful group of committed women and, as we move into the next quadrennium let me urge you all to work hard and make sure that the world is a better place for women and girls.
Hilary Ratcliffe
I am married with three children, three grandchildren and a husband who supports me all the way. I work as a freelance London tourist guide working mainly for a company called Original London walks.
I have been a Soroptimist for over 25 years, belonging initially to SI Chesterfield (I was the Club President for the 40th anniversary) later transferring to SI Albans.
I have served as Club and Regional President, Programme Action Representative for the Region and Chair of the UK Programme Action Committee, during which I represented SIGBI at the 6O Group of top women's organisations, working with our partners at UNICEF, UNIFEM and progressing our presentation at the Council of Europe and as a member of the Parliamentary and Scientific Committee.
I was APD for Education, and reading about all the work that clubs do in the field of education was interesting, exciting and humbling. We do so much and are unsung. We must be proud of our achievements.
Now it is the challenge of working with you all as Programme Director. I hope to meet many of you, visit your projects, report your work as a vital part of a worldwide organisation working to improve the lives of women and girls.
Hilary Ratcliffe